Whitewater’s Pickleball Club: The Pickleball Club at Whitewater is providing students with an easy-to-learn, low-impact sport that encourages an active lifestyle. Open to all skill levels, the club offers social and competitive play, allowing members to engage in fun games or train for high-level tournaments.
A Club for All Players
“Pickleball is a lot of fun; it helps a person become active, relaxing, and intense while having a sense of excitement,” said club president Sophia Busse.
Busse joined the club after seeing it at a campus sports fair and was able to participate despite having no prior experience. The club accommodates different levels of players, with social players engaging in casual matches twice a week and competitive players traveling to Fort Atkinson for focused training sessions.
“I enjoy being competitive and being able to form good team work where we can be able to joke around while still being able to make connections with the board and members of the club.” – (Busse)
Competitive Success and Club Growth
The Pickleball club has expanded since its founding in 2021. Initially practicing on basketball courts with badminton lines, it has since evolved into a well-structured program that competes in national tournaments.
“Pickleball is a hybrid of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. It is a unique game that is easy for a beginner to pick up.” – (Sara Sowinski)
Sowinski played in the first Collegiate National Tournament in Texas, where she qualified for nationals. She values the sense of community the club fosters, bringing together players from different backgrounds. Lauren Kremer, another member, emphasized the club’s welcoming environment.
“This season has been exciting. We’ve seen a lot of improvement and the matches have been competitive. Whether it’s casual games or tournament games. We’ve also had a lot of growth and participation from new members, so it’s been fun to watch the club grow.” – (Kremer)
Looking Ahead
The club’s success has led to major tournament appearances, including a National Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida, and an upcoming event in Atlanta, Georgia. It also organizes summer fundraiser tournaments to support travel costs and improve equipment.
“Pickleball helps promote a healthy lifestyle and it helps support students.” – (Busse)
News in Brief: Whitewater’s Pickleball Club
The Pickleball Club at Whitewater welcomes all skill levels and has grown rapidly since 2021. Members enjoy social and competitive play, with some qualifying for national tournaments. The club continues to expand, hosting fundraisers and competing against top schools. Leaders emphasize its benefits for health, community, and competitive success.
ALSO READ: The Best Pickleball Vacations for 2025—Resorts That Offer Pickleball Courts and Comfort!