UMass Lowell Pickleball Slam: Despite living in nearby Dracut, Massachusetts, Diane Pitta ’82 had lost touch with her alma mater since earning a bachelor’s degree in health education from UMass Lowell more than 40 years ago. That all changed recently, thanks to the growing popularity of pickleball.
“Pickleball has drawn me back to the university.” remarked Diane Pitta, who began participating in drop-in games at the Campus Recreation Center last year after obtaining an alumni membership.
A Community Gathering
During Homecoming Weekend, Diane Pitta joined 180 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community members for UML’s second annual Pickleball Slam. The pickleball event, held under clear skies on the outdoor tennis courts, raised nearly $12,000 to support student veterans and the Campus Rec Center.
“It’s a win-win for the university.” Diane Pitta noted, who partnered with fellow alumna Pat McGuirk ’84 to secure second place in their women’s division.
“It drew somebody like me who had been disconnected from the university for so long, and it raises money, which is fantastic.” – (Diane Pitta)
Behind the Scenes
The tournament was organized by Registrar Mai Nguyen, recognized as UML’s unofficial “pied piper of pickleball” in collaboration with Meghan Jordan, the rec center’s associate director of competitive sports. Their efforts showed a blend of competitive spirit and community engagement.
The top three teams across 11 divisions—comprising four women’s, three men’s, and four mixed categories—were awarded medals designed by sophomore engineering major Patrick Hartman and 3D-printed in the Lawrence Lin MakerSpace.
Generosity from Sponsors
Additionally, tournament sponsors contributed nearly $3,000 worth of pickleball paddles, sports gear, and gift certificates, which were awarded to medalists and used as raffle prizes.
The Pickleball Slam was not just a sporting event; it was part of a vibrant Homecoming weekend that also featured the UML hockey team sweeping Colgate University at the Tsongas Center—5-2 on Friday’s “Pickleball Night” and 2-1 on Saturday night.
Moreover, the pickleball tournament coincided with the annual Jennifer’s Run/Walk 5K, aimed at raising scholarship funds in memory of Jennifer.
News in Brief: UMass Lowell Pickleball Slam
The second annual Pickleball Slam at UMass Lowell raised nearly $12,000 for student veterans and the Campus Recreation Center. Organized by Registrar Mai Nguyen and associate director Meghan Jordan, the pickleball event attracted 180 participants, including alumni and community members.
Diane Pitta ’82, who returned to campus for the pickleball tournament, partnered with Pat McGuirk ’84 to finish second in their women’s division. The pickleball event featured 11 divisions, with medals designed by a student, and also highlighted contributions from sponsors, enhancing the spirit of community and competition.
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