85+ Players Set for Inaugural Mid-South High School Pickleball Season
FlashPickleball, LLC brings organized high school competition to the Mid-South with support from Pickleball 901, corporate sponsors, and volunteer team coaches
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mid-South High School Pickleball launches its inaugural season in November 2026, bringing together more than 85 student players from schools across the Memphis and North Mississippi area. The season runs through February 2027, culminating in the program’s inaugural championship in February.
FlashPickleball is spearheading the effort to bring pickleball to area high schools, with support from Adam Clay and Pickleball 901, corporate sponsors, and participating team coaches. Together, they are creating opportunities for students to represent their schools, develop their skills, and compete in an organized team setting. Pickleball 901 serves as the host facility, with all competitive league matches played at 4610 Merchants Park Circle in Collierville, Tennessee.
Led by Program Directors Rob Richey and Flash Wisner, the school-based club program welcomes players ranging from beginners to experienced tournament competitors. Students participate in practices, instruction, player development, and competition under the guidance of coaches and adult advisors.
Inaugural Season Coaches
Pete Tashie — ECS High School
Shawn Swain — MUS High School
Gordon Timbs — Center Hill High School
Colin Conway — Briarcrest High School
Randy Stafford — Collierville/Houston High Schools
Competition includes boys’ singles, girls’ singles, boys’ doubles, girls’ doubles, and mixed doubles. Combined boys’ and girls’ teams will compete for the overall team championship, with separate awards available for boys-only and girls-only teams. A Development League will provide additional opportunities for players who are building their skills or are not participating in the primary competition. Junior varsity and middle school players may also compete at the varsity level when their ability qualifies them for that level of play.
The inaugural season is supported by corporate sponsors Landers Auto Group, Brothers Gutters, Electrology & Laser, Best Care Home Services, and ProResume.biz. Their support, alongside the commitment of Pickleball 901 and the team coaches, helps FlashPickleball expand access to the sport and build a foundation for high school competition throughout the Mid-South.
The program emphasizes sportsmanship, honest line calls, respect for opponents and officials, responsible coaching, and positive spectator conduct. Its goal is to establish a lasting high school pickleball community while introducing students to a sport they can enjoy throughout their lives. Weekly team matches will be shared on YouTube, with additional program news distributed through Facebook and newsletters. Newspapers, television stations, sports radio, and digital media outlets are invited to cover the inaugural season, meet student players and coaches, and follow the teams’ progress toward the February championship.
MEDIA CONTACT
Rob Richey | Program Co-Director
Mid-South High School Pickleball
(901) 359-3341
ABOUT MID-SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL PICKLEBALL
Mid-South High School Pickleball is a school-based club program serving students throughout the Memphis and North Mississippi area. An initiative spearheaded by FlashPickleball and directed by Rob Richey and Flash Wisner, the program brings organized pickleball to high schools with the support of Adam Clay and host facility Pickleball 901, corporate sponsors, and team coaches. It provides opportunities for students to learn, practice, compete, and represent their schools while growing the sport across the region.