Pickleball Magazine 1-4 | Page 48

the skill levels have shot through the roof. Also during this time span, Charlotte has gone from zero USAPA Ambassadors to the current number of four; and our neighboring communities of Monroe, to the south, and Gastonia/Belmont, to the west, have also added two USAPA Ambassadors. The best part of Charlotte pickleball is easily the ability to see the competitiveness and intensity of the game left on the court while great camaraderie and fellowship blossoms on the bleachers between games. Statistically we are still small but our pickleball hearts are huge. The city has also been a huge driver of pickleball in the Piedmont District. Winston-Salem pickleball is centralized at the Gateway YWCA and has become a destination for pickleballers across the country to stop in and play. More importantly, it has become home to more than 100 local pickleball junkies. activity in Leland. A young group of players, also known as the LP (Leland Pickleball) Crew, is making a mark around the East Coast. They travel as a group, playing in tournaments across the state and the entire region – and typically come home with a few medals around their necks. If you are interested in learning more about where to play pickleball in North Carolina, please consider visiting USAPA.org and connecting with one of the many ambassadors in the area or go to the “Places to Play” tab to see all locations. Mountain District The Piedmont Mountain District in North Carolina represents the western part of North Carolina and is under the leadership of USAPA District Ambassador JoAnnah Michaels. There are 37+ places to play surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Beech Mountain is a quaint village featuring pickleball at stunning 5,000 feet elevation. Other venues include Connestee Falls in Brevard County and the Crosswalk at Hendersonsville. If you love southern charm, be sure and visit the North Carolina Mountains for top attractions, amazing food and, of course, pickleball.  • On any given day you will find the best male and female players in the state going head-to-head, pushing each other to get better and better! Results don’t lie, and Winston-Salem pickleball club members are winning medals in the state from coast to coast, even making a name for themselves across the country! Wilmington - Carolina Coast If you’re interested in p laying pickleball on your journey along the Outer Banks, try a north to south route and make your way to Wilmington where there is a lot of pickleball 46 TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 724.942.0940 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM