Pickleball, Culture, and Connection: A Journey to China

May 6, 2025 –  By Isabelle Strouble

Montgomery County student-athletes build bridges through sport

This April, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to China as part of a student-athlete delegation from Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Alongside students from ten different high schools, I spent nearly two weeks exploring the cities of Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Beijing – not just as a tourist, but as an ambassador of sport, culture, and friendship.

The purpose of our trip? To connect with Chinese students through the fast-growing sport of pickleball.

Preparing for the Journey

In the months leading up to our departure, we studied Chinese language and culture, and for some of us, learned how to play pickleball. Weekly practices supported by Dill Dinkers helped us sharpen our skills, and with gear generously provided by Joola, we felt ready. But even then, we knew this trip was about more than sports – it was about building bridges between two cultures.

This unique exchange was made possible through the support of the Ministry of Education of China, the China Education Association for International Exchange, and MCPS. Together, they aimed to use pickleball as a shared experience to foster understanding and friendship among students from two very different worlds.

MCPS Leads the Way

MCPS was a natural choice for this international partnership, as it is the first public school district in the U.S. to offer pickleball as a varsity sport. The motto “Pickleball for ALL” represents the spirit of inclusion, opportunity, and community that defines the program.

School Visits and Lasting Friendships

In each city we visited, local schools welcomed us with cultural performances – traditional dances, music, and martial arts. We were paired with Chinese students to play pickleball, and despite language differences, forming friendships came easily. The students were eager to speak English, and their curiosity and warmth made us feel instantly connected.

We were also impressed by the Chinese classrooms, filled with smart boards, learning robots, and interactive displays. With no phones in use during class, students were fully engaged, especially in their English lessons.

At each school, we played friendly pickleball matches and cheered each other on. These moments – filled with laughter, competition, and shared triumphs were some of the most meaningful. By the end of each visit, it was hard to say goodbye. Many of us left in tears, having formed bonds that went beyond sports.

Exploring China’s Culture and History

Our time off the court was just as memorable. In Shanghai, we visited Yuyuan Garden, a peaceful haven of traditional Chinese architecture, and strolled along Suzhou Creek, where old-world charm meets the modern skyline. We toured the China Table Tennis Museum, learning about the national sport’s evolution and its role in cultural diplomacy.  Shenzhen offered shopping and a walk through the Nantou Ancient Town. In Beijing, we climbed the Great Wall and toured the Forbidden City. These were experiences that brought the depth of Chinese history into full perspective. These landmarks reminded us how much there is to learn from a culture when we see it firsthand.

More Than a Trip

As the journey came to a close, it became clear that we were returning home with far more than just souvenirs. We brought back new friendships, a deeper understanding of another culture, and a firsthand appreciation for the power of sport to unite people.

I’m incredibly proud to have represented MCPS on this journey and grateful to the Ministry of Education of China, MCPS, the China Education Association for International Exchange, our chaperones, and every student and teacher who welcomed us with open arms.

Most of all, I’m thankful for the students I met, who reminded me that kindness, curiosity, and a willingness to connect can overcome any barrier.

This trip showed us the true meaning of “Pickleball for ALL.” No matter where we come from, when we meet each other with respect and openness, we can discover just how much we share

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