Let’s Play Pickleball!

Paying annual (calendar year) dues, and not the daily fee, are required to become a Pickleball member. Paid members will receive a silicone wristband which should be with you and visible each time you play to show you have paid.

Price: $5/Daily Visitor fee or $50/Calendar Year Membership 
Pay Here or at the Island Rec Front Desk. If year members pays online, please pick up your wristband at the Island Rec Center Front Desk. All players must abide by our rules and guidelines - read here.

Buy Hilton Head Island Pickleball Merchandise Here!

Questions? Contact Sarah

If you have any questions about pickleball, contact sarah.mitten@islandreccenter.org.

A note from Sarah Mitten, the new Head of Pickleball Coordination and Programming

My accomplishments are not only as a professional player and coach but also in sports management. One of my top skills is developing programming.

The following will give you a better understanding of who I am and what I bring to the City Pickleball program.

I came to the USA in 1987 on a full Tennis scholarship to Division I, top 25 ranked, MSU. While at MSU, I was an SEC Scholar Athlete, and a Wimbledon Qualifier. I graduated with a BS in Fitness Management and did some further Master Courses in Sports Psychology.

After college, I accepted an offer to coach and consult at some very exclusive resort properties. Dorado Beach, Carramar, in PR, The Homestead Resort, VA, and the Olympic Tennis Center, Stone Mountain, GA.  

The Olympic site was very interesting as I was hired to revitalize this massive 15-court site with lighted stadium courts. Of all of the Olympic sites ever built, the Australian facility was the only one that remained in use. I brought this empty facility back to life with over 32 tennis teams, full coaching, and pro shop staff. During this time, the Girl Scouts of America awarded me the highest level of community service Trefoil Award.  

While in Atlanta, I created my own Tennis Academy for all levels and age players in Atlanta. This was both rewarding and successful.

I have been on Hilton Head Island for over twelve years. I helped coach in the early development of the Palmetto Dunes pickleball program over six years ago and ran the higher-level coaching.

 I am a Certified Pickleball Coach, and a ranked Pickleball Professional; I won Gold and Silver medals at the US Open.   

Over these years I have built a substantial profile in the national pickleball community/industry and have a stellar reputation and following. I have played and am personally acquainted with the top-ranked players in the world.

On my personal background, I was raised in a professional sports family with my grandfather, Charlie Mitten, playing football for Manchester United. My grandfather was a world-renowned footballer. He had a book published about his career. My father, John Mitten, also played for English Premier Football Clubs.

I see the Hilton Head Island Pickleball program as a transformative opportunity for us all to work together. Not only to create more dedicated courts for our members, to have the best coaching and programming on the Hilton Head Island. Most importantly show by example what it is like to belong to a Pickleball community that leads with the pledge:

To be kind to ourselves as we grow and learn. To lift others around us up and try to be my best self today.

Anyone who goes to our Rec courts in one of our locations will know that whatever kind of day they are having they can go there and be welcomed, met with warmth, acceptance, and kindness. We, our members will make each other better people through Pickleball, as Pickleball is not what defines us.

Want to know your skill level? Read about skill levels here. Questions and concerns can be directed to Sarah: Sarah.mitten@islandreccenter.org or 843-895-4320. All members and visitors are to abide by the Code of Conduct (outlined below) and the rules posted at the facilities.

Code of Conduct

1. I will act in a sportsman-like manner and encourage others to do likewise.

2. I will treat others with respect, fairness, and honesty.

3. I will act with care so as to not endanger the health, safety or well-being of others.

4. I will avoid profanity and derogatory or insulting comments.

5. I will respect the playing capabilities of others, not be critical or judgmental, and offer coaching advice only when asked.