In Defense of Pickleball: A People-Centered Perspective (Yes, I'm Talking About Pickleball Again!)
By Cathy Sogorka
Ah, pickleball. The sport that’s taken over retirees’ lives, filled up local courts, and, let’s be honest, given tennis players a real run for their money. It’s a game with the spunk of ping-pong, the agility of badminton, and the audacity to claim the same courts as tennis. But if you think pickleball is just a quaint pastime for the over-60 crowd, let me set the record straight.
I’m Cathy Sogorka, and I’m not your run-of-the-mill political candidate. I’m a proud champion of the underdogs, and yes, I’m a relentless advocate for pickleball—and for the community I love. Raised in a bipartisan family where political debate was more common than breakfast cereal, I learned early on the value of listening to all sides before planting my own flag. It’s probably why I’m so passionate about defending pickleball—a sport that, like me, knows how to hold its own in a world of bigger, louder games.
And let's not forget, as someone who spent over three decades teaching physical education, I’ve seen firsthand how recreational activities like pickleball can transform lives. It’s not just about the activity it’s about the connections we make, the camaraderie that builds when we come together for a little friendly competition.
When I spoke out about the need for more pickleball courts at recent council meetings, some people rolled their eyes. "Pickleball?" they teased. "Is this really the most pressing issue facing our town?" But here’s where they’re missing the point. For me, pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s a symbol of everything I stand for: community, the outdoors, and rooting for the underdogs.
Pickleball courts are where neighbors become friends, where generations collide in the best way possible, and where everyone—regardless of age or athletic ability—gets a fair shot. It’s a sport that’s as much about strategy as it is about heart, and it’s bringing people together in ways that few other activities can. In a world that’s increasingly divided, I see these courts as tiny battlegrounds for unity, places where the walls between us come down, one swing at a time.
And while pickleball is a passion of mine, my dedication to this community goes well beyond the courts. I’ve devoted years to serving as a Commissioner on the Environmental Commission and leading the Sustainable Jersey Green Team. Whether it’s advocating for more green spaces or walking the streets to gather signatures for a referendum to establish the Open Space Committee, I’ve always believed in protecting our town’s natural beauty and ensuring we have spaces where everyone can play, breathe, and feel proud to call Point Pleasant Beach home.
That’s why my advocacy for pickleball isn’t just about the game itself—it’s about something much bigger. It’s a declaration that every resident in Point Pleasant Beach matters, whether they’re swinging a paddle or casting a vote. It’s about making sure even the seemingly small issues get the attention they deserve, because, as I’ve learned over the years, it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference.
So, the next time someone dismisses pickleball as just a fad, remember this: The courts might be small, the paddles might be light, but the impact? It’s anything but insignificant. And if you’re still not convinced, just think of me—stepping onto the political court with the same determination I bring to every game, ready to serve up some serious change.
In the end, it’s not just about pickleball. It’s about what pickleball represents: the belief that every voice deserves to be heard, every game deserves to be played, and every underdog deserves a chance to win. And with me, you’ve got a champion who’s not just fighting for the court, but for every one of us who’s ever needed a teammate.
So, grab a paddle, Point Pleasant Beach. With me on your side, we’re all in the game—and the best is yet to come.
