McLean Pickleball Club: High Schooler’s Passion Sparks a Statewide Movement
McLean Pickleball Club at the Virginia State Championship
Vernon Ngo, senior at McLean High School in McLean, Virginia, founded the McLean Pickleball Club this past September. In just a few short months the club that he originally expected to draw only a few casual players exploded into something incredible. “I was just expecting for a few people to come to the courts occasionally for some pick up games but it has snowballed into something massive” with over 300 players participating in the program. In their first season, the McLean Pickleball Club was undefeated and even won the state champs (and $1,000 in prize money!) What’s even more impressive is how this student’s creation of a high school’s pickleball team inspired more than 20 other schools to follow in McLean’s footsteps!
A Passion for Pickleball
In 2018, Vernon was just 12 years old when his mom brought him and his sister to an indoor rec center where she introduced them to the sport. Once Covid came along, his mom kept him on the court with the “Just one more game” mindset. His skills quickly improved and before long, he entered into the US Open Pickleball Championships, winning two silver medals at just 16 years old! The experience was life-changing and motivated him to keep honing his skills. He loved making connections with other players, traveling, and becoming friends with folks from all over the world. Vernon says. “I’ve built connections with people of all ages and backgrounds.” He knew that pickleball was a sport like no other.
Vernon (pictured on right) at the US Open Pickleball Championships
Before pickleball, Vernon spent most of his free time glued to video games. But pickleball has introduced him to a whole new way to spend his free time. “Pickleball is something that I can go and play with my friends to destress and have a good time.” Ngo says. Knowing how much pickle changed his life, Vernon was on a mission to share this sport with others, especially his peers. And that is how McLean Pickleball Club was born.
From State Champs to National Contenders
Thanks to sponsorships from big names like Engage, Franklin, and Selkirk, the club has received over $10,000 in support. These funds have helped the team prepare for their next big challenge: the upcoming DUPR High School Nationals. Vernon and his team are ready to compete on the national stage and aim to bring home another championship title.
Guidance from Pickleball’s Best
Vernon didn’t make it here alone. He credits his mentors, Ben and Collin Johns, for helping him develop his skills. “They played and drilled with me for hours when I was just starting,” he says. “They taught me strategies, new shots, and always included me in their sessions.” He’s also grateful for his mom, who was always there to drive him to tournaments and cheer him on. And let’s not forget his most memorable moments: winning silver at the US Open and leading his club to victory at the state championship.
Vernon practicing with Ben Johns
Pickleball: More Than Just a Game
For Vernon, pickleball is a way of life. The sport has taught him valuable lessons about inclusivity, community, and connection. “Pickleball has taught me to never judge a book by its cover,” he explains. “You can become friends with anyone on the court.” The future looks bright for Vernon. He plans to keep competing in pro tournaments, maybe play collegiate pickleball, and continue spreading the pickleball love. “I see myself meeting new people and using pickleball as an escape from the stressful world,” he says.
And if you’re thinking about picking up a paddle for the first time, Vernon has some advice: “Have fun. You’ll figure everything out along the way.”
You can follow along Vernon and McLean Pickleball Club’s journey, by following them on Instagram!