Astros Gain AL West Lead Amid MLB Midseason Shifts

Pickleball is experiencing significant growth and increased attention across the United States, with a rise in both participation and related injuries, particularly among older adults. Major League Pickleball Commissioner Samin Odhwani highlighted the sport's expansion and the strategic importance of engaging local markets and securing media rights deals to further elevate pickleball's profile. In Utah, Green Canyon High School is emerging as a pickleball powerhouse under coach Lisa Phillips, whose family is deeply involved in the sport at multiple levels, including professional circuits and high school competitions. The school's pickleball club rapidly gained popularity, reflecting broader efforts to have pickleball recognized as an official high school sport; the Utah High School Pickleball Association is actively working toward this goal. These developments illustrate pickleball's transition from a recreational pastime to a more organized and competitive sport with growing institutional support. Meanwhile, the surge in participation has brought increased medical concerns, underscoring the challenges of managing a sport that is often perceived as low-impact but can still lead to injuries.