New professional pickleball team has laid its foundation in Leawood

Photo by Alyssa Broadus

Over the past several years, pickleball has seen an immense boom in popularity. It went from being relatively unknown, to being installed in, what at times, feels like every city block. But many would be surprised to hear that its roots date back nearly 60 years ago, when the first match was played in Washington state in 1965. The initial purpose: To provide a game that the entire family could enjoy.

Some may wonder why the city is getting a professional team for a sport named after a fermented cucumber. But it was inevitable that Kansas City went pro in yet another sports realm, considering the recent success of conquering the football world.

Kansas City will be joining the National Pickleball League—along with five other cities in a league expansion—under the name, the Kansas City Stingers. It is co-owned by Julie Gibson and Daryl Wyatt—Former pro tennis athlete, turned pickleball player.

The manifestation of the teams name is actually quite simple. “When you get hit with the ball, it stings,” Wyatt says.

The similarities between tennis and the game’s ‘little brother’ are pretty transparent. So much so, that the same courts can be used, as long as the size is adjusted accordingly. “When you play in singles, it’s very similar to tennis. In doubles, it changes a bit from tennis. Same somewhat skill set, but the strategy is completely different,” Wyatt says.

Although he has only played pickleball for about two years, his tennis skill set and knowledge transfers over to the game well, making him more than qualified to coach the team.

Photo by Alyssa Broadus

One of the aspects of the game that makes it so unique is that it is geared for beginners of all ages. There really aren’t legacy groups or players in the same sense that other sports have. “It’s a lot easier on the body. It’s far more accessible. I mean, the community is a lot more inclusive,” says Wyatt.

With the new buzz surrounding the Stingers, some may wonder how they can sign up for the team. Well, this microcosm of health and athleticism is exclusive to those older than 50 years of age. And no, that’s not an ask, it’s a minimum requirement for joining the team.

That’s not to say that if you show up at SW19—the facility they own for practice—without an ID stating that you are 50, you’ll get sent away. That defeats the purpose of being an open and inclusive sport. “We’ll actually be throwing a lot of tournaments for the younger ages, especially the kids. They are starting to offer scholarships and college for pickleball. So we’ll start getting down into those younger ages for the kids as well,” says Wyatt.

For those who are looking to swarm with the Stingers, you can do so on their website. Of course, it isn’t quite as simple as showing up. In order to make the team, you’ll need to participate in a combine and enter a draft.

If you are participating in said draft, you can get drafted to any of the 12 professional teams around the country, so there’s no guarantee of getting on the Stingers. And if one does make it, they will need to be prepared to fly all across the country for tournaments with the team. “We’re hoping for a good 40 to 50 people that will sign up,” Wyatt says.

If you have the skill for it, the top male and top female player from one of the combines will be guaranteed a spot. They aren’t lacking for people, either. With Wyatt coming in around 5:00 a.m. for practice, and people staying through the entire day, SW19 is constantly bustling with the sounds of people talking and the impact of rackets.

Thankfully, SW19 is an indoor facility, as many places have actually started enforcing strict rules on pickleball, due to how early some people play and the loud noise. As it turns out, many people don’t like hearing that repetitive sound at 5:30 a.m., making an indoor facility a priority.

Information on upcoming combines and drafts is already available on the team’s website, and for those just interested in trying the sport out, or waiting until that 50 mark, feel free to check out SW19’s website.