They were all there. The famous and the infamous. The colorful and the classy. The defenders and destroyers. Some hid behind masks; some lurked in the shadows of the midday sun. Others proudly sprinted on the pickleball courts, playfully taunting their opponents.
The 2025 Pumpkin Smash Pickleball Tournament at Oxford Lake on October 18 was not only a hangout for costumed characters, but also a venue for some heated pickleball action on all skill and age levels. When the masks came off, pickleball bravado stepped up to the paddle and did not disappoint.
Hosted by the 256-Pickleball Club and the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department, the inaugural Pumpkin Smash welcomed 45 players from Calhoun County and surrounding cities, including Pell City, Gadsden, Rainsville, and Talladega. Players’ ages ranged from 11 years old to 70-plus.
“The bond between the local parks and rec dept and our pickleball club is a huge factor in our success and growth,” said Audrey Oswalt, 256-PB Club tournament director. “They support our use of the facilities to host tournaments, leagues, and training, and they provide support for tournaments by bringing supplies like bleachers and the PA system.”
Players joined the Halloween-themed fun by wearing a variety of costumes: the Average Joes proved they could dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge; two Supermen strategized with Batman and Robin to protect the pickleball world; Santa and his top elf took notes for Santa’s Naughty or Nice List; Heinz Mustard and Ketchup sharpened their slam skills; and several M&M’s were seen melting in the unseasonably warm temperatures that blazed across the afternoon courts.
“Community pickleball tournaments bring the community together, and players have a chance at competitive play,” said Cheryle Johnson from Lineville, who teamed with Heather McMorris from Munford to win bronze in the 3.0 Women’s Doubles bracket. They also took second place (“Most Creative”) in the Costume Contest, disguised as Mario and Luigi.
Many players competed in the morning gender doubles events, then challenged themselves to dig deep in the afternoon mixed doubles action. One such player was Linsey Lawson from Odenville, who won a silver medal in 3.0 women’s doubles with Tiffany Brown, then repeated that success with Joe Weist in 3.0 mixed doubles.
Lawson shared that being seeded first in both divisions at the end of round robin play was her most memorable part of the tournament. Lawson, who dressed as the cat from Alice in Wonderland, added that pickleball is for everyone. “All ages can play and enjoy this sport,” she said. “I have played against a 12-year-old boy and lost and played against a 78-year-old woman and lost (in other tournaments). Age doesn’t come into effect! Skill is there for anyone!”
As temperatures soared into the lower 80s with mostly sunny skies in the afternoon, players needed extra energy and hydration to finish their matches. 256-Pickleball Club served up a free pizza lunch along with Halloween snacks for the weekend warriors, which helped fuel their fire to go for the gold.
Purple Toad, a local pickleball outfitter owned and run by father-son duo Paul and Matt Fitzner, displayed their handmade pickleball bags along with paddles and other court gear for sale, and they contributed bananas and bottled water. “These local tournaments are a great way to help give back to our area,” said Matt Fitzner. “My dad and I are grateful we get to set up and display our bags while providing refreshments and adding whatever support we can lend to the tournaments.”
The next time you see costumed characters on a pickleball court, do not be fooled. Underneath the masks and capes, the glitter and gold, and the makeup and wigs, lurks competitive pickleball players ready to defend their courts.
If you are interested in joining the fastest-growing sport in the nation, visit the 256-Pickleball Club Facebook page or email 256pickleball@gmail.com.
Photo credit: Sharon Brewer