Youth After School Program
In September 2021, Mike Watkins approached North Middle School's Principal, Ryan Merriweather in hopes of starting the North Middle School pickleball program. As well as, spark the interest for youth pickleball in Evansville. Receiving the go ahead, Mike reached out to the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana after-school program for bus transportation.
From October 2021 to May 2022, there was 18-30 students attending every Wednesday after school.
October started with 9-10 kids and worked up to 30+ in some sessions. We had the opportunity to include Delaware and Harrison schools.
Kids who attended 10 sessions received a free paddle which was made possible through the YMCA and 100% pickled.
A BIG THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING VOLUNTEERS:
Steven Burgess
Gena Burgess
Billy Cundiff
Judy Flittner
Steve Higgins
Chuck Kendall
David Niehaus
Robert Parker
Lisa Watkins
Carla Watkins Young
Colton and his entourage of YMCA drivers who safely transported the kids every session
A BIG THANKS TO OUR SUPPORTERS:
Evansville downtown YMCA, Shawn Kuykendall
Evansville Tennis Center, Brian Poynter
100%pickled, Gena & Steve Burgess
Prinicipal North Middle School, Ryan Merriweather
Quotes:
'Coach Steve & Coach Gena had the honor of teaching these amazing young adults pickleball . We had up to 30 students weekly.
The after school program ran for 71/2 months. ( North middle school, Harrison high school, & Delaware )
The transformation from 1st class to last was Pickletastic!
Thank you Michael Watkins for getting this started .
Thank you, students for the signed pickleballs, they will be on our medal shelf !' -Coach Gena Burgess