Get to Know Key West Pickleball

During the summer of 2009, Rosti and William Sobek stepped on a pickleball court for the very first time (taped tennis court). The Sobeks fell in love with the game. Rosti with Colleen Blakely, an avid pickleball player, 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 members took some work as they didn't know what pickleball was. After a couple presentation meetings and discussion, 6 dedicated pickleball courts would be build at Higgs Beach Park. These 6 courts were the first courts in the entire Florida Keys. With the establishment of these courts came Sobek Pickleball Academy. Rosti Sobek began teaching tourists and locals about the game he loved. Later, he and William will grow their teachings outside of Key West. The Sobeks put on special tournaments throughout the year such as Oktoberfest, Valentines Day, and Christmas Open. William began his competition debut in 2015 in Canada, getting the title in his first singles event. As pickleball grew during Covid, the courts started to fill up every day and players had to wait very long for their next match. It was time to build more courts. Rosti discussed this expansion with Monroe County and 6 more courts were built in the spring of 2024 with added gates. Today, these 12 courts stand by the water, overviewing the Atlantic Ocean.