College Campuses Pickleball Boom: Pickleball is now one of the most popular sports on college campuses across the United States. With more than 150 colleges offering it as a club or intramural activity, students are picking up paddles and making the game a big part of campus life this school year.
Young Players Drive the Growth
Pickleball was once thought of as a game for older adults. But now, students in the 18–24 age range are leading in participation, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2025 report. In 2024, nearly 2 million teens played the sport.
Even high schoolers are joining the trend. Participation in the 13–17 age group has more than doubled in just two years. As these teens head to college, many are continuing to play the game through campus clubs and recreation programs.
Pickleball’s mix of fun, competition, and social interaction is helping it grow quickly among Gen Z students.
Big Investments on Campus
Colleges across the country are building new courts or updating old ones. They are making room for the sport’s rise in popularity among students.
At Texas A&M University, students can use 28 courts. The University of Maryland offers 16 courts. The Ohio State University has eight pickleball courts and may add more.
Pepperdine University built eight new courts and provides free equipment. Baylor University will soon open 11 new courts. The University of Georgia has 18 courts, showing just how big the sport has become there.
In one of the biggest projects, the University of Alabama is spending $1.6 million to add 10 new pickleball courts to its tennis complex.
A Healthy Outlet for Students
Pickleball is growing not only because it’s fun, but because it helps students stay active and feel better.
Pickleball is easy to learn, doesn’t require tryouts, and offers a good workout without being too intense. Students get moving, improve coordination, and enjoy the social side of the game. It also helps reduce stress from classes and college life.
As Eli Eliason, a junior economics major and Vice President of the Georgia Tech Pickleball Club, explained:
“I started playing pickleball during my freshman year, and it quickly became the best part of my week. It’s a nice break from the pressure of exams and internships.
You get a real workout without even realizing it, and the doubles format makes it so easy to meet people. Some of my closest friends on campus I’ve met on the pickleball court.”
JOOLA’s Support for Campus Pickleball
Pickleball equipment company JOOLA is helping grow the game at the college level. JOOLA became the Official Sponsor of DUPR Collegiate Pickleball in 2024. This tournament series is the biggest one for college players in the country.
JOOLA also partners with schools such as the University of Wisconsin, Harvard University, Georgia Tech, the University of Southern California, the University of Hawaii, and Miami University in Ohio. These efforts support open play, club tournaments, and help make the sport more fun and easy to join.
A Game That Builds Community
As students settle into the school year, pickleball is more than just a new hobby—it’s becoming a major part of college life. It helps students stay active, make friends, and take care of their mental health. With strong school support and help from brands like JOOLA, the game is growing fast.
News in Brief: College Campuses Pickleball Boom
Pickleball is now a top activity on U.S. college campuses, with over 150 schools offering it as a club or intramural sport. Students love the game’s social, physical, and mental health benefits. Big investments and support from companies like JOOLA show that pickleball is here to stay.
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