By Steffen Klenk
The game of pickleball has picked up momentum in South Jersey over the last several years. In its earliest form, many players locally would utilize tennis courts as makeshift courts for regular gameplay. Now several facilities dedicated to pickleball have sprouted up in our region.
Pickle Juice, a state-of-the-art five-court complex, recently opened its doors in Ventnor Heights, and last week, Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City unveiled the city’s first ever pickleball court. With so much excitement surrounding the game, one local sports aficionado is taking his passion for the game to another level.
Tanner Tomassi, 24, is a graduate of Ocean City High School who has a knack for competition. During his tenure as a Red Raider, he became the school’s top-ranked tennis player. He has participated in countless competitive activities, such as ping pong and surfing, even traveling as far as Australia to play professional paintball. But it was during the pandemic, during a time of social distancing, when the former Longport resident discovered his obsession for the game of pickleball.
“I started playing with my friends in high school,” he said. “I became obsessed with it and wanted to get really good.”
While attending Rowan University, Tomassi felt it was the perfect time to enter the sport, noticing how it had blossomed and was popular among older, like-minded individuals.
“It just kept growing and growing,” he said. “I feel like it’s a legitimate sport that everybody respects.”
Tomassi is set to represent South Jersey by competing in an upcoming reality competition show titled, “Pickleball Paddle Battle.”
The program, hosted by Clayton Echard from Season 26 of “The Bachelor,” was filmed on location at Pickleball Kingdom in Chandler, Ariz. Sixteen pickleball players from throughout the country will participate.
With a little help from viewing audiences nationwide, the player who receives the most votes will receive their very own Pickleball Kingdom franchise. The company operates locations in Texas, Georgia, and Wisconsin, and recently announced its expansion with 20 clubs throughout New Jersey.
“I would love to have the community’s support in helping me win the franchise and bring it to Ocean City,” Tomassi said.
Details on Season 1, including an official release date, network and streaming platforms, will be announced soon. Interested viewers may visit www.pickleballpaddlebattle.tv to receive updates, learn more about the show and the field of competitors.
In recent months, Tomassi has relocated to Delray Beach, Fla., in pursuit of his professional pickleball dreams. Described as the mecca of pickleball, the town is home to the annual Delray Pickleball Open, welcoming nearly 800 players from around the world.
During our conversation, I asked Tomassi what message he would give to younger individuals inspired to pick up a racquet, to which he replied, “No matter what you want to pursue, there truly is no better time than right now. Focus on the moment and go after your passion.”
When Tomassi is not in the middle of a match, you can find him providing worthwhile tips and information on how to improve your game. You can follow him on social media and YouTube @tanner.pickleball.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
