Former Penn State football fullback Stephen Smith owns and operates the pickleball franchise. Smith, who graduated in 1999, is excited to start a business in his college town and give back to the community through athletics.

Smith recalled his Penn State football days and the work ethic that came with being a student-athlete.

He learned the value of success with honor and the importance of being his best self on and off the field. He is grateful for his coaches, his teammates, and the person he became through sports.

“Being a great person. Doing things the right way. Taking accountability and being respectful of others. A lot of those things came from football. It was tough and challenging, but you learn that it’s for a bigger purpose,” Smith said.

When Smith discovered The Picklr franchise, he appreciated the inclusivity and knew he wanted to get involved. Pickleball allowed anyone to improve at a sport, play with friends, and stay active. 

Smith said The Picklr enabled him to share the positive experience of athletics with others, regardless of their skill level. 

“The [pickleball] demographic is a pretty wide range,” he said. “They can play at a high level of competition. And also, your first-time users, beginners, or kids can make it a social event. It’s for everybody at every level. We want to give that experience to everybody.”

Weeks after The Picklr opened its doors to the State College community, the franchise filed for bankruptcy. The company had agreements with roughly 40 locations, which proved a financial burden.

Smith said he is not concerned about the bankruptcy and he is pleased with his location’s performance. He assured that his business would remain unaffected. 

“We’re independently owned and operated franchisees. We’re running the club and operating as normal as it was four weeks ago till today,” he said.

The Picklr State College has stayed busy and even seen higher turnout as cooler weather approaches.

Patrons have left positive online reviews, highlighting the welcoming staff and facility, which features nine courts, a pro shop, locker rooms with showers, and a private event area. 

Smith’s son recently accepted an offer to play football for Penn State, which Smith says makes running his State College business even more special.

“The fact of me opening a business here and him having the opportunity to play football here, I’m pinching myself,” Smith said. “I’m so proud and so happy. I’m looking forward to being at Penn State personally and professionally.”