College Pickleball on the Rise: How Universities are Embracing the Sport
In recent years, pickleball has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity across the U.S., with millions of new players picking up paddles and heading to courts across the country. While the sport has long been associated with retirees and casual recreational play, the tide is turning as a new group of enthusiasts emerges—college students.
Pickleball is now making waves on university campuses, where students are forming clubs, competing in intramural leagues, and even pushing for varsity-level recognition. The sport’s accessibility, social nature, and rapidly growing competitive scene make it a perfect fit for the college lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll explore how pickleball is becoming a fixture on college campuses and what this means for the future of the sport.
Why College Students Are Embracing Pickleball
College students are always on the lookout for fun, engaging, and social activities that can help them stay active and unwind from their busy academic schedules. Pickleball ticks all those boxes. It’s easy to learn, doesn’t require expensive gear, and can be played in short, fast-paced games, making it ideal for students looking to fit some exercise into their day.
Pickleball’s Social Appeal
Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for pickleball’s rise among college students is its social nature. Unlike more traditional collegiate sports like basketball or soccer, pickleball is often played in a round-robin format where players switch partners and opponents, encouraging interaction between participants. This makes pickleball not only a great workout but also a fun way to meet new people.
At schools like the University of Florida, where pickleball courts are packed with students, the sport has become a new campus hub for socializing. "It’s the perfect way to hang out with friends or meet new people without the pressure of a more competitive environment,” said one student who plays in the university’s intramural pickleball league.
The Formation of College Pickleball Clubs
As interest in pickleball has grown, students at universities across the country have begun to formalize their love for the sport by forming official pickleball clubs. These clubs allow students to organize regular games, tournaments, and even travel to other schools to compete.
University of Michigan’s Pickleball Club: A Model of Growth
Take the University of Michigan’s Pickleball Club, for example. Founded just a few years ago by a group of friends who loved the game, the club has since grown into one of the largest student organizations on campus. The club boasts hundreds of members, hosts regular practices, and even organizes tournaments where students can compete for bragging rights and prizes.
Club president Alex Jacobs spoke about the club’s rapid growth: "When we first started, it was just a handful of us meeting up to play. Now we have hundreds of students involved, and we’re hosting tournaments that are drawing big crowds. It’s really exciting to see how much the sport has taken off here."
The success of Michigan’s pickleball club is far from unique. Similar stories are playing out at universities across the country, from small liberal arts colleges to large state schools. The growing popularity of these clubs has led to an increase in the number of dedicated pickleball courts being built on college campuses, further cementing the sport’s place in collegiate life.
Intramural and Varsity-Level Pickleball
Many universities are now offering pickleball as part of their intramural sports programs, giving students the chance to compete in organized leagues without the time commitment of varsity athletics. These intramural leagues are often among the most popular on campus, thanks to pickleball’s inclusive nature and accessibility.
Pickleball as an Intramural Powerhouse
At Ohio State University, for instance, pickleball intramurals have grown in popularity, with hundreds of students signing up each semester. The games are held in the school’s recreational sports facilities, and because of the shorter match times and compact court size, the university is able to host multiple matches simultaneously, allowing more students to participate.
The rise of intramural pickleball speaks to the sport’s broad appeal. While not everyone may feel comfortable joining a basketball or soccer team, pickleball’s easy-to-learn rules and relaxed atmosphere make it a sport that anyone can enjoy.
Pushing for Varsity-Level Recognition
In addition to intramural programs, there is growing interest in taking pickleball to the next level with varsity programs. At several universities, student-led campaigns are calling for the sport to be recognized as an official varsity sport, with dedicated coaching, training facilities, and the chance to compete against other schools at a higher level.
At Grand Canyon University (GCU), a push for varsity pickleball is gaining momentum. GCU already has one of the most successful collegiate pickleball clubs in the country, and its players frequently travel to national tournaments, but students are now advocating for an official varsity team. "We’ve got the talent, the passion, and the interest. It’s time to make pickleball a varsity sport here at GCU," said one student leader of the effort.
If pickleball does achieve varsity status at more universities, it could lead to the creation of an intercollegiate league, with schools across the country competing for national championships—a huge step for the future of the sport.
The National Collegiate Pickleball Championship
One of the biggest signs of pickleball’s growing presence in the collegiate sports world is the creation of the National Collegiate Pickleball Championship (NCPC). The NCPC is the premier collegiate pickleball tournament in the U.S., bringing together teams from universities across the country to compete at the highest level.
The inaugural NCPC was held in 2023 in Orlando, Florida, and featured teams from over 50 universities, including Arizona State University, University of Texas, and University of North Carolina. Players competed in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches, with thousands of fans tuning in via live stream to watch the action.
The success of the first NCPC has laid the groundwork for future tournaments. The 2024 NCPC, scheduled for next April, is expected to be even bigger, with over 70 schools set to compete. As more universities get involved in collegiate pickleball, events like the NCPC will play a crucial role in establishing pickleball as a competitive collegiate sport.
NIL Opportunities for College Pickleball Players
Another exciting development in college pickleball is the rise of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) deals for collegiate athletes. With the NCAA’s 2021 decision to allow college athletes to profit from their NIL, athletes in emerging sports like pickleball are starting to cash in.
Pickleball companies like Selkirk and Paddletek are already eyeing the collegiate market, sponsoring top players and offering endorsement deals. For example, a standout player from the University of Georgia recently signed a deal with a major pickleball paddle manufacturer, earning money from both endorsements and social media collaborations.
As more college pickleball players gain visibility through events like the NCPC, it’s likely that more NIL opportunities will open up, giving students the chance to monetize their passion for the sport. This development could also encourage more high-level athletes to pursue pickleball in college, further raising the level of competition.
The Future of College Pickleball
So, what’s next for pickleball on college campuses? With clubs growing, intramural leagues expanding, and varsity programs on the horizon, it’s clear that pickleball is here to stay. Universities are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in the sport, both for its health benefits and its ability to foster community on campus.
In 2024, we can expect even more growth in collegiate pickleball. The continued success of events like the National Collegiate Pickleball Championship, the rise of NIL deals, and the push for varsity programs will all contribute to making pickleball a staple of the college sports scene. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive athlete, there’s never been a better time to get involved in college pickleball.
Conclusion
Pickleball’s rise on college campuses is undeniable. With its easy-to-learn nature, social appeal, and rapidly growing competitive scene, the sport has captured the attention of students across the country. From informal games between friends to official university clubs and national championships, college pickleball is on the verge of something big.
As more universities invest in the sport and as NIL deals bring new opportunities for collegiate players, pickleball’s future in the college sports world looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone just picking up a paddle for the first time, there’s a place for you in the exciting world of college pickleball.