Pickleball Gains Popularity at Colorado State University: Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America, has found a welcoming home at Colorado State University (CSU), where students can enjoy the sport’s low-impact nature while staying active and engaged. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball’s popularity has skyrocketed, with 13.6 million players in 2023. This easy-to-learn sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is now accessible to all students at CSU, with the Student Recreation Center offering free equipment rentals and drop-in hours.
How Pickleball Became Popular
Pickleball’s origins date back to 1965, when Congressman Joel Pritchard and businessman Bill Bell created the game. The two had a badminton court but no rackets, so they decided to use ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball. The goal was to create a game that the whole family could play together. Today, pickleball is enjoyed by players of all skill levels due to its social and fun aspects.
The game is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, where players use paddles to hit a plastic ball back and forth. It can be played with two or four players, and its simple rules make it easy for newcomers to join in.
Pickleball at CSU: Accessible and Fun
At CSU, students can easily get involved in pickleball thanks to the equipment rentals available at the Student Recreation Center. Paddles and bats are free to rent, and with designated drop-in hours, there are plenty of opportunities to play. Taylor Paumen, a CSU graduate, enjoys playing with her friends, noting the simplicity and fun of the game.
“It just requires a few pieces of equipment, and it’s cheap,” Paumen said. “It doesn’t require a lot.” Paumen and her friends enjoy the social aspect of the sport, adding that the competitive nature makes it even more enjoyable.
“It is something fun to do together that’s active,” she added. The group plays casually, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, while still making the game competitive by placing bets on each other.
Intramural Leagues and Tournaments
For those seeking a bit more challenge, CSU offers intramural leagues and tournaments in the fall, spring, and summer. The competitive side of pickleball draws students like Adam Eicher and Bridgette Sauter, who play on a team called “Larry the cucumber + vinegar = larrythepickle.”
“I grew up playing ping-pong, so it kind of gives a lot of that,” Eicher said. “It’s a perfect middle ground.”
Recently, a pickleball tournament took place on February 27, where teams competed in singles and doubles matches. One standout duo, Walker Adams and Tyler Bollegar, made their mark by wearing matching black and white jerseys with “Rock Hard Paddlers” printed on them, along with images of actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The two had only been playing for three weeks before deciding to fully embrace the sport with custom outfits.
The Growth and Appeal of Pickleball
Pickleball has quickly become a favorite among CSU students. Whether they’re playing casually with friends or competing in tournaments, the sport’s social and low-impact nature makes it an appealing option for students looking for a fun way to stay active. The increasing popularity of pickleball and its growing community at CSU ensure that the sport will remain a central part of student life.
“Just keep playing, and always play with someone who’s better than you,” Eicher said. “That’s how you really get better.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Gains Popularity at Colorado State University
Pickleball is growing in popularity at Colorado State University, where students can play the sport through free equipment rentals and drop-in hours at the Student Recreation Center. For those seeking competition, intramural leagues and tournaments are available. CSU students enjoy the sport for its low impact and social nature.
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