Unstoppable Surge of College Pickleball : Collegiate pickleball has evolved into more than just a trend; it’s rapidly establishing itself as a significant force in the sports landscape. Since the inaugural Intercollegiate National Championships were hosted by DUPR in November 2022, the sport has experienced an impressive surge in popularity among college students. With regional and national tournaments springing up across the nation, aspiring athletes now have the opportunity to compete at a high level while proudly representing their respective schools.
Collegiate Pickleball Tours
While DUPR pioneered the hosting of college tournaments, it didn’t take long for other prominent organizations to join the fray. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) and the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA) have swiftly recognized the vast potential for growth within collegiate pickleball. What began as a handful of tournaments has now blossomed into a nationwide competition series that shows no signs of slowing down.
Importantly, participation is not confined to elite institutions; collegiate pickleball is inclusive, allowing any student enrolled in a minimum of six credits at an accredited school to compete. This openness creates opportunities for players from small private colleges like Samford to large public universities such as Ohio State.
University of Virginia Dominates DUPR Collegiate Event
The competitive spirit of collegiate pickleball was on full display during the latest installment of DUPR’s College Individual National Championship in June, where over 30 schools participated, vying for their share of $20,000 in scholarship money. Institutions such as the University of Texas-Austin, Indiana University, the University of Florida, and the University of Virginia emerged as notable winners, securing significant portions of the prize money.
The rise of pickleball has also fostered community among students, leading to the formation of clubs and organizations across campuses. The number of active pickleball clubs at colleges has skyrocketed from 17 to over 130 between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal.
Collegiate pickleball adopts an electrifying format inspired by Major League Pickleball (MLP), featuring teams composed of two men and two women. They compete in two gender-specific doubles matches and two mixed doubles matches. If the score is tied at 2-2, the match escalates to a thrilling Dreambreaker—an intense singles tiebreaker that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
College Tournaments and Pickleball Rankings
DUPR provides an engaging overview of the top-ranked schools in the nation, determined by the average rating of each institution’s four highest-rated players. Currently, Utah Valley University and Utah Tech sit atop the rankings, reflecting the competitive landscape of collegiate pickleball.
In preparation for The DUPR Collegiate National Championship scheduled for November, DUPR is set to host several super regional events. The top four finishing teams from each super regional will earn a coveted spot at nationals. The first super regional occurred on September 21 and 22 at the Pickleball Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where Florida Atlantic University emerged victorious. Additional super regionals are planned for various locations throughout the semester, including Las Vegas, Nevada, and Houston, Texas.
The Future of College Pickleball
The future of collegiate pickleball appears incredibly promising. With increasing prize money, more tournaments, and a continually expanding roster of players, the sport is poised for explosive growth. Opportunities for student competition are broadening, with numerous campus, regional, and national tournaments scheduled across the U.S. in 2024 alone. In total, DUPR, APP, and NCPA will distribute over $50,000 in scholarships this year.
As collegiate pickleball continues to gain traction, it could soon become a defining characteristic of college athletics, further integrating itself into the fabric of university sports culture.
News in Brief : Unstoppable Surge of College Pickleball
Collegiate pickleball is rapidly emerging as a significant force in sports, with its first Intercollegiate National Championships held in November 2022. Organizations like DUPR, APP, and NCPA are expanding tournament opportunities for students at all levels. The latest DUPR College Individual National Championship attracted over 30 schools, distributing $20,000 in scholarships.
Utah Valley and Utah Tech currently top the DUPR collegiate rankings, with several super regionals leading up to the national championship in November. With growing participation and more tournaments, collegiate pickleball is poised for a bright future in college athletics.
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