The Kerr High School Tennis and Pickleball Club continues to grow as more students take interest in racquet sports, offering a welcoming space for beginners and experienced players alike. With practices held during lunch and after school, the club allows students to learn tennis and pickleball without the pressure of formal competition, making it one of Kerr’s most accessible athletic organizations.
The club was founded by senior Joan Portillo, who currently serves as president and oversees nearly every aspect of its operation. From planning practices and events to managing equipment and training officers, Portillo has played a major role in shaping the club’s identity.
“I am the president and founder of the KHS Tennis and Pickleball Club,” Portillo said. “As president, I survey and lead practices, plan future events, and train new officers as well as help current officers.”
What makes the Kerr Tennis & Pickleball Club unique is its commitment to accessibility. Unlike many sports that require expensive gear or prior experience, the club provides equipment for members using a small $5 entry fee. This allows students to try tennis or pickleball before deciding whether they want to invest in personal racquets or paddles.
“I think new members should try club equipment first,” Portillo said. “Sometimes people buy expensive gear and then find out the sport isn’t for them.”
This approach has helped attract students who may have never picked up a racquet before. For many, the club serves as an introduction to sports altogether, offering a low-pressure environment focused on learning rather than winning.
Officer positions within the club are filled through a recorded interview process. Candidates are evaluated based on readiness for their chosen role, whether it involves helping lead practices, managing social media, or assisting with recruitment and organization. Decisions are typically made a few days after interviews, ensuring leadership roles are filled thoughtfully.
“Officers are selected by interviews depending on the position they want,” Portillo said. “We usually make a decision a couple of days after interviewing.”
Student member Kevin Tan joined the club after beginning tennis only four months ago. His motivation was simple: he wanted to continue playing a sport he enjoyed and didn’t want to quit after just starting.
“I’ve been playing tennis for like four months,” Tan said. “I was interested in this club because I didn’t want to quit a sport that was fun to me.”
Tan primarily practices by rallying or focusing on individual skills, gradually building technique and confidence. His approach reflects the club’s emphasis on personal improvement rather than competition.
“I usually practice by rallying or focusing on one skill,” Tan explained. “It helps me get better little by little.”
During matches, Tan relies on strategy and positioning instead of communication, focusing closely on movement and ball placement.
“My general strategy is to imagine an invisible line in front of me,” he said. “If the ball crosses that line, I hit it back to where they were — usually cross court.”
Both Tan and Portillo feel that member input is respected during practices, reinforcing a supportive and inclusive environment.
“I feel like my opinion is heard and valued,” Tan said.
Despite its strengths, the club faces challenges behind the scenes. One of the biggest struggles is attendance, as not all registered members regularly show up to meetings or practices.
“What I like least is how few people actually come to the activities,” Tan said. “More people would bring more energy.”
Low turnout can make it harder to plan consistent practices and maintain momentum, especially for a student-led organization balancing schoolwork and leadership responsibilities. Still, members continue to train individually and show commitment to improvement.

A major turning point for the club came with the decision to incorporate pickleball. Portillo was inspired to add the sport after noticing its rising popularity and accessibility. Pickleball’s smaller court and simpler rules made it appealing to beginners while still offering competitive opportunities.
Pickleball was officially introduced last year, marking a new phase of growth for the club.
“This year we have been more competitive,” Portillo said. “The introduction of pickleball brought new opportunities for tournaments and new members.”
The addition of pickleball courts and new tournament opportunities helped the club attract students who may not have been interested in tennis alone. It also allowed players to compete in a different format, expanding the club’s reach and flexibility.
Recruitment has played a key role in the club’s development. Early on, Portillo relied on flyers posted around campus to spread awareness.
“We used flyers around the school to spread the word,” she said. “A week later, our membership numbers increased a lot — it was totally worth it.”
Even with increased interest, Portillo emphasizes that leadership in the club is about patience and guidance rather than authority.
“Leaders listen more than they speak,” Portillo said. “When we listen, people feel seen. That’s how new ideas grow — like introducing pickleball to the club.”
For Portillo, the most rewarding part of running the club is watching members grow in both skill and confidence.
“I love seeing members grow — both in skill and confidence,” she said. “Watching someone go from not knowing how to hold a racquet to serving with power is one of the best parts.”
As she prepares to graduate, Portillo hopes the club continues to prioritize learning and accessibility over competition.
“Teaching and learning take patience,” Portillo said. “If there’s a legacy I want to leave, it’s that patience sets players apart.”
As interest continues to rise, the Kerr Tennis & Pickleball Club expects greater participation, additional tournaments, and a stronger athletic community. Through shared equipment, steady leadership, and the blend of tennis and pickleball, the club remains a place where students can explore new sports, develop skills, and grow together — one swing at a time.