Erin Coulehan
El Paso has always been a city that embraces sport, whether it’s sun-drenched rounds of golf, competitive tennis, or the ever-growing pickleball craze. But now, a new contender has arrived, promising fast-paced action, social camaraderie, and a fresh twist on traditional racket sports.
Enter Padel Club El Paso, the brainchild of Luis Baca, who saw an opportunity to bring the globally growing sport of padel to the Borderland. With deep roots in Mexico – where padel was first invented – and a booming presence in Europe and Latin America, the sport is finally making its mark in the U.S., and Baca is leading the charge in West Texas.
More than just a game, padel is a movement, one that fosters connection, competition, and community. With a mix of strategy, speed, and accessibility, it’s no surprise that El Pasoans are already rallying around the sport.
When Baca set out to open Padel Club El Paso, he had more than just a business plan: he had a vision to introduce a fast-growing, community-driven sport to a city he knew would embrace it. Inspired by his grandfather and their shared love of racket sports, Baca saw an opportunity to bring padel to El Paso, a place where tennis and pickleball have already gained popularity, but where padel is still relatively unknown.
“Padel is different from tennis and pickleball in several key ways,” Baca explains. “It’s played on a smaller court with walls, which adds a whole new strategic element. You can use the walls to keep the ball in play, which makes for fast-paced, dynamic rallies. The paddles are also unique, solid and perforated, making them easier on the arms than traditional rackets. It’s a game that’s easy to learn but offers a great challenge for those who want to compete.”
Padel was invented in Mexico in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera, who modified his home’s squash court to create a new sport that combined elements of tennis and squash. It quickly gained popularity in Spain and Argentina, becoming a beloved sport in Latin America and Europe.
Given El Paso’s close cultural and geographical ties to Mexico, the introduction of padel to the city feels like a homecoming of sorts. It’s a sport deeply rooted in Latin American heritage, making its arrival in El Paso both significant and exciting for the community.
“El Paso is a perfect city for padel,” he says. “As more people learn about it, I expect it to grow rapidly. We’re already working on expanding, installing a professional court in May for United States Padel Association tournaments and adding more courts by the end of the year.”
Padel is already a major sport in Spain and Argentina, and Baca sees huge potential for growth in the U.S. Since opening its doors, Padel Club El Paso has received an overwhelmingly positive response.
“People are excited to try something new,” Baca says. “We’ve seen families, former athletes, and complete beginners all come together. There’s this great camaraderie that forms on the court, which is exactly what we hoped for.”
One of the biggest misconceptions about padel is that it’s only for experienced racket players.
“That’s just not true,” Baca says. “It’s a sport for everyone. We introduce newcomers to the game through beginner-friendly sessions that focus on fun and learning. Once people try it, they realize how engaging and enjoyable it is.”
Unlike some exclusive clubs, Padel Club El Paso is open to all.
“We didn’t want to make this a private club,” Baca emphasizes. “Anyone in the community can play. You can book a court through the Playtomic app, which is super user-friendly. We also have WhatsApp groups where players can connect and organize matches.”
For those new to the sport, the club provides lessons for all skill levels.
“We make it easy to get started,” Baca explains. “Beginners can take introductory classes, while more experienced players can join training programs to refine their skills. Our coaches are dedicated to helping everyone enjoy and improve their game.”
Beyond the courts, Padel Club El Paso offers a full experience for members and guests.
“We have state-of-the-art facilities, including multiple courts, a lounge area, a pro shop, and spaces for social gatherings,” Baca shares. “We want this to be more than just a place to play – we want it to be a social hub.”
The club is also building partnerships with local schools, fitness organizations, and businesses to promote the sport. “We recently had a collaboration with Lululemon, where their employees came for a group class. They loved it,” Baca shares. “Partnerships like this help introduce more people to padel and make it part of the community.”
For those curious about trying padel, Baca encourages them to jump in. “The best way to start is with a beginner class,” he says. “We offer sessions designed to help new players get comfortable with the game. Plus, joining our WhatsApp groups is a great way to meet other players and find matches.”
With its welcoming environment, top-notch facilities, and a growing community of players, Padel Club El Paso is set to become a major destination for racket sports enthusiasts. As the sport continues to grow in the U.S., there’s no doubt that El Paso will be at the forefront of the movement – one match at a time.
