Pickleball Craze Starts at Ohio University: On Sunday mornings, the Ohio University Pickleball Club gathers at the Golf and Tennis Center for a lively mix of camaraderie and competition. Students come together to play a sport that’s both easy to pick up and fun to master, bonding over a shared interest while enjoying some friendly competition.
Jacob Sizemore, a senior studying economics and president of the club, has been instrumental in its growth since its founding two years ago. His role includes organizing meetings, scheduling matches with other Ohio schools, and teaching the rules to new players.
“I’m trying to go around and just teach people how to play pickleball (and) promote a positive environment.” – (Sizemore)
Competitive Edge in a Positive Setting
While the club maintains a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, the competitive nature of the sport is never far behind. Both Sizemore and fellow club member Tyler Douthwaite, a senior studying mechanical engineering, found themselves drawn to the game through the challenge of losing and the motivation to improve.
“It’s easy to pick up; it’s fun,” Douthwaite remarked, highlighting the sport’s accessibility.
The club’s social setting allows players to enjoy the game while honing their skills. For some, like Sizemore and Douthwaite, the competition fuels their drive to get better.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity at Ohio University
The rise of the Pickleball Club hasn’t gone unnoticed. Carter Keinath, a senior studying health and physical education and a supervisor at the Golf and Tennis Center, has seen the club’s growth firsthand. From his position at the front desk, Keinath has witnessed the courts filling up with eager players.
“It’s one of those things you can pick up and be competitive even if you’re having fun. It’s not too overly complicated.” – (Keinath)
According to Keinath, the club has seen an increase in participation since its founding, drawing more students each year.
“When they’re here it’s definitely unreal, when we have to go outside … the courts are definitely filled with players that want to play.” – (Keinath)
Sizemore echoed this sentiment, noting the surge in interest at the university’s Involvement Fair, where students shared how they had been playing pickleball all summer and were excited to join the club.
Socializing and Staying Active Through Pickleball
Beyond its competitive edge, pickleball’s appeal lies in its social aspects. For Sizemore, the sport has been a way to meet new people and strengthen connections within the community.
“I play with a lot of the community members here and I would have never known them … and you’re playing doubles too so you have a partner, you’re constantly talking to them.” – (Sizemore)
Pickleball’s physical benefits are also a major draw. According to Sizemore, it’s a low-impact exercise that works for all ages and fitness levels.
“It’s a low impact sport that you can still do for exercise while not having to go run or go to the gym, but you’re still definitely burning calories.” – (Sizemore)
The affordability of the sport only adds to its widespread appeal.
“Pickleball is so cheap and it’s a lot of fun. You can get people to play regardless of skill level or age.” – (Keinath)
As participation continues to grow, the club provides an outlet for anyone passionate about the game. With its balance of fun, competition, and social interaction, the Ohio University Pickleball Club welcomes students of all skill levels to get involved.
News in Brief: Pickleball Craze Starts at Ohio University
Ohio University’s Pickleball Club offers students a fun, social, and competitive environment. Founded two years ago by Jacob Sizemore, the club has seen growing interest, with participation increasing at the university’s Involvement Fair. The sport’s low-impact nature, affordability, and social benefits appeal to students and community members.
With regular gatherings at the Golf and Tennis Center, the club provides an inclusive space for players of all skill levels to enjoy pickleball, exercise, and form connections. The club meets weekly and welcomes new members who share a love for the game.
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