After months of planning and anticipation, the first-ever Delbarton x Oak Knoll Pickleball Tournament took place on Sunday morning, November 10, on Delbarton’s middle school and JV tennis courts. The event was the culmination of a collaborative effort between Delbarton Pickleball Club member Ben Migliaccio '26 and Melissa Dardanello, leader of the Oak Knoll Pickleball Club. What started as a simple Instagram message sent over Labor Day weekend transformed into a highly successful event that brought students from both schools together.

Ben and Melissa took charge of planning the tournament, coordinating with Pickleball Club moderator Mr. Tom Bennett and Athletic Director Dr. Tony Negrin to ensure everything ran smoothly. Over the course of two months, they fine-tuned the logistics and generated excitement for the event. Students from both Delbarton and Oak Knoll were eager to participate, and their enthusiasm contributed to the tournament's success.

The turnout was better than expected, with 21 teams signing up to compete. Afterward, many people reached out, expressing regret for not being able to attend. The tournament created a lively atmosphere on the courts, where participants showcased their pickleball skills and cheered each other on, fostering a sense of community and friendly competition.

The Delbarton x Oak Knoll Pickleball Tournament not only highlighted the enjoyment of the sport but also strengthened the connection between the two school communities. Thank you to all who contributed to the success of the tournament and to everyone who attended and participated, making the event such a success.