The pickleball players at the Westside Community Center might have started as friendly competitors, but they have developed into something more: the kind of meaningful relationships they know they can count on anytime of day.

Whether it’s offering a ride when a car is in the shop, making food when someone is ill, sending a card when a loved one dies or checking in on one another if it’s been awhile since they were last seen, these friends embody community.

According to the USA Pickleball Association, there were 8.9 million players in 2023. It’s not unusual for friendships to form on the court and beyond. The Westside group is distinguished not only by its longevity but the many extracurricular activities shared when not playing the sport.

Buena Vista Elementary School closed in 2008. Two years later, the building was transformed into the Westside Community Center offering a variety of services and programs. Initially the Center for Strategic Ministries oversaw the center; in 2023, the city of Colorado Springs assumed management. Pickleball is only one of numerous programs available at the center.

Greg Brent and his wife became involved with the center shortly after it opened when they enrolled in yoga classes. Soon, in 2014, pickleball was offered and the couple decided to check it out. “It’s my social life now,” Brent said. He plays twice a week and considers “this bunch of regulars are my friends.”

This was echoed by D.J. Straight, who joined the group in 2017. “This is my social life,” she said. “They’re my friends. From pickleball we started playing cards together on a regular basis; we listen to music together and spend holidays with each other.”

Thinking about the connections she’s established, Straight’s emotions surfaced. “They helped me move, helped with doctor appointments,” she said. “One year they planned a surprise birthday celebration for me here.”

Rita Lenore said, “My kids are all grown, but I have a wonderful family here. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning.” Last fall, she sprained her ankle playing. One of the Westside regulars who was out of town at the time sent her a get-well card. “That’s what kind of group we have here,” she said.

Another regular has been out of commission for several months due to an injury unrelated to the game. First he was in the hospital, then in rehab. Members of the group rallied together to send cards, take food, plan regular visits and otherwise let him know he’s in their thoughts.

“It’s just the way we are,” said Claudine Malcolm, “When someone gets sick, everyone helps out. We’re family.” A friend introduced her to the center about a year and a half ago. It didn’t take Malcolm long to feel welcomed.

“When I first came, I knew nothing about pickleball,” she said. “Everyone was willing to help me and wanted to get to know me. It was very welcoming.”

Wini Hanson started playing when she lived in Connecticut where she worked as a letter carrier for 20 years before retiring. She’s been playing here for 10 years. Besides pickleball, Hanson keeps busy volunteering at the Colorado Springs Airport twice a month. However, a lot of her time is spent with the friends she’s made through the game. “We take trips to different places in the state, go to lunch. We have holiday parties and potlucks, we walk together,” she said.

Several in the group have attended funerals and even a wedding together.

A lot are retired from a variety of former careers from accountants to teachers, from a pediatrician and to a state employee, among others. A range of ages is also represented with the core in the 50 to 90 age group.

“It’s the social, mental physical aspect this has expanded for me,” said Sue McGinty. “It’s connecting me to more people in the neighborhood, which is important. And, it helps people who may be alone and not have other connections. We take care of each other here.”

Carol Schell, who lives nearby, said, “I was here for the very first game. Nobody knew how to play, but we all came together and from day one it’s been quite the life experience for all of us. A lot of us are from the west side, but that doesn’t matter; we’re neighborly here.”

Jean Foran lives near Calhan and makes the trek twice a week. “Two years ago, I didn’t know anyone,” she said. “Now, I know I can call anyone day or night. At our age, when our world tends to shrink, something like this helps our world to grow.” Foran hosts the group for an annual “leftover meal” the day after Thanksgiving.

“I come for the social part,” she said, summing it up. “I like the game, too.”