About Higley Pickleball
A place for Higley students to learn the game, compete for the Knights, and grow with one of Arizona’s fastest growing high school sports.
One of the first in Arizona
Higley Pickleball started in 2024 as one of the first high schools in the state offering both recreational and competitive pickleball.
Higley Pickleball is a school club and is not currently sanctioned by the AIA. Even so, the sport is growing fast: Arizona now has more than 20 high school pickleball teams, with support from USA Pickleball through a partnership with Pure Pickleball.
- 2024
Higley Pickleball begins
One of the first high school programs in Arizona to offer both recreational and competitive play.
- Dec 6–7, 2025
Inaugural State Championships
Higley players compete in the first Arizona High School Pickleball State Championships at Dink & Dine Pickle Park in Mesa.
- Jan 23, 2026
A first for the sport
Higley hosts Payson at Center Court Gilbert. League organizers described it as the first-ever high school team-format match officially certified by USA Pickleball.
- Apr 25, 2026
Club Cup
Higley fields three teams that compete at the AZHSPB Club Cup in Mesa.
What we’re about
Higley Pickleball gives students a place to learn the game, compete for the Knights, and grow with one of Arizona’s fastest growing high school sports.
Learn the game
Higley offers both recreational and competitive pickleball, and past rosters have included first-year players.
Compete for the Knights
Higley players have competed at the State Championships, the Club Cup, and against schools such as Payson, Brophy/Xavier, and Red Mountain.
Show up and communicate
We expect players to make their best effort to attend scheduled practices and events, and to let Coach Pendleton know ahead of time when they can’t be there.
An inclusive sport
Higley Pickleball follows the lead of USA Pickleball and the UPA in being an inclusive sport, competing in three kinds of events:
- 1Gendered doubles
- 2Mixed doubles
- 3Gendered singles
Practice equipment
Paddle
Certified league play requires a USA Pickleball–approved paddle.
Court shoes
Players should wear court shoes to practices and matches.