By Thomas Lehrich, President, Plus One Foundation of Seattle
April is recognized across the country as National Pickleball Month, a celebration of one of America’s fastest-growing and most inclusive sports.
For those of us in the Pacific Northwest, pickleball has special meaning. The game of pickleball was born a short ferry boat ride away on Bainbridge Island, making this month not only a national celebration but a local point of pride.
As the story is told, in the summer of 1965, three friends on Bainbridge set out to entertain their families using a worn badminton court and whatever equipment they could find. With ping-pong paddles, a perforated plastic ball, and a lowered net, they created a new game that was easy to learn and engaging. What began as a backyard solution to summertime boredom quickly evolved into a global sport.
Increasingly, research and clinical experience are showing that racquet sports like pickleball can play a meaningful role in supporting individuals with neurological conditions, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke recovery, and neurodegenerative diseases.
The benefits are multifaceted. Physically, pickleball promotes balance, coordination, and cardiovascular health, all of which are critical in neurological rehabilitation. Cognitively, the game requires players to track movement, anticipate shots, and make quick decisions—engaging neural pathways that support brain plasticity and recovery. Socially, it fosters connection and reduces isolation, an often-overlooked factor in long-term neurological health. Studies suggest that pickleball and similar activities can improve psychological well-being and overall quality of life.
At the Plus One Foundation, we see these benefits firsthand. Our mission is grounded in helping individuals with brain injuries reclaim independence and purpose. That mission comes to life through our Think About It education program—a community-centered initiative designed to raise awareness about brain health, injury prevention, and the power of active recovery.
Think aBout It emphasizes three key pillars: education, engagement, and empowerment.
As we celebrate National Pickleball Month this April, we honor more than just a sport. We recognize a movement that began on Bainbridge Island and has grown into a powerful tool for connection, recovery, and resilience. At Plus One, we encourage everyone—whether you’re an experienced athlete or picking up a paddle for the first time—to step onto the court, stay active, and most importantly, think about it