Pickleball Sport Hits Babson College: The surge in pickleball’s popularity in Wellesley has been a focal point in recent discussions, with local players clamoring for more access to indoor and outdoor courts. This growing interest has sometimes led to tensions with neighbors and other court users.
In response, the town has been adjusting court schedules and exploring new venues that balance community concerns with environmental considerations. Despite these efforts, private indoor facilities like the Longfellow Club are also expanding their presence in Wellesley, reflecting the sport’s increasing appeal.
Expansion at Babson College
The enthusiasm for pickleball has not been confined to local parks; it’s making significant strides at Babson College as well. Carmelo Carbone, founder and president of the Babson Pickleball Club, is spearheading efforts to elevate the club from an intramural activity to an official club-level sport by spring.
Carbone, a senior, noted a dramatic increase in membership over the past year, from a modest group of 10-15 participants to 125 members. The club’s first open play event of the school year saw a turnout of 40 students, showing the sport’s growing traction among the student body.
“I would describe the pickleball scene here as rapidly growing. Last year we would get a consistent 10-15 people to come and now we have 125 members signed up.” – (Carbone)
Challenges and Solutions
Carbone, who founded the club last fall and is now in his first full year of leading it, faces several challenges typical for pickleball enthusiasts. One major hurdle is securing adequate court time, particularly as other sports and events often occupy available spaces.
“So this is my first full year to grow it.” – (Carbone)
“More people are organically finding out about the sport and they want a place to play at Babson. My goal is to try and provide that for them. I give out my phone number to people that want to get involved and have questions about the game so they have a resource to help them with rules, strategy, paddle recommendations, basic motions, etc.” – (Carbone)
Despite efforts to use varsity tennis courts, Carbone has encountered difficulties due to concerns over tape marking. He is exploring alternative options, including indoor basketball courts and facilities in nearby Natick and Hyde Park.
“It’s tough to find time not because of faculty but other club sports using the space, events going on and generally people just using the courts for basketball and other sports.” – (Carbone)
Broader Implications and Future Goals
Carbone’s experience echoes the broader challenges faced by pickleball communities, including those in Wellesley, where demand often outstrips available facilities. He compares this situation to his own experiences in Huntington, Long Island, where a lack of awareness about new courts initially hindered their use.
“Every town has the same issue right now. The sport is growing so rapidly and every town is trying to find a way to meet demand. I started a pickleball program for a facility in my hometown of Huntington, Long Island and my Facebook post blew up because there was a demand for it and courts just got built in the area. People just didn’t know they were there and I feel like that’s is the main problem. Either there are not enough courts in the area, the town doesn’t know where to put them or they exist but people don’t know about them…” – (Carbone)
As he approaches graduation, Carbone aims to establish a solid foundation for the Babson Pickleball Club, hoping to secure funding and resources that will support its growth and potentially pave the way for it to become a varsity sport.
“This is my last year to make an impact and set the program on the right path. Once it becomes official, we can get funding, get more equipment, expand the sport and keep it growing until it becomes a varsity sport at the collegiate level.” – (Carbone)
News in Brief: Pickleball Sport Hits Babson College
Pickleball’s popularity continues to rise in Wellesley and at Babson College. In Wellesley, growing demand has led to adjustments in court schedules and the development of new venues, despite occasional conflicts with neighbors. At Babson College, the Pickleball Club, led by Carmelo Carbone, is expanding rapidly, with membership soaring to 125. Carbone is working to overcome challenges in securing court time and aims to make the club an official sport by spring, with hopes of future varsity status.
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