Respect on the Court: Why Catcalling Has No Place in Pickleball (or Anywhere Else)
Yesterday was one of those perfect summer Saturdays—sun shining, pickleballs popping, good company, and just enough breeze to keep the sweat at bay. I played a solid two-hour session on the public courts with three women—smart, athletic, funny, and yes, beautiful. One was a tall, confident blonde. The other, a sweet, vibrant Latina in a tennis skirt who absolutely owned her side of the court.
We were wrapping up, heading off the courts, laughing and exchanging post-game banter, when it happened.
On a nearby court, four guys playing a casual game looked up, locked eyes on the two women, and decided to put on a disgusting display of what they apparently thought was charm.
“Hey ladies, come play with some real men!”
And then came more—whistles, innuendo, and remarks I won’t even repeat here. In a public park. With families and kids nearby. And without a shred of self-awareness.
The Problem Isn’t Just the Words—It’s the Mentality
Look, this isn’t about being overly sensitive or “woke.” This is about basic human decency. It’s about knowing the difference between appreciation and objectification. These men weren’t complimenting. They were asserting dominance, using public space to degrade, not uplift.
The women were clearly uncomfortable. And you know what? So was I.
In that moment, I wanted to say something—badly. I felt this heat rise in my chest. I wanted to walk over and give those guys a piece of my mind. But I took a breath. I looked at the women, and they were already walking away, heads high, choosing grace over confrontation. So I followed their lead and kept my composure.
But damn if it didn’t eat at me later.
So I Ranted—And Now I’m Writing
That night, I took to the mic and let it rip on my Weekend Rant podcast. Because if we don’t call this out when we see it, we become part of the silence that protects this behavior.
Pickleball, like all sports, is about community. About shared passion, joy, fitness, fun. It’s not a hunting ground for fragile egos with bad pickup lines. If you’re showing up to the court with that energy—stay home. The rest of us came to play, not to witness your outdated idea of masculinity.
To the Men Reading This
If you’re the kind of guy who thinks it’s harmless—ask yourself: would you say that to your daughter? Your sister? Your wife? Would you laugh if four strangers said that to your girlfriend in front of your kids?
If the answer is no—then you already know it’s wrong.
To the Women Reading This
I see you. I support you. I’ll continue calling out the crap even when it’s uncomfortable—because you shouldn’t have to walk away in silence just to preserve your safety or dignity. You deserve respect on and off the court.
And To Everyone Else
Let’s raise the bar. Speak up. Show up. Be better. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s right.
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Want to hear the full story? Check out this week’s Weekend Rant episode on Digital Dating with Anonymous Andrew. And if you’ve ever witnessed something like this—drop a comment below. Let’s talk about it.