FIU Pickleball in Tamiami Park: A symphony of clacks echoes across the green courts of Tamiami Park as paddles of various colors strike yellow balls over the nets. The usual noise of nearby traffic fades into the background, replaced by lively conversations, ranging from brief exchanges to spirited debates. Regardless of the weather, these courts are constantly bustling with players eager to engage in their next game of pickleball.
Among the many groups that frequent these courts, one has made a particularly strong impression over the past year: the FIU Pickleball Club. Originally created as a casual gathering for a few friends, the club has rapidly expanded, boasting over 200 members in its first full year.
Building a New Tradition
While pickleball has been around since the 1960s, its recent surge in popularity in the United States has sparked the formation of new communities, including at Florida International University (FIU). The FIU Pickleball Club is more than just a sports group; it’s a thriving community that President Alexandra Coba, once a beginner herself, deeply values.
“It’s really about just the community,” Coba shared, highlighting the connections formed both on and off the court. These relationships are the foundation of the club’s success, driven by a shared commitment to personal growth and mutual support.
More Than a Game
Pickleball, a sport requiring teamwork and communication, extends beyond the court for the members of the FIU Pickleball Club. The mentorship among players is a key element that Coba believes is vital to the club’s dynamic.
“It’s not just the sport itself that does it for us, it’s also the mentorship that goes around.” Coba explained. This mentorship is crucial for recruiting new members, particularly those who might hesitate due to the cost of equipment.
“I don’t see the need for someone to go out of their way and buy something if they haven’t tried it first.” Coba noted. Her commitment to inclusivity is evident; she often brings extra paddles to share with those who are new to the sport.
Embracing Challenges
Pickleball, though a racquet sport like tennis, is distinct in its smaller paddles, quicker pace, and more compact court. These differences make it challenging and exciting, but like any sport, players experience good and bad days. Balancing academics and personal life can sometimes impact performance on the court, a reality Coba and others know well.
“We all have good and bad days, with school it makes it difficult to show up and show out every single time,” Coba admitted. However, she sees these off days as opportunities to learn and improve rather than setbacks.
“If you miss a ball, you need to go ahead and not apologize… just think to yourself, ‘Okay, we have to lock in’ or ‘We have to minimize that mistake.’ Little stuff like that only makes you better.” – (coba)
Expanding the Club’s Reach
The FIU Pickleball Club’s future depends on attracting new members, which isn’t always easy in a university with tens of thousands of students. One successful strategy has been participating in FIU’s F1RST NIGHT, an event that celebrates the beginning of the fall semester. Here, the club sets up a booth with paddles, pickleball balls, and QR codes linking to their social media and WhatsApp group, inviting students to join.
“We bring out decor, we bring out our paddles, and some pickleball balls and we put up our QR codes for social media and for the WhatsApp group chat that we have as well,” Coba explained. While setting up a stand helps raise awareness, it’s the personal interactions that truly make a difference.
“We just try to talk to people that are passing by, and just have an honest conversation with them. Many of them can be shy, especially the freshmen,” Coba added, emphasizing the importance of approachability in recruiting new members.
A Unified Passion
The FIU Pickleball Club has established itself as a vibrant part of the university community, thanks to the dedication of its members. These players, regardless of skill level, are united by their love for the game and for each other.
They are not just athletes but members of a close-knit community that values connection and support above all else. In the end, that community is what truly defines the FIU Pickleball Club.
News in Brief: FIU Pickleball in Tamiami Park
The FIU Pickleball Club, founded just a year ago, has quickly grown to over 200 members, becoming a vibrant part of the university community. Led by President Alexandra Coba, the club emphasizes teamwork, mentorship, and inclusivity, even providing equipment to new players.
The club actively recruits through events like FIU’s F1RST NIGHT, where they engage with students and promote their activities. Despite the challenges of balancing academics and sport, members find camaraderie and personal growth on the court. The club’s success lies in its strong sense of community and commitment to helping each other improve.
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