The global popularity of pickleball is rising with students at Michigan State University (MSU), where an increase of new members is breathing life into the university’s burgeoning pickleball scene. As interest in the sport rises, the Michigan State University Pickleball Association is adapting to accommodate the growing demand for participation.
Unexpected Turnout
Established just three years ago, the Michigan State University Pickleball Association was unprepared for the overwhelming turnout at its recent team tryouts. The club’s leadership had to revise its plans, splitting the sessions to accommodate nearly 100 aspiring players.
“I think we had close to 100 show up for tryouts, so we had to split (tryout sessions) up into 50 people each.” said Nolan Spadafore, a junior supply chain major and a key figure in the club’s activities.
Efforts to launch a pickleball club at MSU have seen ups and downs, but Spadafore’s brother, Nicholas, reignited the initiative in 2021.
“My older brother who graduated last year (2024), he and his buddy got it going again. They did everything they could to get it going again two years ago.” – (Nolan Spadafore)
Personal Connections and Competitive Spirit
Nolan Spadafore’s connection to the sport began with tennis in high school, but it was his father’s interest in pickleball that sparked his enthusiasm.
“I kind of just went and messed around with him, and I always just thought it was fun after I stopped playing (tennis) in high school.” – (Nolan Spadafore)
Club president Olivia DelVerne, a senior accounting major, sought out pickleball as a way to recapture her competitive edge after high school. The sport’s inclusive nature allows players from diverse backgrounds to engage, making it an attractive option for many.
“Going into college, I no longer had that sport, kind of competition aspect. It attracts a lot of people. Getting to play with my grandparents and my mom and dad, people like that is something that I think a lot of people look forward to as well.” – (Olivia DelVerne)
Growth and Opportunities
The Michigan State University Pickleball Association has experienced remarkable growth in a short time. Through fundraising efforts, $25 dues for court fees, and sponsorship from Gamma, a prominent tennis and pickleball racquet brand, the club has secured equipment for all members. This year, practices are no longer constrained by early morning hours, a significant change from previous seasons.
“My freshman year, we didn’t even meet once a week, it was every other week. It was just a new club, and nobody wanted to give us a chance with courts. We had no say to kick people off the courts because it was for pickleball club. Practices used to be at 6 in the morning at IM East. This year is a lot different.” – (Nolan Spadafore)
The association features a travel team and a social club. For those not qualifying for the competitive travel team, the social club offers an alternative for students looking to socialize and play at a leisure pace.
“Almost everyone that didn’t make the travel team is a part of the social club, so we have probably between 150-175 people in total between the social club and travel team.” – (Nolan Spadafore)
Upcoming Competitions
As the travel team prepares for its first invitational against Purdue, a total of 12 players—plus four practice players—are gearing up for a chance to compete at nationals in Texas, pending their performance. Some members have already participated in competitions, including an event in Cincinnati on September 22.
Olivia DelVerne, now in her second year on the executive board, is dedicated to enhancing the club’s offerings beyond just pickleball. Although leading a rapidly growing organization can be demanding, the joy of fostering a community around a shared passion keeps her motivated.
“They (e-board) needed some extra help in scheduling new things. We wanted to get more of a social aspect of it like hayrides and those kind of things. We were so ecstatic that so many people were interested. In the past year, numbers spiked tremendously, which is awesome because we love that people are out and being active and making friends.” – (Olivia DelVerne)
News in Brief: Michigan State University Pickleball Association
The Michigan State University Pickleball Association has experienced significant growth, with nearly 100 participants at recent tryouts. Established three years ago, the club now features a travel team and a social club, attracting between 150-175 members.
As the club prepares for upcoming competitions, including an invitational against Purdue, president Olivia DelVerne emphasizes the importance of building a community while providing opportunities for students to connect through pickleball.
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