Kosher Dills tournament serves up a winning mix of pickleball and community

Three generations at the tournament. Grandma Marsha Soloff with granddaughters Bridget and Cassidy Bryan and their mom, Wendy Bryan. Photo: Jill Cousins

PARK CITY, Utah — Nearly 70 participants, ages 18 to 84, took to the PC MARC courts Thursday afternoon to compete in the fourth annual Park City “Kosher Dills” Jewish Social and Pickleball Tournament.

Players competed in doubles matches in four divisions, with a jar of kosher dill pickles as a prize for the victors. The event also includes a “lox ‘n bagel” bar, beverages, snacks, and raffle prizes from pickleball sponsor Selkirk.

Park City resident Jodi Berris founded the Kosher Dills tournament several years ago. The event combines her love of pickleball with her desire to bring members of Park City’s Jewish community together in a fun and social atmosphere.

“I’m a pickleball player, and I really enjoy it, and I had been running a group for the Park City Pickleball Club for a couple of years,” Berris said. “I just thought this might be a nice way to bring Jewish people together over a sports activity that people of all different [ability] levels could enjoy.”

The divisions included Green Circle (players rated 2.5+), Blue Square (3.0+), Black Diamond (3.5+), and Double Black (4.0+).

Among this year’s players were members of the Bryan family, who have played in all four Kosher Dills tournaments. Wendy Bryan and her two daughters compete alongside Wendy’s mother, Marsha Soloff, 80, who flies in from Florida each year to participate. “It’s something that we can do as a family,” said Wendy. “We all love to play pickleball, and this brings us together.”

Top finishers at this year’s event were Jennifer and Josh Lansky in 4.0+, Bob Reid and Seth Lansky in 3.5+, Bryan Krivisky and his last-minute substitute partner Trevor in 3.0+, and Jill Cousins and Sharon Wax in 2.5+.

“People have been really supportive,” Berris said. “It’s just a great opportunity to be part of something to meet other Jewish people and feel connected to the Jewish community.”