The Rise of Pickleball at ASU: A Sport Taking the Campus by Storm
Discover how pickleball has become a sensation at Arizona State University, attracting students of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Pickleball: The Sport Sweeping the Nation
Move over tennis and ping pong, there's a new game in town - pickleball. This quirky sport, often described as a mix between small tennis and big ping pong, has been gaining popularity across the United States. In fact, over the past few years, pickleball has seen a staggering 223.5% increase in participation, with an estimated 36.5 million players nationwide. With such a rapid rise in popularity, it's no surprise that students at Arizona State University (ASU) have been clamoring to get in on the action.
The Pickleball Phenomenon Hits ASU
Leading the charge at ASU is Nathan Tang, a business student who saw the potential for pickleball to thrive on campus. Last spring, Tang and a group of upperclassmen took matters into their own hands and founded the Pickleball Club at ASU. This club offers students the opportunity to come together and enjoy friendly games of pickleball with their fellow Sun Devils.
- Tang and his team host open plays every Thursday at the Sonora tennis courts in Tempe, attracting around 60-80 students each week.
- While the club boasts 440 official members through Sun Devil Sync, there are likely between 500 and 600 unique participants due to the inclusive nature of the club.
- Courts are divided by skill level, catering to beginners, intermediate players, and advanced athletes, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the game at their own pace.
As pickleball's popularity continued to soar, it was only a matter of time before it became an official club sport at ASU. Tang now serves as both the president and founder of the ASU Pickleball Club team. The team practices regularly at Pickleball Kingdom in Chandler, honing their skills and preparing for tournaments across the southwest.
A Community United by Pickleball
Zocelyne Kow, a biological sciences student at ASU, is one of the 30 members on the club team. Despite being relatively new to the sport, Kow has found a sense of community and camaraderie within both the social club and the competitive team.
For Kow, the highlight of participating in pickleball isn't just the game itself but rather the people she's met along the way. Pickleball has brought together individuals of all ages and backgrounds, fostering lasting friendships both on and off the court.
Intramural Pickleball: A Growing Trend
For those looking to dip their toes into the world of pickleball, ASU's intramural sports program offers a perfect entry point. While not available on all campuses, pickleball has been steadily gaining traction within ASU's intramural scene.
Chris Johnson, the sports program coordinator at the downtown Sun Devil Fitness Complex, recognized the growing demand for pickleball among students. After hosting a successful tournament last spring, interest in intramural play skyrocketed, with 65 participants taking part this spring.
Johnson emphasized that the appeal of pickleball lies not in fierce competition but rather in trying something new with friends. The relaxed atmosphere and inclusive nature of the sport have attracted students from all walks of life, eager to give pickleball a shot.
As pickleball continues to make waves at ASU, it's clear that this sport has found a special place in the hearts of students across campus. Whether you're a seasoned player or a complete novice, pickleball offers a unique blend of fun, friendship, and competition that is hard to resist.
So why not grab a paddle, head down to the courts, and join in on the pickleball craze sweeping ASU? Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite pastime!
Hey, I'm Hamza Ilyas, Dubai's very own sports and entertainment guru. Started off at The Aquila School and kicked it at Ajman Academy too. Now, I'm all about bringing you the hottest takes and coolest news from the world of sports and entertainment. Buckle up, it's gonna be one heck of a ride. Connect With Me