The holiday season in Georgetown, Texas brought more than just twinkling lights and festive cheer this year—it brought the 4th Annual Grinchball, a pickleball tournament that perfectly embodies what we call the pickleball addict life. Hosted by the Georgetown, TX Pickleball Association (GTXPBA) at the fantastic Tejas Pickleball Club, this year's event proved once again that pickleball is about practical over perfect and, most importantly, FUN 🤩 🏓!
A Tournament with Heart
What makes Grinchball special isn't just the competition—it's the spirit behind it. This year, all proceeds from the tournament benefitted Blue Santa Georgetown, TX, bringing joy to local families during the holiday season. It's events like these that remind us why living the pickleball addict life means more than just playing—it's about getting involved and making a difference in our community. 🫶 🎄
The charitable aspect was front and center, with participants having the opportunity to contribute toys and donations for Georgetown's Blue Santa program. Seeing our community come together, paddies in hand and hearts wide open, exemplified the best of what pickleball brings to our lives.
Champions Rise to the Occasion
The competitive brackets showcased some incredible pickleball throughout the day. Players brought their A-game while maintaining the friendly, social atmosphere that defines Grinchball.
The tournament featured multiple divisions, ensuring everyone had a chance to compete at their level. From the first serve to the final point, the courts at Tejas Pickleball Club were alive with energy, laughter, and some seriously impressive dinking rallies.
Costume Contest: Whoville Comes to the Courts
If you think pickleball players only bring intensity to the court, you haven't seen Grinchball's costume contest! Participants went all out with their Grinch-themed attire, transforming the tournament into a walking, talking Whoville celebration.
From full Grinch getups to creative Who-inspired ensembles, players proved that taking your game seriously doesn't mean you can't have fun with it. The costume contest winners took home bragging rights and showed everyone what it means to embrace the practical-over-perfect philosophy—sometimes the best memories come from being willing to look a little silly!
Merry Mischief Makers: Champions with Style
The Merry Mischief Makers division winners showed that you can bring both competitive fire and festive spirit to the courts.
These champions embodied everything Grinchball represents—skilled play, great sportsmanship, and a willingness to fully embrace the holiday theme. Their success on the courts was matched only by their enthusiasm for the event's charitable mission.
Max the Dog Would Be Proud
Some participants took their commitment to the Grinch theme to legendary levels. Case in point: our very own Max the Grinch's dog made an appearance! (that was really me, Monico! 🤭)
The dedication to bringing beloved characters to life while competing in a pickleball tournament is exactly what makes events like Grinchball unforgettable. It's about creating memories, building community, and reminding ourselves that the best moments in pickleball often happen when we're not taking ourselves too seriously.
The Little Whos: Bringing Joy to the Courts
The Little Whos division winners proved that heart can be just as powerful as height on the pickleball courts.
These champions demonstrated excellent skill and teamwork while keeping the spirit of fun alive throughout their matches. Their success is a testament to what happens when preparation meets opportunity—and when you're willing to show up in festive attire while doing it!
Living the Pickleball Addict Life
As we mentioned in our Welcome blog entry, living the pickleball addict life is about being practical over perfect and prioritizing fun. The 4th Annual Grinchball exemplified this philosophy perfectly. Players of all skill levels came together, some in elaborate costumes, all with the shared goal of enjoying great pickleball while supporting a worthy cause.
Part of being a true pickleball addict means more than just playing—it's about participating in and supporting events that strengthen our community. Whether you're competing in the tournament, volunteering, donating to the cause, or just showing up in your best Grinch costume, you're contributing to something bigger than yourself.
Short video of the event:
Mark Your Calendar for Next Year
The 4th Annual Grinchball set a high bar with its combination of competitive play, creative costumes, and charitable impact. The event raised significant funds for Blue Santa Georgetown while creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
If you missed this year's Grinchball, make sure you don't miss the next one! Events like these are what the pickleball addict life is all about—bringing people together, supporting our community, and having an absolute blast while doing it.
Want to stay connected with GTXPBA and learn about upcoming events? Visit gtxpba.org to get involved. And if you're looking for an amazing place to play in Georgetown, check out Tejas Pickleball Club—their facilities are top-notch and their community is even better.
Here's to many more years of Grinchball, and to living that pickleball addict life every single day! 🏓🎄
Special thanks to all the volunteers, participants, sponsors, and the team at Tejas Pickleball Club for making the 4th Annual Grinchball such an incredible success!
