Co-founder
“My name is Guy Podell, and I am a high school student with a deep appreciation for pickleball and the community it creates. What first drew me to the sport was the fact that anyone can pick up a paddle, regardless of age or athletic ability, and enjoy the game together. Through HSPLA, my vision is to build more than just a league; I want to foster an inclusive space where students can connect, compete, and grow while having fun. I believe pickleball has the unique ability to unite people, and I’m excited to help lead its growth among high school students.”
Co-founder
"My name is Ethan Han, and I am the co-founder of HSPLA. As a player myself, I’ve seen firsthand how pickleball can spark friendships, encourage teamwork, and promote healthy lifestyles. HSPLA was created to bring these benefits to life amongst high school students. I’m excited to keep expanding our programs, hosting tournaments, and creating a lasting impact on the local pickleball scene amongst other high schoolers."
Community Director
"My name is Watson Eagles, a high school student, athlete, and pickleball enthusiast. Pickleball has had a huge impact on my life, shaping not only my athletic skills but also my mindset. It has taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of strategy, while also giving me a community of friends who share the same passion. That’s why I’m excited to help create an organization like HSPLA, which will make it easier for more high school students to discover pickleball and experience the same growth, opportunities, and connections it has given me.
Founders Note:
As high school students who have grown up playing different sports, we know how much athletic ability can shape your experience—whether it’s size, strength, or speed. Too often, that determines who succeeds and who gets left out. Pickleball, for us, has always been different. It’s a sport where anyone can join in, whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing at a higher level.
Guy- "I was first introduced to Pickleball years ago by my grandparents, and I still play with them to this day. To me, that is such a rare experience across sports that makes pickleball so special."
Through HSPLA, we want more students to experience that same sense of inclusion, fun, and community that inspired us to start this league.