Sweeping Into the Spotlight
By day, DeeAnn Wlodarski shapes young minds in the classroom. But beyond school walls, she’s been quietly building something just as impactful — a thriving, welcoming community around one of the most misunderstood sports in the world: curling.
For the past decade, Wlodarski has served as president of the Kansas City Curling Club, watching a fascinating cycle repeat itself. Every four years, like clockwork, the Winter Olympics ignite curiosity. Phones ring. Websites light up. And people start asking questions about a sport that looks equal parts puzzling and fun.
This year is no different — only bigger.
Since the Olympics began in Italy, more than 850 people have signed up for curling lessons through the club, a surge that reflects a nationwide trend. Curling clubs across the country are seeing one of the biggest post-Olympic booms in recent memory. What was once a niche curiosity is suddenly in demand.
“And I know it’s higher than that because I’ve seen registrations coming in today,” Wlodarski said earlier this week.
The excitement isn’t just organic — it’s also being fueled by change within the sport itself. A new professional league, the Rock League, is set to launch, bringing together 60 of the world’s top curlers in a bold push toward mainstream recognition.
“Honestly, I would love to see the sport continue to evolve into being more of a mainstream sport and not have it be something that comes around every four years and waiting four years to get the attention of the U.S.,” curling silver medalist Korey Dropkin told NBC during the games.
“We’re wanting to have more events that are on mainstream networks televised with big crowds throughout the U.S. and throughout the world, really.”
Unlike many Olympic sports that feel out of reach, curling has a unique charm — it feels doable. Watching it sparks a thought many viewers don’t get from downhill skiing or speed skating: I could try that.
“You watch it, and you’re like, I don’t really know what is going on here,e but it kinda looks f, un and I think I can do that,” said Wlodarski. “And people start Googling things, and wait a minute, there’s (a club) in Kansas City? Can I go do that? Because people don’t know we exist.”
And that accessibility is exactly what makes curling special.
You don’t need expensive gear. You don’t need elite athleticism. You don’t even need a team.
From a 9-year-old beginner to a 79-year-old enthusiast, the Kansas City Curling Club proves the sport truly is for everyone. Even physical limitations aren’t a barrier — adaptive equipment allows players to participate regardless of mobility challenges.
What truly sets the club apart, though, isn’t just the sport — it’s the people.
“We have tons of people that come by themselves, and tons of people that join by themselves as well,” said Wlodarski. “People think, ‘Oh, I need a team of four.’ Nope. You don’t need anybody.”
And in a world where connection often feels harder than ever, that openness matters.
“There may not even be curling going on,n and there’ll be 20 people there just hanging out.”
That sense of belonging is reinforced by one of curling’s most cherished traditions: broomstacking — a simple yet powerful ritual where opponents sit together after a match, share a drink, and connect.
“Broomstacking is after your game is over, you sit down with your opponents and just spend time together talking,” said Wlodarski. “The winner always buys the first drink, whatever it might be. And you just sit down,n and you’re together.”
Even the club’s setup reflects that spirit — a bar, plenty of laughs, and yes, even cupholders on the ice.
“When people ask if we drink, my response is there are cupholders on the ice,” said Madam President
As the Olympic spotlight begins to fade, the real challenge begins: keeping that spark alive. Through instructional leagues, beginner-friendly programs, and a focus on community over competition, Wlodarski and her team are determined to turn curiosity into commitment.
Because curling isn’t just a sport you watch every four years.
It’s a place you belong.
What makes this story powerful isn’t just the Olympic boost — it’s the reminder that people are still searching for real connection. In a time dominated by screens and isolation, curling offers something refreshingly human: laughter, conversation, and community. The sport may draw people in, but it’s the relationships that keep them coming back. And honestly, that might be the real gold medal.
Source:
- https://youtu.be/d8lJ4lxQOE0?si=2Jm7J4tBDCw3FnNV
- https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article314830188.html
- https://aistudio.google.com/generate-speech
- https://chatgpt.com/
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