UNC Club Pickleball’s Semifinal Journey: Under the glow of the South Campus Recreation Complex lights, the UNC Club Pickleball team has fostered more than a winning culture in its six-year history. They’ve created a family. The club prides itself on inclusivity, welcoming players of all skill levels. With pickleball being the fastest-growing sport in the nation, it’s no surprise that the team has cultivated a vibrant and passionate community.
Players gather at the recreation complex three times a week, officially from 6-8 p.m., though most stay until the lights go out. This dedication reflects a deep camaraderie, one that extends beyond the court.
A Growing Community and Competitive Spirit
The club’s GroupMe chat boasts nearly 900 members, facilitating pick-up games and fostering connections. Beyond casual play, the team has two tiers: a social team with 66 members practicing twice weekly and a competitive team of 46 players, who attend three practices weekly and represent UNC in tournaments.
In early November, the competitive squad embarked on a journey to Farmers Branch, Texas, to compete in the DUPR Collegiate National Championship. While the club covers registration fees, players often chip in for travel expenses, demonstrating their commitment to the sport.
“Playing for four hours, three times a week sounds insane, but when it’s all like your best friends, and you all just feel so encouraged by each other, I feel like everyone really wants to show up all the time and actively participate.” – (UNC Club Pickleball Secretary Emma Horvath)
A National Stage and a Historic Upset
The DUPR Collegiate National Championship at Brookhaven Country Club saw UNC’s competitive team shine. Advancing to the semifinals, their standout moment came during the quarterfinals when No. 8 UNC defeated No. 1 Utah Valley in a thrilling “dreambreaker” tiebreaker.
Trailing 20-15, All-American Sarah Carpenter orchestrated a stunning rally, leading UNC to a 22-20 victory. This comeback became the “talk of the tourney.” Matthew Nesbitt, Ian Hutter, Faith Ilgner, and Carpenter were instrumental in this dream-making moment, propelling UNC into the Final Four.
“We’ve really played incredible. We have an amazing team. [A couple] of great guys and girls, all at a really high level, some with aspirations of playing at the pro level, some with pro-level wins, actually. So we’ve really done an amazing job with the team.” – (UNC Pickleball Vice President Mihir Upadhye)
Though they fell to No. 2 Utah Tech in the semifinals, UNC’s presence among collegiate pickleball’s elite remains unquestionable.
Looking Ahead with Pride
Despite the loss, UNC’s reputation as one of collegiate pickleball’s powerhouses endures. Alongside Virginia and Utah Tech, they remain among the few schools to have competed in every DUPR National Championship game over the past three years. DUPR CEO highlighted UNC’s impact:
“Part of the reason, why they’ve done so well, they have a great fan base. They’re able to travel and bring out a lot of members to these events, which really does help you play better.” – (Jacob Smith)
Horvath echoed this sentiment, noting the team’s energy and passion on the sidelines:
“We constantly had other schools and other referees telling us that we were the loudest and most spirited team there, and that we just were bringing the most energy on the sidelines. And so I think that energy was infectious and showed other teams that we were really, really passioned.” – (Horvath )
With 26 team members renting multiple Airbnbs for the trip, the experience showed the familial bonds that pickleball has nurtured at UNC. As the team looks forward to a redemption opportunity in April 2025, their sights are set on creating more memories, strengthening their legacy, and reclaiming championship glory.
News in Brief: UNC Club Pickleball’s Semifinal Journey
The UNC Club Pickleball team made a memorable run in the DUPR Collegiate National Championship in November. They reached the semifinals, highlighted by a stunning quarterfinal comeback against No. 1 Utah Valley.
While they fell short against Utah Tech, their friendship and spirited play have solidified their place among collegiate pickleball’s elite. With a redemption tour set for April 2025, the team looks forward to building on its legacy.
ALSO READ: The Rise of Collegiate Pickleball at the 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship
