Pickleball at Western Washington University: Pickleball has become one of the most popular recreational activities at Western Washington University, with an increasing number of students and faculty joining the sport. The surge in interest follows a nationwide trend where participation in pickleball has skyrocketed, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Sport for All: Growing Interest Among Students and Faculty
Pickleball’s growth on campus is largely attributed to its accessibility and social nature, making it an ideal option for students and faculty looking to stay active. Jill MacIntyre Witt, a Western Washington University instructor who teaches pickleball, believes the pandemic played a major role in the sport’s rise. “People were looking for outdoor activities, and pickleball caught on quickly,” she says.
Classes offered by MacIntyre Witt have become popular, drawing attention from students and faculty eager to learn the game. Sten Brakstad, a student, reflects on his experience in a winter pickleball class.
“In this last quarter, I learned the most about pickleball in my entire pickleball career. Once we got to the playing unit, it was just a blast to get to know the people in your class and play against them.” – (Brakstad)
Open Gym Sessions and Tournaments: A Strong Campus Presence
Beyond classes, Western’s Campus Rec provides additional opportunities to play through open gym sessions and occasional tournaments. Held from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, these open sessions are a hit with students looking to get involved. Lucy Caples, the coordinator for intramurals, shares that the tournaments have been consistently well-attended.
“We had a big push at the beginning when we first offered the tournament, but after that initial push it has stayed pretty consistent. People just like to play pickleball.” – (Caples)
For many, pickleball has become more than just a casual sport; it’s a fun way to stay active and engaged. Professor David Wallin, who joined a beginner class, emphasizes the benefits.
“It’s a lot of fun, good exercise, and I’ve learned a lot about the game.” – (Wallin)
News in Brief: Pickleball at Western Washington University
Pickleball has seen a significant rise in popularity at Western Washington University, thanks to accessible classes, open gym sessions, and casual tournaments. The sport’s rapid growth has made it a favorite recreational activity on campus for students and faculty.
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