By Paige Gurgainers
A day on the pickleball court this September will mean far more than keeping score. Every serve, volley and point played will help open doors for Webster Parish students preparing to take their next steps after high school.
The Minden Junior Service League (JSL) is bringing the community together for Paddle for a Purpose, a pickleball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Pine Hills Country Club, with every dollar raised supporting scholarships for graduating seniors across the parish.
For the women behind the event, it’s an opportunity to turn a fast-growing sport into something that leaves a lasting impact.
“The Minden Junior Service League is excited to host ‘Paddle for a Purpose,’ a pickleball tournament benefiting scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors in our community,” said JSL President Samantha Kramer. “This event is about more than competition. It’s about coming together to invest in the future of our local students.”
That investment has already made a difference.
“Over the past three years, JSL has proudly awarded more than $30,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors in Webster Parish,” said Scholarship Fundraising Event Chairs Lexi DiCiolli and Halea Lipinski. “These annual events make those scholarships possible while giving our community a fun and meaningful way to support our local youth.”
The tournament welcomes players of all experience levels, with men’s, women’s and mixed doubles divisions available for beginner and intermediate competitors. Whether participants have been playing for years or recently picked up a paddle, organizers hope they’ll come ready for a day of friendly competition and community fellowship.
Registration is $120 per team, which includes team shirts, lunch on tournament day, complimentary refreshments and tournament balls.
Behind the scenes, local businesses have also stepped up to ensure the tournament’s success.
“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our sponsors, whose support has made this event possible,” Sponsorship Chair Morgan Hall said. “Their commitment to giving back to our community is helping create opportunities for the next generation, and we truly couldn’t do it without them.”
While the tournament promises exciting matches and plenty of fun on the courts, the real winners will be the students whose educational dreams are supported through the event.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity across the country, the Minden JSL hopes the tournament will become an annual tradition.
Play begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Pine Hills Country Club in Minden. Team registration is now open, but space is limited. Community members are encouraged to register early by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or using the online registration link.