Pickleball Leads Demand for Sports Classes at the Bronxville Adult School

By Jane Moynihan

Jan. 5, 2022: Sports and fitness classes have always been a mainstay at the Bronxville Adult School (BAS), including beginner-level courses in golf, tennis, platform tennis (“paddle”) and pickleball. This year demand has exploded and BAS has had to add extra sections and maintain waitlists throughout the fall to meet demand. The fast-growing game of pickleball was particularly popular with over 100 sign-ups for the fall semester.

First developed in 1965, pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and paddle tennis. Its appeal is simple: it is fun, social and easy to learn. The BAS began offering evening pickleball classes five years ago at the gym at The Bronxville School. When demand spiked this fall, BAS turned to Sportime at Lake Isle to increase capacity. For the winter 2022 semester, BAS is offering daytime classes at Sportime as well as evening classes at The Bronxville School.

Celia Cuce, Executive Director of the Bronxville Adult School, attributes some of the growth of pickleball to the popularity of instructor Matt Fisher, who also teaches physical education at The Bronxville School.  Fisher says his main goal “is to have everyone smiling as they leave the class.”  The biggest challenge, he explains, “is teaching players with varying levels of racquet skills. The rules of the game neutralize play, so it becomes more of a finesse sport than one of power. Someone who excels in tennis will pick up pickleball quickly but won’t necessarily dominate in the same way. ”  According to Fisher, people sign up for pickleball to remain active, learn the game, and enjoy a bit of friendly competition. By the third class, people have enough skills to play a game.

Former Bronxville resident Marlissa Westerfield drives up from the city each week for her pickleball class at Sportime/Lake Isle. Calling it the “unexpected highlight of my fall,” Westerfield explains that “after seeing pickleball played in Florida, I thought I was just signing up to learn a new game, but I ended up reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. We had such a great time that whenever the class was full, we would play on our own.  The instructors were wonderful and we learned quickly.”

Indoor tennis is another hot sport at the Bronxville Adult School. Signups have doubled since last year and more demand for courts is expected this winter.  Tennis classes are held during the day at Lake Isle with instruction by Sportime’s tennis professionals.  BAS’ ever-popular beginner golf classes, taught by Kevin Chin at Lake Isle, are moving inside this winter and are filling up quickly.

The Bronxville Adult School is also offering platform tennis classes this winter through a collaboration with the Bronxville Village racquets program. The two-class workshops are designed to introduce new players to the game of paddle. Matt Evans, the Director of Racquets for the Village, says the beginner class in January will be taught at the village paddle courts on weekends and will be open to players without a permit. “It is an opportunity to come outside and meet other people from the community, learn the game and have a good time,” says Evans. He explains that because paddle tennis is such a fun, social game, players often set up their own playing groups after the class is over. Once players get hooked, they can join the village paddle program.

For those that prefer to stay active at home, BAS offers a wide range of virtual fitness classes, including Zumba, yoga, strength training and meditation. Many of these are available to try for free through BAS’ free sample week which begins Tuesday January 4th. During this week, free samples of many virtual classes—not just fitness—will be available for those looking to try a variety of programs. Although there is no charge, registration is required and class size may be limited.

To sign up for a sports class this winter or browse the catalog, please visit bronxvilleadultschool.org or call 914.395.0516 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can follow the BAS on Instagram and Facebook.  The Bronxville Adult School is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1957 and chartered by the New York State.