University Student Pickleball Craze: Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports on college campuses across the United States. Dozens of universities, including the University of Alabama and the University of Florida, are building courts and starting clubs to meet rising student interest. The game is easy to learn, social, and fun, making it a top pick for young adults looking to stay active and make friends.
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball has grown 233 percent over the last three years. Today, young adults between the ages of 25 and 35 make up the largest group of players, totaling about 2.3 million. Many colleges are now creating new spaces for the sport and giving students free access to gear through campus recreation centers.
View this post on Instagram
Why College Students Are Hooked
Pickleball has become a trend among college students, similar to past fads like Zumba and quadball. Today’s students are still into things like Pilates and rock climbing, but pickleball stands out because of its low cost, small court, and easy-to-learn rules. It doesn’t require much running and is usually played in doubles, making it great for casual, social play.
Mark Chang, an associate professor at the State University of New York at Brockport, is studying why young people are drawn to the game. His early research shows that students enjoy pickleball because it helps them learn new skills, win games, and connect with others.
“They want to master some kind of skill, they want to win some kind of game and they want to be connected and engage socially,” Chang said.
Chang also said that students who played racquet sports like tennis or racquetball often find it easier to pick up pickleball. While social media helps build awareness of the game, students mostly say they play for fun, fitness, and friendship.
Colleges Invest in Courts and Clubs
To keep up with student demand, colleges across the country are building or updating pickleball courts. The University of the Pacific became the first college to open a combined pickleball and padel facility in 2024. In the past year, schools like Arkansas Tech University, Eastern Mennonite University, Eastern Illinois University, Columbus State University, Wright State University, Penn State University, Duke University, Troy University, Tulane University, and Baylor University have also joined the trend.
View this post on Instagram
The University of Alabama spent $1.6 million to add 10 new pickleball courts at its tennis facility. Steven Hood, the university’s vice president of student life, said the upgrade helps include more students in campus activities.
“These courts appeal to a broad demographic, even some of our students who may not be as familiar with fitness and recreation,” Hood said. “It’s a great opportunity to connect and engage students promoting physical activity.”
Nationally, pickleball courts are growing fast. The number of courts grew by 55 percent in 2024. According to USA Pickleball, there are now 15,910 courts in the country.
Community, Fun, and Opportunity
Pickleball is also bringing students closer together. Many campuses now have clubs where students can meet others with the same interests. These clubs help promote student health, teamwork, and a sense of community. USA Pickleball lists 212 college pickleball clubs nationwide. They range from the University of Alaska Fairbanks to Colby College in Maine and the University of Miami in Florida.
At the University of Florida, the pickleball club grew from 200 members in 2022 to more than 400 in 2024. Cornell University also launched a club in 2024, which now has 200 players showing up each week.
Pickleball can even open the door to income and leadership opportunities. After winning the collegiate pickleball championship, the University of Virginia’s club formed a five-member business team to handle name, image, and likeness deals. Students at Utah Tech University can earn scholarships through playing in pickleball tournaments or taking on leadership roles within their clubs.
Whittier College added its first intramural pickleball league in the fall of 2024. The school hopes the sport will help boost participation in its other intramural activities, like kickball. Columbus State University leaders share the same hope—that pickleball will get more students involved in recreational sports.
Some events even link students with alumni. The University of Southern Indiana recently hosted an Alumni Pickleball Tournament, helping students meet mentors and feel more connected to the campus.
Pickleball’s Impact on Campus Life
Pickleball is more than just a sport—it’s changing college life. As more schools invest in courts, clubs, and events, students gain more chances to stay active, meet people, and even earn scholarships or money through the sport. The fast growth of pickleball shows no signs of slowing down, and college campuses are becoming one of its biggest playgrounds.
News in Brief: University Student Pickleball Craze
Pickleball is booming on college campuses, with schools like the University of Alabama and Cornell University building courts and launching clubs. Students love the sport’s simplicity and social feel. With new courts, club memberships, and even scholarships, pickleball is becoming a key part of student life across the U.S.