Ben Johns and the UMD Pickleball Club: Ben Johns, known as the top male pickleball player globally, didn’t just focus on academics and sports during his college days at the University of Maryland (UMD). In 2017, he laid the groundwork for something special by founding the UMD Pickleball Club.
After a recent match of the Carolina Pickleball Club at MLP D.C., Johns took time to connect with current members of the UMD Pickleball Club at a meet-and-greet. This gave him a chance to witness firsthand how the club has grown since his graduation.
“The first time I ran a meeting, there were like six people who showed up,” Johns shared with the students.
Today, the club has 120 members, demonstrating its significant growth over the years. Alyssa Orlando, a club member, expressed her amazement at the club’s expansion, saying, “We’re now at 120 members, It’s amazing to see how much it’s grown.”
The event wasn’t just about meeting Ben Johns; it also gave UMD students the opportunity to witness professional pickleball players in action during the MLP season’s second event.
Muhammad Ramamni, Vice President of UMD Pickleball Club, shared his excitement about the experience: “The most exciting thing about today was seeing a professional pickleball match live. I’ve never seen one before. It was a great experience,”
New club member Kathryn Lawless also had a chance to connect with Johns over their shared interest in engineering. She appreciated Johns’ advice, particularly as she is new to pickleball and eager to improve. Her words were, “We got to relate over both being engineering majors, so he gave me some advice that was really helpful, I’m new to pickleball, and seeing where the club came from just makes me more excited to learn more and get better.”
It’s unusual for a college club’s founder to become a professional athlete, let alone the best globally. Members of the UMD Pickleball Club are proud of Ben Johns’ accomplishments.
“Ben Johns founded our pickleball club, and now he’s the best pickleball player in the world,” Ramamni said.
This legacy is remarkable and deserves acknowledgment for its influence on the sport and the UMD community. Johns’ dedication to pickleball continues to inspire current and future members of the UMD Pickleball Club.
News in Brief: Ben Johns and the UMD Pickleball Club
Ben Johns, renowned as the top male pickleball player worldwide, left a lasting impact beyond sports during his time at the University of Maryland (UMD). In 2017, he founded the UMD Pickleball Club, which has flourished since then. Recently, Johns reunited with current club members at an event, reflecting on its growth from just six initial members to now boasting 120.
The gathering also offered UMD students a chance to watch professional pickleball matches live, a first for many. Muhammad Ramamni, the club’s Vice President, highlighted the excitement of witnessing Johns’ journey from club founder to global champion. This legacy not only enriches UMD’s pickleball community but also inspires members like Kathryn Lawless, who find motivation in Johns’ success and guidance.
Also read: James Ignatowich on Playing with Ben Johns and Anna Bright
