Seattle University Pickleball Tournament: Seattle University students gathered on May 19, 2025, at the Redhawk Activity Court for a spring quarter intramural pickleball tournament, organized by University Recreation. With matches running across three courts, the event showed how the sport has become one of the most popular on campus due to its simple rules and fun atmosphere.
A Popular Sport with Easy Access
Pickleball has been a part of Seattle University’s intramural program for many years. It takes place at the Redhawk Activity Court, often behind the scenes of louder sports like basketball. But those who listen closely can hear the distinct sound of “dinking” as paddles tap the ball over the net.
Tori Somsanith, a third-year nursing student and competitive sports manager at University Recreation, said the sport is in high demand among students.
“I would say pickleball’s one of the most popular sports out of the ones we offer. It’s usually one of the ones that have all the slots fill up pretty quickly because a lot of people enjoy playing.” – (Somsanith)
Student Players Share Their Love for the Game
On the evening of the tournament, student teams rotated in and out of games, with paddle taps and smiles after each match. For many, pickleball is easy to join, and no experience is needed to get started.
“I think a lot of people are into it just because it’s a pretty simple sport to pick up, anyone can play. You don’t have to have any prior experience, so I feel like it’s very welcoming for anyone to join.” – (Somsanith)
Owen Tanner, a third-year computer engineering student, and Brian Ortiz, a third-year chemical science student, started playing pickleball during their first year at Seattle University.
“We’ve been friends for a while, and we’ve been playing intramurals together, so we just said, ‘screw it, let’s play pickleball.’” – (Owen Tanner)
Brian Ortiz continues to play even after the school year ends. He joins games at the YMCA during the summer with much older and experienced players.
“During the summer, when I go home, I just play at the YMCA with a whole bunch of random older people. They’re like, in their 50s and like, probably better than anyone here. It’s insane.” – (Brian Ortiz)
A Mix of Fun, Challenge, and Rivalry
While some play casually, others take it more seriously. Lucius Turkalj, a second-year business economics student, plays almost every day at the school club and city courts.
Lucius Turkalj enjoys the club’s wide range of skill levels and open play times. When asked about strong players, Brian Ortiz mentioned a standout competitor from past tournaments named Bryan, who once won without a partner.
“We named our team Bryan’s Nightmare this year, to come back and take gold. I think we could do it this year. We got some new competitors that I haven’t seen before that might be a little challenging.” – (Lucius Turkalj)
Fun Team Names Add to the Experience
Many teams pick funny or clever names. Owen Tanner and Brian Ortiz call themselves “Pickle Rick” this quarter.
“Rick turned into a pickle and he says, ‘I’m Pickle Rick.’” – (Owen Tanner)
Students can borrow paddles, balls, and nets for free from University Recreation. The Seattle University Pickleball Club also holds open play every Wednesday and Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m. The next tournament is on June 2. Whether Bryan, Lucius Turkalj, or a new team will win remains to be seen.
News in Brief: Seattle University Pickleball Tournament
Seattle University’s spring intramural pickleball tournament took place on May 19, 2025, showing the sport’s growing popularity. Students enjoy the fun, easy-to-learn game. Top players like Lucius Turkalj and past winner Bryan lead the competition, with the next tournament set for June 2.
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