This school year, two new varsity sports were offered at all public schools in the county: pickleball and girls’ flag football.
Pickleball is now a varsity sport at all 25 high schools. It is offered through the corollary sports program, which includes students with and without disabilities.
“What’s wonderful about pickleball, a lot of it is cross generational,” said Robert Campbell, head varsity coach at Sherwood High School. “When I started playing pickleball a couple of years ago, the average starting age was about 60, so it’s nice to actually see a younger demographic within pickleball.”
According to MCPS, the school system was the first in the nation to have pickleball as a varsity sport.
Pickleball “brings people together in ways we’ve never seen before,” said Adam Behnke, D.C. Pickleball Team’s chief operating officer. Unlike football and soccer, parents can play pickleball with their children, he said.
And, MCPS introduced girls’ flag football as a varsity sport at all high schools this fall as a pilot program. The school system is doing the pilot in partnership with the Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour.
“They’re making history today, they’re trailblazers,” said MCPS Systemwide Athletics Director Dr. Jeffrey Sullivan.
Article thumbnail photo taken by Matthew Watson
Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) made headlines in 2024 by introducing pickleball and flag football as official varsity sports. The decision came after years of advocacy from students, parents, and community members who believed that these sports deserved recognition at the varsity level.
Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been gaining popularity in recent years. With its low barrier to entry and fast-paced gameplay, many students were eager to see it added to the list of varsity sports offered by MCPS.
Flag football, a non-contact version of traditional football, also garnered a lot of support from students who were looking for a fun and inclusive alternative to the more physical sports typically offered in high schools.
The addition of these sports to the varsity lineup not only provides more opportunities for student-athletes to compete and excel, but also reflects the changing interests and preferences of the student body. MCPS is committed to ensuring that all students have access to a wide range of athletic opportunities, and the introduction of pickleball and flag football as varsity sports is a step in the right direction.
Stay tuned for more updates on how these sports are shaping up in the upcoming season!
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