Mill Creek Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

While observing the 800 or more players and attendees involved in the four-day annual fundraiser for the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association at Shoreview Park in Shoreline.

It was common to see enthusiastic pickleball groupies wearing pickleball shirts and gear. But one particular shirt, "Pickleball: Our Official State's Sport" caught the attention of John Lovick, Kate Van Gent, and yours truly.

We had a lot to do with making pickleball becoming our state sport.

It all began when I gave a copy of my June 4, 2021, column, "Sunnier times means pickleball time," to then-state Rep. Lovick. I...