2025 Impact

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

In 2025, Adaptive Pickleball hosted 115 Play Days and proudly served 1,553 individuals. We provided therapeutic and recreational opportunities that promote physical, social, and emotional well-being for people with diverse-abilities.

Below is a breakdown of the people APB served throughout the year and highlights from an amazing 2025.

EXPANDING OUR REACH

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

APB HUBS: Greenville, Spartanburg, Blue Ridge and Lexington

APB launched a new hub in Lexington in June. We grew our hubs in Greenville, Spartanburg and the Blue Ridge areas of the Upstate. The Lexington hub is led by Edwin Gerace, they host play days at Cayce Pickleball Complex and 24 Hour Pickleball. The Spartanburg hub is led by Judy & Bruce Holt and Cindy Garst, they host play days indoors at St. James Methodist Church. The Blue Ridge hub is led by Cindy Doherty, they host play days outdoors at Nettles Park. The Greenville hub is led by Sandy Halkett, they host play days at various parks in Greenville and Greer.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Veterans Play Pickleball

APB hosted 26 Play Days for the retired, reserve and active military community. Over 130 players participated and momentum is clearly growing to build this group for 2026 and beyond.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Spring & Fall Smash

APB partnered again with Greenville County Parks & Rec to host two tournaments at the 2025 Spring & Fall Smash. Nearly 50 APB Players competed in All-Adaptive and Unified Play Divisions.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Greenville Hot Shots

The Greenville Hot Shots competed (and dominated the podium) at the 2025 Special Olympics South Carolina State Games in March. The Hot Shots also competed for medals in various skills competitions during the 2025 Fall Smash.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

APB “Art for All”

APB hosted nine painting sessions for our players. “Art for All” fosters creativity, connection and collaboration among participants and volunteers. These painting sessions are funded by a generous anonymous donor and are hosted at Vino & Van Gogh in Greenville.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Play It Forward

APB hosted our first “Play It Forward” Spring Fling on Tues. April 26. We played games, won prizes, and raised awareness for APB. The fundraising event was successful thanks to APB volunteer coaches, Double Stamp, Pop Up Soccer USA, Greek Town, Another Round, INKlusion and everyone that donated, bought score cards and played.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

PickleBALL Prom

Our biggest fundraiser of the year was the 1950s themed PickleBALL Prom on Sat. Aug 16. Everyone was dressed to impress with poodle skirts, blue jeans, saddle shoes, leather jackets and cat-eye glasses. Together, we raised nearly $14,000 to help APB impact more lives in the Upstate South Carolina area. Learn more here.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

APB Fundraisers

APB’s four hubs hosted fundraisers throughout 2025. The APB Blue Ridge hub raised $5,000 with their Love to Dink Tournament. The APB Spartanburg hub raised $2,500 with their Round Robin Tournament. The APB Lexington hub raised $2,300 with their t-shirt fundraiser. The APB Greenville hub raised $1,600 with their Holiday Dinking Tournament.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Christmas Parades

We walked. We rolled. We brought Christmas cheer in the cold at both the Greenville and Greer Christmas Parades. APB had 50 parade walkers in Greenville and 40 walkers in Greer. Together, we made a massive impression on the combined 40,000+ spectators at both parades.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

APB Volunteer Coaches

APB hosted two Coaches Training sessions in 2025. Our first session was in Greer (Mar 29) and our second session was in Lexington (Nov 9). APB graduated 49 new volunteer coaches. This further strengthens our ability to expand the number of Pickleball Play Days by providing trained and confident volunteers.

DISABILITY OUTREACH

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Awareness Events

Throughout the year, APB participated in community events to support disability organizations in the Upstate. At each event, APB educated the public about how we use pickleball as therapy to improve the lives of people with diverse-abilities. APB participated in the following disability community events in 2025:

  • Barbara Stone Foundation’s Disability Service Provider Expo (Jan 20)
  • Road to Possibilities Opportunity Fair (Feb 6)
  • Greenville CAN Adaptive Recreation Day (Apr 12)
  • BRIDGED SC Disability Resource Expo (Aug 24)
  • YMCA RECESS Play Days (Mar 11, May 14)
  • David’s Table Play Days (May 17, Oct 24)

KAITLYN’S STORY
Finding Freedom

My name is Kaitlyn. I’m 21 years old and at an age when most young people are looking forward to all that life has to offer. My path has looked very different.

I was diagnosed with Lupus at just 12 years old. By 14, I began experiencing significant challenges with mobility and cognitive function. Today, I live with paralysis and use a wheelchair every day.

A few years ago, my younger brother discovered a new passion—Adaptive Pickleball (APB). After every session, he’d come home energized, talking non-stop about how much fun he was having, how incredible the coaches were, and how much he wanted me to join him. Week after week, he’d plead: “Please come. You’ll love it!” Eventually, I agreed—mostly to quiet him and my mom who were cheering me on.

When we first arrived, I stayed on the sidelines, unsure and unmotivated. But something shifted. Sandy and the APB coaches gently encouraged me to give it a try. I wasn’t ready to move into a sports chair yet, but I cautiously began playing from my wheelchair. To my surprise, I found myself enjoying the game. Eventually, I agreed to try a sports wheelchair—and that’s when everything truly changed. I finished my first play day with a smile I tried to hide from my family… but inside, something had clicked.

I had found my place.

Over time, I kept coming back. What started as reluctant participation transformed into something I looked forward to with excitement. My depression began to lift. I had discovered a space where I was not defined by my limitations, but celebrated for my courage. I found friends who understood me. I found connection. I found joy.

Today, I’ve competed in multiple tournaments, thanks to APB. Even more meaningful, I’ve become a peer coach helping others with mobility challenges find the same freedom and confidence I discovered on the court.

APB is more than just a sports program—it’s my second family. It’s where I belong. And even on hard days, if my mom says there’s an APB play day, I’m the first one getting ready.

I don’t know where I would be today without the opportunities APB has given me. Because of APB, I’ve found purpose, healing, and happiness again. Thank you APB!!!!

Financial Overiew

Adaptive Pickleball recorded total revenue of $100,000 through the incredible generosity of supporters, fundraising activities and grants.

Your contributions, whether through grants, individual donations, or participation in our fundraisers, fuel every aspect of our mission, from expanding programs to purchasing adaptive equipment. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in changing lives through the power of pickleball!

The breakdown of how our 2025 funding was sourced is below.

HELP US HELP OTHERS

Join the APB Movement

In 2026, we hope to serve 1,800 individuals with diverse-abilities throughout the Upstate. Reaching this goal will require APB to raise $120,000, increase our community visibility, and train more volunteer coaches. Here are some ways you can join the APB movement:

VOLUNTEER AS A COACH
Share your time and skills by coaching our players. Whether you are a seasoned pickleball player or new to the game, we will provide you with the training and tools to succeed. Email Sandy to get started.

HELP US MAKE CONNECTIONS
Introduce us to potential fundraising opportunities, partners, or sponsors. Your network could open doors that bring our programs to new heights.

MAKE A FINANCIAL DONATION
Every dollar counts. Your tax-deductible contribution directly supports our programs. DONATE HERE.

BECOME A SPONSOR
Partner with Adaptive Pickleball as a sponsor to support our mission while gaining visibility in our community that values inclusivity.  Email Sandy to learn more.

We hope you are inspired to join the APB Movement. It’s your support that inspires us to dream bigger. Together, we can create a world where everyone, with every diverse-ability, experiences the joy of play, fellowship, and achievement.

With our deepest gratitude…

Sandy Halkett
 Head Coach & Founder
ADAPTIVE PICKLEBALL