Pickleball Fever Hits Baylor: In 1965, three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—found themselves searching for entertainment on Bainbridge Island, Washington. After experimenting with equipment and rules, they invented a new game: pickleball. Nearly 60 years later, the sport has become a phenomenon, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. At Baylor University, the surge in pickleball popularity has reached campus, bringing a new recreational option to students and staff alike.
Community Spirit Drives Popularity
Tyler junior Austin Emery, vice president of the Baylor Pickleball Club, highlighted the sport’s appeal.
“It’s something everyone can pick up and have fun with. There’s not a huge learning curve. On Baylor’s campus, I think people were just ready to look for something new. A great thing that helped the pickleball club grow is that people are ready to jump in and attendance has been incredible. That hasn’t been because of the pickleball club, it’s just been because of the Baylor community and their eagerness to get out and have fun with each other.” – (emery)
Despite the club boasting around 70 official members, limited court availability has hampered participation. The lack of pickleball courts has restricted the club’s ability to host larger pickleball tournaments and invite the Waco community to join in.
Expansion Plans on the Horizon
However, this limitation is set to change. Baylor is planning to construct additional pickleball courts near Penland Hall, a project spearheaded by Director of Campus Recreation Kim Scott.
“Presently there are 10 tennis courts. There are six upper courts that are closer to Penland and four lower courts that are closer to Marrs McLean Gym. The plan is to resurface the four lower courts and paint 11 pickleball courts on that area. It will be a dedicated pickleball area for students to use. This will also provide a space for the pickleball club to practice and compete.” – (scott)
The resurfacing is slated to commence soon, with the courts expected to be ready for play by mid-January to early March. Emery expressed the club’s excitement for the new facilities, noting ambitious plans for future tournaments.
A Commitment to Student Well-Being
“We’re really excited about it. We’re hoping to run some incredible tournaments second semester. We have some really big plans in the works and hoping to get some sponsors out there and help us kick this opening of the courts off.” – (emery)
Pickleball has firmly established itself within the Baylor community, evidenced by the club’s growth and increased participation in intramural activities. Scott emphasized that the university’s investment in new courts stems from a commitment to enhancing student well-being.
“The courts will provide a safe and healthy place for students to engage physically and socially, both of which contribute to enhanced mental health which correlates directly to academic performance. The health and well-being of our students is the primary purpose of having departments dedicated to the holistic practices that help students achieve their goals. This one project hits on almost every component of student health and wellbeing.” – (scott)
Creating Lasting Connections
For many at Baylor, pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s an integral part of their college experience. Emery shared his personal connection, saying,
“It’s made my college experience a lot of fun. Pickleball’s been a place where I can go out and meet new people. I’ve met some of my best friends out there on the courts so it’s really just a great community-building place for me.” – (emery)
Scott remains optimistic about the future of pickleball at Baylor, eager to accommodate the growing interest among students.
“I am not sure what the future holds, but we will measure the usage and be ready to meet the needs of the students in any and every way possible. I hope when the press release goes out and the ribbon is cut at the newly renovated courts, students will show their excitement and enthusiasm by filling up every available time slot and take the next step in becoming the healthiest version of themselves—all with gratitude in their hearts.” – (scott)
As the fall pickleball intramural season wrapped up last Thursday, anticipation builds for the co-rec pickleball season registration opening on February 24, 2025, with games set to begin in mid-March after the new courts are completed.
News in Brief: Pickleball Fever Hits Baylor
Baylor University is set to expand its recreational facilities by adding dedicated pickleball courts near Penland Hall, addressing the growing interest in the sport among students. Currently, the Baylor Pickleball Club has about 70 members, but limited court space has hindered participation in tournaments.
Director of Campus Recreation Kim Scott shared that the new courts aim to enhance students’ physical and mental well-being. The resurfacing of existing tennis courts is expected to be completed between mid-January and early March 2025, with plans for tournaments in the second semester.
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