Kendall Campus Welcomes Pickleball: Pickleball, the rapidly growing sport that blends tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has become a central feature at Kendall Campus. The sport’s rise in popularity led to the construction of four dedicated pickleball courts in the Racquet Sports Complex near the G building in 2022. To meet the increasing demand from students and community members, the campus expanded by adding 10 more courts, providing ample space for players of all skill levels.
The Kendall Pickleball Alliance: A Community for All
These new courts are now home to the Kendall Pickleball Alliance (KPA), a vibrant club dedicated to bringing people together who share a love for the sport. The KPA is led by Michelle Zimmermann, a 19-year-old interior design student who serves as president. Alongside her are vice president Yosdany Angulo-Cartas, secretary Samuel Castro Guerrero, and treasurer Ashlee Lopez.
Zimmermann highlights the power of pickleball in fostering connections between players. “When you share the love of a sport with somebody else, that connects you with somebody you didn’t think you’d ever be connecting with,” she explained. With 26 active members, the KPA meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m., providing a friendly and inclusive environment for beginners and experienced players alike.
Tournaments and Events for Every Skill Level
The KPA hosts various tournaments designed to cater to players of different abilities, from beginners to advanced athletes. While players are encouraged to bring their own gear, the club provides a limited number of paddles and balls for those with a valid MDC ID. This focus on welcoming both seasoned players and newcomers is at the heart of the KPA’s mission to build a strong, inclusive community.
Magdalena “Cookie” Rosell, manager of the SharkFit Recreation Fitness, Aquatics, and Wellness Center, serves as the KPA’s adviser. She emphasizes how pickleball provides a much-needed break for students dealing with the stresses of academic life. “College students encounter stress with exams and classes and life in general, and pickleball is a great way of having that energy and really distressing, you know, to bring in positive stress,” said Rosell.
A Celebration of Inclusion: Pickleball on Wheels
In recognition of Disability Awareness Month, the KPA hosted Pickleball on Wheels on October 30. This unique event brought together members of the ACCESS department and the Diverse Student Organization to play pickleball in adapted wheelchairs, promoting inclusivity within the sport.
Zimmermann recalled the event’s emotional moments, saying, “We played with some of the members in wheelchairs, and seeing my members connect with them was nice because it’s not easy playing pickleball on wheels. It was nice to see them form that kind of connection; no matter if you’re handicapped or not, everybody’s the same in the pickleball world.”
Personal Growth Through Pickleball
Ricardo Crespo, a biomedical engineering student and KPA member, shared how joining the club helped him overcome social anxiety. “My first day there everyone was very welcoming and they spoke to me… playing pickleball is a very good icebreaker,” said Crespo. “I had to talk to a whole bunch of people I did not know, so that helped with my social anxiety.”
Upcoming Events and Fundraisers
Looking to the future, the KPA will host a pickleball tournament on December 5 at 5 p.m., in collaboration with the Future Business Leaders of America. The event, aimed at raising funds for the business club, will feature teams of two, with registration open until December 3 for $20 per team.
Zimmermann is also planning more fundraising events and intercollegiate tournaments, hoping to expand the KPA’s reach and collaborate with organizations like local hospitals and universities, including Florida International University and the University of Miami.
Rosell captures the essence of the KPA’s impact: “It just really, really brings a smile to my face to see the students playing and having fun, just kind of like releasing themselves. And, you know, from a very good player to a novice player that’s learning…I just like to see the students out there utilizing our beautiful facilities.”
News in Brief: Kendall Campus Welcomes Pickleball
The Kendall Pickleball Alliance (KPA), formed at Kendall Campus, is fostering a growing community of pickleball enthusiasts. With 26 members, the club offers weekly meetings, tournaments, and events for players of all skill levels. In honor of Disability Awareness Month, the KPA hosted Pickleball on Wheels, promoting inclusion. The club’s next event is a tournament on Dec. 5 to benefit the Future Business Leaders of America club.
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