PKLN COMMUNITY SMASH #7: RECAP

PKLN kicked off the year with a bang as Smash 7 brought an electrifying night of pickleball action to the Worcester County Rec Center in Snow Hill, MD, on January 25, 2025. This free pickleball clinic and guided open play set the tone for an exciting year ahead, showcasing not only our commitment to growing the sport but also the strength of our new and returning partnerships.

An All-Star Coaching Lineup

Smash 7 featured an outstanding team of SEVEN volunteer coaches, blending returning favorites with exciting new faces. Our trusted PKLN coaching team, including twin brothers Ben and Kevin O'Malley, Davia Williams, Austin Keefer, and Charles Sun, all of whom are respected local coaches & pros, were back on hand to bring their expertise to the courts.

Joining them were two respected pickleball pros and paddle experts, Bob Smith and Jeffery Murphy. Their in-depth knowledge of paddle selection and playing techniques was invaluable, elevating the clinic experience for all involved. The combined knowledge and passion of the entire coaching team made Smash 7 one of our most impactful clinics yet, with players of all skill levels walking away with valuable insights and new skills.

This coaching squad was stacked.

A Rocky Start, But a Record-Breaking Turnout

The evening wasn’t without its hurdles—right before things kicked off, a reported potential gas leak caused a brief delay. Huge thanks to the Snow Hill Fire Department for their swift response, ensuring the safety of everyone in attendance. Once we got the all-clear, it was full steam ahead for an unforgettable night of pickleball!

New Year, New (and Strengthened) Partnerships

PKLN is thrilled to announce new partnerships with Playa Bowls, Paddletek, and CRBN Pickleball, alongside renewed and strengthened commitments from Joola and Bread & Butter Pickleball. These leading brands have bolstered our events with high-quality giveaways, top-tier equipment, and enhanced experiences for all participants.

Giveaways & Games: Picklepong Makes Its Debut

A new addition to 2025 was the introduction of Picklepong—a fun twist on the classic game that had everyone competing for awesome prizes. Participants took their best shot at landing balls into buckets, and two lucky winners scored brand new paddles from Joola and Bread & Butter Pickleball.

We also gave away sweatbands, bags, balls, and t-shirts, thanks to our incredible sponsors. And let’s not forget Playa Bowls, the official nutrition partner of PKLN for 2025, who not only kept everyone fueled with delicious healthy eats but also served up some seriously underrated iced coffee to keep the energy high all night long.

PKLN Paddle Program: Level Up, Grasshopper.

In 2025, we're bringing you something brand new: our Demo Paddle Program. Think of it like selecting your gear in a video game, where each paddle comes with its own ratings and stats. Our mobile paddle catalog will let you flip through paddles from top brands like Joola, Paddletek, BnB, CRBN, and more...

Our certified expert coaches are on-site to help you make the perfect choice, offering customized recommendations based on your playing style and preferences. Whether you’re after more control, power, or a mix of both, we’ve got the right paddle for you. After picking your paddle, you can test it out right at our clinic or open play to see how it feels.

A Look Ahead

Smash 7 set the stage for an exciting 2025, and we’re just getting started. With more free Smashes, epic collaborations, and new faces & places lined up, PKLN is ready to make this our biggest year yet. Stay tuned for details on our upcoming events—Smash 8 and Smash 9 are right around the corner! DO NOT MISS OUT!