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Melissa and Smith Griswold couldn’t find a casual pickleball group — so they created Average Joe Pickleball League and Social Club.
September 9, 2026
The Story
The Griswolds are North Carolina natives who met at Appalachian State University and moved to Winston-Salem in 2018. Alongside their day jobs, they run a hobby farm for rescue animals.
A few years ago, they picked up pickleball as a way to spend time together but found that most groups were either too competitive or gatekept by skill level.
So in August 2025, they started Average Joe Pickleball to be the casual league they couldn’t find. Six people showed up to the first meetup; now, 20 to 30 people turn out each week.
The League
Average Joe Pickleball meets every Sunday at Little Creek Park and heads to a nearby restaurant afterward to keep the conversation going.
The club includes every generation and skill level, from beginners to Level 5.0 players. “A lot of the [Level] 5s will train you on where to hit it, how to hit it, all that kind of stuff,” Smith Griswold said. “It’s very open and receptive.”
Sara S., one of the club’s regulars, said it’s been a great, relaxing way to meet local people. “You can show up alone to any of the meetups and jump right in to playing with people you just met, no pressure or awkwardness.” she said.
What’s next for the group? They may expand the social side in the future, but for now, the goal is just to keep it going
How to Participate
Want in? Sign up via the Google Form in their Instagram bio, grab your own paddle, and hit the courts!
