Pickleball Playoff Push by Team Dinky: Following a regular season that saw highs, lows, and a forfeited game, Team Dinky is set to take on the post-season challenge. The team, part of Texas A&M’s competitive intramural pickleball league, finished its regular season with a 2-2 record. Now, they’re preparing for a first-round playoff matchup against the Team Haiders, scheduled for 8:15 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Omar Smith Instructional Tennis Center.
With 110 teams competing for playoff glory in leagues across Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the full schedule is available on Pickleball IMLeague.
National Trend Reflected on Campus
Pickleball at Texas A&M isn’t just an intramural hobby—it’s a reflection of the sport’s meteoric rise across the country. According to PickleForPay.com, pickleball has become America’s fastest-growing sport, and college campuses like A&M are fully embracing it. The low-cost, inclusive nature of pickleball has made it a favorite among students who use it to break free from academic pressures.
At A&M, beyond the intramural leagues, students can join the pickleball club or take part in Physical Education Activity Program courses focused on the sport. The combination of competition and community-building makes pickleball a centerpiece of the university’s intramural offerings.
A Rollercoaster of Regular Season
Team Dinky’s regular season was anything but predictable. Despite a respectable 2-2 record, the team only took the court for three matches, one match being a forfeit. Their first game of the season, against the Team Chaps, was a brutal introduction to competitive play.
“We gave it our all, but it wasn’t enough,” said Devadath Nair, an industrial engineering senior. In a particularly tough moment, he tore his pants while trying to return a ball during the 21-1 rout.
“A bloodbath is an understatement.” – (Devadath Nair)
Building Momentum Despite Setbacks
Team Dinky’s second outing was far more competitive, as the team took on Team TickleBalls in a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Kinesiology senior Ananya Luthria reflected on the game, which ended 21-17 in favor of their opponent team.
“The second game was more fun because we were able to hold our ground a little longer.” – (Ananya Luthria)
Though team Dinky ultimately fell short, the competitive nature of the match helped boost their confidence heading into the post-season. Now, with the regular season behind them, team Dinky will step onto Court 7 against the Team Haiders, hoping to extend their playoff run.
News in Brief: Pickleball Playoff Push by Team Dinky
Team Dinky is heading into the intramural pickleball playoffs at Texas A&M following a 2-2 regular season, with their first playoff game scheduled against the Team Haiders on Sept. 30. Despite a tough start, including a 21-1 loss to the Team Chaps, the team showed resilience in a more competitive second game.
Pickleball’s rise at A&M mirrors national trends, with students embracing the sport as a competitive outlet and a way to de-stress. The full playoff schedule, featuring 110 teams, is available on Pickleball IMLeague.
ALSO READ: Pickleball Players Unite for a Life Saving Cause: Supporting Local Cancer Patients!
