Even though pickleball was first played in 1965, the racket sport pickleball has increased in popularity in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic, the cost-effectiveness and the competitive nature of the game are likely causes of the popularity.
The sport first started becoming a phenomenon during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic it grew by over 30% because it could keep people active while staying socially distanced.
The game is played on a smaller court than most other net sports, which allows players of a wide range of experience, skill and age to all play together while keeping the competitive spirit and challenge of similar sports. The game also has simple rulesets that players can learn quickly.
“One thing I love about pickleball is that I can play with people a third my age,” Skip Trudeau, vice president for student development and intercollegiate athletics, said. “Because of the dimensions of the court they can crush me, but I still have fun.”
While most people can get easily involved in pickleball, the skill curve keeps competitive players returning. The rules are similar to tennis and might be understood quickly by people who are familiar with other net sports.
Pickleball has also grown in popularity because of the social aspect of the game. Players communicate for a competitive edge on the court, and many find this appealing about the sport. It makes for a great community builder.
“You can have four people on one court and four on the next court and you can switch up partners and courts,” CFO Steven Olson, said. “So, it can be a very social activity.”
The widespread popularity of pickleball became noticeable on campus with the growing crowds at the Meier Courts. The passion that students show for pickleball influenced staff and faculty’s decision to add new courts on campus. Nine tennis courts and eight pick-up courts were built.
Taylor’s return to competitive intercollegiate tennis and long-term plans to build the welcome center, which will replace the Meier courts, reinforced this decision.
“If students are gravitating towards something and we're not meeting that need fully in an excellent way, then we should probably do something about that,” Olson said. “We (were) not meeting it in an excellent way. I play(ed) on those courts regularly out here, and they're junky.”
Pickleball is also popular because of its cost effectiveness. Unlike sports such as golf or hockey, pickleball is more affordable to play and enjoy the game. For this reason, college students have an affinity for the sport.
In the spring semester, there will be plenty of ways to get involved with pickleball. Senior Collin Maris will be starting a pickleball recreational club for players who want to play casually, have fun and get some exercise. The recreational club is for players of all skill levels.
Maris will also be starting a competitive travel team for players who are looking for a challenge.
Pickleball helps people get connected. Students can reach out to a Personnel Assistant or Discipleship Assistant to find someone who wants to play pickleball.
“I think pickleball is something that's going to have a lasting existence at Taylor,” Trudeau said. “We've not had things like pickleball where it's really popular and it involves so many people. It’s great.”
For any questions regarding the recreational club or competitive travel team, contact Maris through his email collin_maris@taylor.edu.
