University of North Texas’s Pickleball Revolution: On Monday evening, the outdoor basketball courts at UNT’s Pohl Recreation Center buzz with activity. Bright yellow pickleballs dart across three portable nets, as around 50 students either play or wait eagerly for their turn. The process is simple yet organized—players place their pickleball paddles near the court to mark their spot in the rotation. For UNT sophomore Mitch Cahill, the scene is a striking contrast to last year when the club was just an idea.
“When I first came to UNT, I was looking around for a pickleball club because I love pickleball,” said Cahill, a finance major. Despite its rising popularity, he found none. Determined to change that, Cahill set out to create a pickleball club that could unite students with a shared passion for the game.
“I’ve played in high school, played with my family. It’s a fun sport, you know? It’s easily accessible to everyone, and I was surprised to find that there was no club.” – (Cahill)
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
Once a sport associated with retirees, pickleball has rapidly gained traction among all age groups. According to USA Pickleball, the sport reached 13.6 million players nationwide in 2023, with participation growing over 51% in a single year.
In Denton, facilities like South Lakes Park’s courts and the Denton Tennis and Pickleball Center have expanded to meet the demand. Meanwhile, private venues like Dinkers and The Picklr are capitalizing on the sport’s rising popularity.
“I’m definitely not an athlete.” – (Dorf)
The appeal lies in its accessibility. As UNT senior Jonathan Dorf put it, “I’ve never been really athletic, and I found pickleball to be one of the most accessible sports that I’ve ever played.” Its low barrier to entry allows beginners to jump in and play, while still offering a challenge for seasoned athletes.
“I was able to keep up with my friends. And so, I really wanted to be play with other people, too. So, of course, I had to join.” – (Dorf)
Building a Community
Cahill wasn’t alone in his mission. UNT senior Scott Avery, a computer science major, had also applied to start a pickleball club. The university encouraged them to collaborate, and together, they established a group that initially drew about 20 students.
Fast forward a year, and the pickleball club has grown to about 100 members. They meet every Monday night from 7 to 11 p.m., turning the courts into a melting pot of diverse backgrounds and skill levels. “Yeah, one really good thing about the club is that you get to meet people from all walks of life,” said Bethany Wells, a junior studying art education.
“You get to talk to people on the court, and then those conversations keep going when your game is over.” – (Bethany Wells)
The pickleball club recently hosted its first international tournament, attracting players like Austin Bengston, a senior photography major who transitioned from competitive tennis to pickleball.
“When I graduated [from high school], it was impossible for me to find a community to play tennis with. And so I had met some friends at the church that I was going to, and they invited me out to play pickleball. There was 30, 40 people there that just wanted to play with whoever.” – (Austin Bengston)
“And so I’m like, ‘Wow, this is super cool.’ So I started going, and I joined the community, and everyone was super friendly and welcoming, and they would always invite me out to come play. No matter like what time of day or who we were with. They just wanted to play some games, and so I just started playing, and they would start going to other facilities and meeting more people. The community would just grow.” – (Austin Bengston)
Fun First, Competition Optional
While some members enjoy competing, the pickleball club prioritizes recreation.
“Pickleball heavily relies on the recreational factor — the ability to just, you know, sit back and kind of wait your turn to play, and then once you do play you can still carry that conversation on there. There will always be a competitive scene to it, just like cornhole or bowling, but I would argue that pickleball is primarily a recreational sport, as opposed to a high-level competitive sport like tennis.” – (Cahill)
As the pickleball club continues to grow, Cahill and Avery are already considering expanding their schedule to accommodate the influx of players. Late into Monday night, the pickleball courts remained lively despite the dropping temperatures. When staff announced closing time, players bargained for a few more points, a testament to the sport’s magnetic pull.
“If we get many more people out here, yeah, we might have to add a Wednesday night practice.” Cahill said, a smile hinting at the pickleball club’s limitless potential.
News in Brief: University of North Texas’s Pickleball Revolution
The University of North Texas pickleball club has seen rapid growth, evolving from an idea to a thriving community of 100 members in just over a year. Meeting every Monday night at the Pohl Recreation Center, the club welcomes players of all skill levels.
Once dominated by retirees, pickleball is now America’s fastest-growing sport, attracting players of all ages. UNT students credit its accessibility and social nature for its popularity, while organizers plan for future expansion to meet demand.
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