About
We are overwhelmed by the support of our family, friends, and the Mankato community. The Picklebarn is a dream of ours but it was formed for the people of Mankato and we hope you can feel that when you walk through the door! Check out some of our story below!
The Picklebarn
Our dream is to make a place with a fun and healthy atmosphere where families and friends can go to connect and be together. We want to give back to the community that has given us so much. More than anything, we dream about the amazing opportunities a facility like this has for outreach programs. The impact our families have made on who we are is something so special to us. The Picklebarn will be a place where families can make memories which will last a lifetime. We have both been so blessed and could not be more excited about the opportunity ahead. We know with our faith, family, and friends behind us this will be a truly special place.
Our Mission Statement
Our Mission is to serve the community by providing a fun and family-oriented atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the sport of pickleball and each other as well as provide opportunities for higher level tournament play, drawing from the Greater Minnesota area and beyond.
Our Story
Hello! Our names are Sidney and Mitch Elofson. We were both born and raised in St. Peter, MN and met in high school, spending the majority of our days on the tennis court. We attended Gustavus Adolphus College for our bachelor’s degrees while playing tennis for the Gusties. We then went on to get our master’s degrees from Minnesota State University, Mankato in Exercise Physiology and Sport and Exercise Psychology. During this time, we spent a summer in Florida working at a professional tennis academy. This is where we fell in love with pickleball!
Life Lessons + Sports
Sports have the ability to help young athletes navigate through life using some crucial life lessons that can be difficult to learn when it's not just a game on the line. We grew up on the court and field and know firsthand how life-changing sports can be on a person. We are very passionate about the benefits athletics can have on the physical and mental health of youth. We hope the Picklebarn can facilitate a safe and nurturing environment for kids to grow as people and athletes.
Positive Attitude
Full Effort
Sportsmanship
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Thank You
Thank you to our amazing family and friends. We feel so blessed to be surrounded by such incredible, generous, and supportive people. Without you, our dream would never have been possible. We also want to say thank you to the community we love so much. From start to finish we felt cared for by you and we will work everyday to make this a special place for each and every one of you. Lastly, the Lord has been the center of our journey. Without Him guiding the way we would be lost, but all things are possible through Him.