Est. 2016
Meet the Sobeks
Started in 2009, this father-and-son duo has been on the pickleball scene for over 17 years — competing at the professional level while coaching players domestically and internationally.
OWNER
Rosti Sobek
Rosti is a Senior Pro Player, certified and insured by the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA). He travels to pickleball events every year and stays current on the sport's regulations — he loves the game and the competitiveness it brings to the court.
DIRECTOR
William Sobek
William is a Pro Player who started at age 4 and turned pro in 2019, competing in the US Open, US Nationals, APP Tour, and PPA Tour. Internationally, he has played and coached across Europe in Czechia, Slovakia, and Austria.
Our Story
Higgs Beach Pickleball Courts History
During the early spring of 2009, Rosti and William Sobek stepped onto a pickleball court for the very first time — a taped tennis court — and fell in love with the game. Rosti, alongside avid player Colleen Blakely, travelled throughout the Florida Keys to take part in Monroe County meetings and grow the sport in Key West.
Pickleball was in its youth, so convincing the county took some work. After several presentation meetings, 6 dedicated pickleball courts were built at Higgs Beach Park — the first courts in the entire Florida Keys. Rosti spent the next several years teaching tourists and locals the game he loved, and in 2016 that passion became official: Sobek Pickleball Academy was founded.
Around that same period, William made his competition debut in 2015 in Canada, winning his first singles event. The Sobeks went on to put on tournaments throughout the year — Oktoberfest, Valentine's Day, 4th of July, and the Christmas Open. As pickleball grew during Covid, the original courts filled up every day. Rosti worked with Monroe County again, and 6 more courts were built in the spring of 2024. Today, all 12 courts stand by the water, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Playing at Higgs Beach
Key West Pickleball Rules
The pickleball courts at Higgs Beach are public city property — Sobek Pickleball Academy does not own them, but is the only academy with the right to teach and coach on them. Anyone looking to run their own tournaments must consult with the City of Key West.
Key West Pickleball runs a bucket system during open play: you'll be matched with other players in your bucket. 10 courts run 4-in, 4-out — once your game finishes, you exit the court and rotate with players who were waiting. There are 2 challenge courts with a 2-game max: when you win, you can stay on for up to two games before two new players enter and can split your team or challenge you.
There are no skill levels on our courts — you can play anywhere, and there are no fees. Enjoy Key West Pickleball!
Key West Open Play Hours
Mon – Fri
8:30am – 12:00pm
Saturday
8:30am – 12:00pm
Sunday
8:30am – 12:00pm