After a win-less year in the 2024 inaugural pickleball season, the Rockville High School Pickleball team triumphed this year, being crowned the 2025 Montgomery County Division 1 champions.
In the 2024 fall season, the team was unable to win a single match-up. But as the team improved, with key players returning and new people joining, they went undefeated and were crowned division champions.
“I felt like our efforts going into the season paid off. And it definitely felt good lifting the trophy,” said senior Davis Arroyave.
With the team not winning any games last year, the vibes were low, and the team did not know what to expect for this upcoming season. However, senior captain Ben Brill managed to uplift and bring positive energy to the team.
“I feel like I kept everyone motivated, everyone happy and excited to play,” said Brill.
With Brill motivating the team at the beginning of the season, signs of life started to show for RHS Pickleball. Wins started to stack on the team’s record, and strong performances from players shone. The team’s improvements didn’t just come from practice but also from better team chemistry.
“After one of our games against Watkins Mill, me and a couple of my teammates got food after, and it was really fun,” said Sophomore Eli Ferguson. “That was probably the most memorable moment of the season.”
Even with strong early performances, the team faced challenges.
“Our most challenging game was probably Blake, because they had a similar team structure to us,” Arroyave said. “But going from zero wins to divisional [champions] was very motivational for the team.”
Reflecting on the championship win, Brill said it meant a lot to end his senior year with a trophy and be a part of Rockville history.
“It shows my love and respect for the game and how much I put into the court, and you know, effort paid off,” said Brill.
From a win less first season to an undefeated championship run, the RHS Pickleball team proved what teamwork and persistence can accomplish. With strong talent returning next year, the team is looking to keep building on its success and bringing home more hardware to RHS. What can we expect from the team next year?
“Going all the way,” said Ferguson.
