In the heart of Westminster—home to one of the largest Vietnamese-American communities in the United States—a new kind of gathering place is growing, not around a dining table or a café, but on the pickleball court. Lavender Sports Club was created with a simple but powerful idea: use sport to bring people together across generations, skill levels, and backgrounds.
We sat down with the club’s founders to learn more about their journey, their values, and how pickleball is becoming a bridge between health, friendship, and community.
Q: What inspired you to start Lavender Sports Club in Westminster?
A: We wanted to create more than just a place to play pickleball. Westminster has a very strong sense of community, especially within the Vietnamese-American population, but there aren’t always enough shared spaces where different generations can connect through healthy activities. Pickleball stood out because it’s accessible, social, and fun. Lavender was born from the idea that sport can be a gathering place—just like a family home.
Q: Why pickleball, and why now?
A: Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, gentle on the joints, but still competitive and exciting. You’ll see teenagers, working adults, and seniors all playing on the same court. For many Vietnamese-American families, that intergenerational aspect is very meaningful. It allows parents, children, and even grandparents to share an activity together.
Q: Why was Lavender Pickleball Club established as an indoor club, when Southern California is widely known for outdoor activities?
A: Although Southern California has a favorable climate, we chose an indoor model to provide a stable, safe, and consistent playing environment for all age groups. Indoor courts help protect players from intense sun, wind, wildfire smoke, and other environmental factors that can affect health—especially for older adults. This model also allows for year-round programming without weather disruptions and creates a more intimate setting that supports learning, connection, and long-term community building.
Q: The club emphasizes community. What does that look like in practice?
A: Community means everyone feels welcome—whether you’ve never held a paddle or you’re training for tournaments. We focus on friendliness, respect, and encouragement. New players are introduced, rules are explained patiently, and experienced players are encouraged to mentor others. Over time, people don’t just come to play; they come to see familiar faces, talk, laugh, and support each other.
Q: How does Lavender support beginners, especially those who may feel hesitant?
A: Many people—especially adults who didn’t grow up playing sports—feel nervous trying something new. We make learning approachable. There are beginner sessions, informal coaching, and a culture where making mistakes is part of the process. No one is judged. We often say: you don’t need to be good to start, but you need to start to get better.
Q: What about players who want to compete seriously?
A: We absolutely support that path as well. Lavender encourages players who want to enter leagues and tournaments, and we help them train in a structured way. At the same time, competition at Lavender always comes with sportsmanship. Winning is important, but respect—for your partner, your opponent, and the game—comes first.
Q: Sportsmanship is a core value for the club. Why is that so important?
A: Many of us grew up with the belief that character matters as much as achievement. That value resonates strongly in Vietnamese culture. On the court, sportsmanship shows up in how you speak, how you react to mistakes, and how you treat others. We want Lavender to be a place where people feel proud not only of how they play, but how they behave.
Q: How does pickleball contribute to health and well-being?
A: Pickleball improves cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, and mental sharpness. Just as importantly, it reduces isolation. Many members tell us that playing regularly helps them manage stress, sleep better, and feel more energized. For older adults, it’s a way to stay active safely. For younger players, it builds discipline and confidence.
Q: Why is it important for Lavender to include both youth and adults?
A: We believe strongly in intergenerational connection. Younger players learn patience, respect, and teamwork. Older players stay motivated and inspired. In Vietnamese-American families, values are often passed down through shared experiences. Pickleball gives us a modern way to do that—side by side, on the court.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope Lavender will have on Westminster?
A: We hope Lavender becomes a positive, familiar name in the community—a place associated with health, kindness, and togetherness. Whether someone joins to stay fit, make friends, or challenge themselves competitively, we want them to feel they belong here.
Q: What would you say to someone who is curious but unsure about joining?
A: Just come and try. You don’t need experience, special equipment, or confidence—those will come later. What you need is an open mind. Lavender Pickleball Club is here to support you, encourage you, and welcome you into a growing community built around movement, respect, and shared joy.
-Huutri.org Staff Writer-