Have you ever heard of the racquet sport named after a beloved pickled food? It is a common misconception that the game was named “pickleball” after a family pet. Despite the sweet story, it was actually named after pickle boat racing—a type of race consisting of leftover rowers. Many people believe pickleball is a new sport, but it originated in 1965 with a Washington state family.
It all started one summer day when the family took ping-pong paddles and a perforated ball to their old badminton court. The game was an immediate hit and spread rapidly over the next 60 years.
Pickleball has gained immense popularity in recent years. In 2022, there were about 70,000 pickleball club members—a 30% increase from the year prior. With it being such an old game, where did this sudden boost in popularity come from? The spread of pickleball is largely attributed to its growth in community centers, retirement facilities, and physical education classes. It is a game not limited by age; anyone can play pickleball and have a great time.
But don’t most people think pickleball is a sport for older adults? When asked this question, freshman Maryanna Nagle said, “It’s a sport you can play in your free time without having to stress over.” Pickleball serves as a great outlet to take a break from studying and simply have fun. Freshman Becca Taylor agrees: “It keeps college students active, and it’s an easy sport to pick up. Also, you get to play it with your friends!” Pickleball is a low-stress sport that draws in players of all ages.
You might be wondering—what makes pickleball so much fun? “My favorite part of pickleball is the ball hitting the paddle! The sound is so addicting; it’s what makes it so fun!” said senior Ebony Johnson. Sophomore Megan Keating added, “What makes it so fun is how competitive it can get!”
There are many varying levels of competition that there’s a place for everyone to fit in. Resources on campus make pickleball readily accessible to students and you can often find groups of students playing in the afternoons. The library has paddles and balls available for loan, making it easy to try the sport without buying your own equipment. Trying new things can open you to opportunities you’d never have if you didn’t put yourself out there.
However, not everyone is a big fan of pickleball. Freshman Brock Brunson said, “I don’t play pickleball because it is boring.” Others simply aren’t interested. “I don’t play because I just had no interest. I feel like I would be bad at it since I’m bad at tennis,” said junior Savana Dodd.
Are you looking for a way to get more involved? When asked, nine out of ten students said they would be interested in a pickleball league that hosts tournaments. Maybe you could be the one to start that league. Pickleball is an easy game to learn and a great way to stay active with friends. From the average student to student-athletes, it’s beloved by many. On a nice day, get out there and start playing!