By Steffen Klenk
The game of pickleball has been growing and by leaps and bounds over recent years. A recent visit to the Ocean City pickleball courts during the summer showed teams arriving before 7:30 in the morning. Many locals, such as Brigantine real estate agent Kimberly Mogan, have found themselves at local courts to play the game during their free time. “One of my friends is a pickleball player, and they introduced it to me.”
On a rainy Saturday morning in the middle of February, Proshot Pickleball in Egg Harbor Township was the place to be. Dozens participated in mixed doubles matches, smiles being seen all around. “It’s more social, you can talk to people; I love that aspect of it.”
While there are many outdoor courts in our area, seasonal elements can make year-round play difficult, leaving players and athletes to indoor-specific locations, or to play on adapted tennis courts. At Proshot, players can participate in the game any time of year, no matter the conditions.
Located in Harbor Square, between Spirit Halloween and Restaurant Depot, in Egg Harbor Square, the state-of-the-art facility boasts eight full-length fenced courts, a player’s lounge, locker rooms, and a soon-to-be open pro shop. It is also the largest indoor facility of its kind in the South Jersey area and utilizes a global rating system called DUPR, and the Playbypoint app for easy reservations.
The project was spearheaded by friends and avid pickleball players Andy Pessano, Dan Wach and Dean Tridente. This innovative concept was announced at last year’s Funky Pickle event in Ventnor. Pessano is the owner of Landing Creek Pickleball, a pro store in Ocean City. He says there has been a demand for indoor facilities dedicated to pickleball, and work started right away looking for retail space. “We knew we wanted to be close to the Parkway and Expressway, because the ease of getting to this shopping center was key,” says Pessano.
Another feature at Proshot is their playing surface. All eight courts use a patented pro-cushion material, giving the feeling of playing on an outdoor surface which is better on joints. This makes the game an added plus for the 55 and older community. “You can play much longer without feeling aches and pains; it just adds that element of comfort,” says Tridente.
Pickleball’s inception can be traced back to 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Wash. when late Congressman Joel Pritchard, and his two friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, created a game that combined elements of ping-pong, tennis, and badminton. It evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular game that can be played indoors and outdoors, enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.
Over the years, pickleball has since gained international popularity as a sport. Tournaments are held widely by several leagues nationally, including the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Locally, last year’s Funky Pickle welcomed the No. 3 ranked mixed doubles team of Riley and Lindsey Neuman to our area.
What does the future of pickleball look like? Tridente sees an expansion of pickleball courts throughout the country, including the potential for more Proshot locations. “We’re looking for more opportunities to provide other communities, that want and need something like this, with a facility.”
Yearly and monthly membership options are available, which offers discounted court fee rates, advanced booking options, buddy passes, discounts on clinics, lessons, and more. Non-membership rates are available as well. In addition to team and social play, private clinics and group instruction will also be offered, along with various leagues and tournaments. No matter your skill level, new to the game or the seasoned professional, Proshot is the ultimate place to play.
Proshot Pickleball is located at 6725 E. Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township, inside the Harbor Square shopping center. They are open daily from 7am-9pm. To learn more, go to playproshot.com, email hello@playproshot.com and follow Proshot Pickleball on social media for up-to-date information and announcements.
Photos by Steffen Klenk
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.
