Community Highlights: Meet Lane Ethridge of Pickles and Play

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lane Ethridge.

Lane, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
I have been in the industry full time now for 3 years as an instructor and program director. I have always wanted to provide an opportunity to change lives the way this sport changed mine 4 years ago. We realized that everyone can come to Pickles and Play “For Any Reason, and Every Season!” 

Our team is unmatched, and we have approached the design of the facility and the programming from a player’s perspective to ensure a first-class experience. We have the most professional courts as well as the programming and services to support all players, from the casual recreational player to the ultra-competitive. Within the sport of pickleball, there are various opportunities for players to be involved depending on the amount of time to participate, their intention for why they are playing (such as socialization or competition), their fitness level, and their personal goals while they are involved in the sport. 

Pickles and Play is rooted in a servant approach and prides itself on Culture, Camaraderie, Competition, and Community. 

Passionate about serving the pickleball community, Ethridge recognizes, “Pickleball changed my life, and I don’t take for granted the ability to make a living doing what not everyone has the luxury of doing at all. Thank you for helping us expand and serve our community at an even greater level. Together, we will be a dynamic team.” 

Co-founder and managing member Lane Ethridge suggest, “The growth of pickleball is partly attributed to the addictive nature of the game as well as the inclusive culture it breeds for all those who find it, usually at the time in their life when they need it more than they realize. I believe it will continue to expand in our market and attract a variety of players from the ultra-competitive to the exploding social and rec players seeking a way to spend time getting fun exercise while meeting new people who share a common love for the game. Pickles and Play will become the preeminent pickleball venue in the area, with expansion opportunities as we develop and grow. With the most elite expertise and experience growing multiple venues, combined with proven success in a parallel sports industry, our team has the ability to make this venue a massive success and be the industry leader.” 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The entire pickleball community from around the Triangle has been so supportive because they have been craving a dedicated indoor pickleball facility. The residents of Wake Forest are so proud and happy to support our vision. We have had an overwhelming response as indicated by over 1000 players coming through during our opening weekend September 15 and 16. 

Our memberships are doing tremendously, and we also have so many non-members attending to play and enjoy the facility and all of the programs we offer, including open plays, clinics, classes, private lessons, leagues and our inaugural tournament. 

As with any new venture, we are continually pivoting and improving to continue to be a first-class experience for all who come to Pickles and Play! 

We’ve been impressed with Pickles and Play, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are passionate about creating the best culture for the community and are adamant about our core principles! 

The Pickles and Play and pickLEball Principles: 

– Treat others not just as you would like to be treated but better than you would like to be treated on your best day. 

– Our desire is to always “serve” you to our highest professional standards. If we are, then we will continually raise them. 

– It is better to be imperfectly moving forward than perfectly standing still; embrace the opportunity to develop yourself on and off the court. 

– Find comfort in being uncomfortable. If you are not willing to learn and grow, nobody can help you; if you are determined to do both, nobody will be able to stop you. 

– We do not care what your rating is, but please be a 5.0 human being. 

– Whatever reason you are here, we honor that and appreciate you. 

– Just because some people are full of drama doesn’t mean you need to attend the performance. P&P is designed to be a stress-free zone! 

– Victory is based on the quality of your sportsmanship, not on the final score of the game. 

– On and off the court, it’s about improving yourself, not in proving yourself to others. 

Winning isn’t everything. Losing isn’t either. Who we become through each determines our value. 

– Trophies and medals eventually carry dust, but memories and experiences last forever. Relish every moment, enjoy yourself, and make somebody’s day unequivocally blessed. 

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Pickleball is a game that is more than the sport itself because we can all gain new perspective about life through what it can teach us; when you’ve played with all you’ve got, regardless of the score or outcome, medal or early elimination, as most of the time we forget the shots or any individual points, we remember who we played with and the lessons we gained. 

I have discovered life can be more difficult for two reasons: either because we are leaving our comfort zone or because we are staying in it. On and off the court, I hold the belief that as a player and as a coach, it’s about improving yourself, not in proving yourself to others. 

Don’t compare yourself to others, but compare yourself to how far you’ve come and use that as motivation to get wherever you want to go as a player. Don’t measure your progress by using someone else’s ruler. There is always more opportunities to improve. 

Pricing:

• $20 drop in all-day pass for guests
• $100 initiation for members and various monthly options available
• We have clinics, leagues, socials private lessons, and tournaments. All nonmembers and members are welcome to all!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.PicklesAndPlay.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/picklesandplay?igshid=MmVlMjlkMTBhMg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/picklesandplay?mibextid=ViGcVu
• Twitter: @PicklesAndPlay
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@PicklesAndPlay?si=9gDUrxhStQfdQh45