AYA@USC Pickleball Meet Up

On January 19 and May 17, 2026, AYA@USC hosted two Pickleball Against Cancer Meet Ups at Arcadia and Woodland Hills for about 40 young adults and their loved ones, caregivers, and providers from USC Norris Cancer Hospital and other cancer hospitals. AYAs were taught pickleball by professional coaches and had so much FUN! Playing pickleball offers a fun, low-impact way for cancer patients and survivors to stay active while reconnecting with their bodies and with others. The sport combines gentle cardiovascular exercise, balance, and coordination, which can help improve strength, endurance, and mobility during or after treatment without placing excessive strain on joints. A pilot study led by researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center in partnership with the YMCA — found that a community-based pickleball program helped cancer survivors increase their physical activity, improve physical strength and endurance, and build social support and companionship through group play.

These events were made possible by the sponsorship from Poly Pickleball Club, Pickleball Cares, and Joola.