Photograph by Nicholas Iverson
Since its formation in 1998, the World Adult Kickball Association (now known as WAKA Kickball & Social Sports) has grown into a nationwide community. Members play weekly on teams with names such as Netkicks and Chill. Fitzgerald works part-time as a community coordinator for the organization, running the Fullerton and Huntington Beach leagues. Irvine, Costa Mesa, and Lake Forest have leagues as well. When the Huntington Beach resident isn’t playing, she’s singing karaoke with teammates at one of the leagues’ sponsor bars.
Why kickball?
I never played it in elementary school, but a lot of people have, so it’s kind of nostalgic. WAKA also runs bowling, flag football, and dodgeball leagues in Orange County. How’d you get into it? At a friend’s baby shower in 2013, half the people were kickballers. They said, “We need another person for our team. Would you sign up?” So I joined, and then suddenly I was in it for life.
How’d you get into it?
At a friend’s baby shower in 2013, half the people were kickballers. They said, “We need another person for our team. Would you sign up?” So I joined, and then suddenly I was in it for life.
What’s the best thing about playing?
The community. There are about 600 players in O.C. I feel like everyone wants the same thing. We’re all here to build friendships, and I’ve met some of my best friends playing kickball.
Do you have to be athletic to join?
I’m not athletic at all, but I’ve gotten better. I caught my first ball in the outfield the other day. I came out here, and I just learned it. It’s so easy to do when you have people out here who are helping you.
Register to join a team at kickball.com/oc.
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