by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi
Pickleball enthusiasts, from beginners to veterans, got to learn from some of the best in the sport last week during a three-day pickleball clinic in Kilmarnock.
Held at both the Northern Neck Family YMCA and Indian Creek Yacht and Country Club, the clinics drew 110 pickleball players, according to camp director Gail Scavongelli.
“What an amazing opportunity,” said Scavongelli. “It’s creating an even bigger demand for more pickleball in the Northern Neck. Participants also came from Fredericksburg, Virginia Beach, Mechanicsville and Williamsburg for this inaugural training opportunity in Kilmarnock.”
Ben Johns and Irina Tereschenko conducted the clinics. Johns is the 2017 U.S. Open Pro Men’s Singles champion and has won 14 major titles at international tournaments over the last two years. Tereschenko is a 16-time major pro tournament medalist.
Clinics were held for varying skill levels in groups of five to eight or three to four. Private clinics for one or two players also were held.
