My Davidson | A Student Blog From “No Clue What That Is” to Nationals: Spotlight on Davidson’s Club Pickleball Team

Before coming to Davidson, I had no clue what pickleball was. At the end of my freshman fall, a friend invited me to the first-ever practice of the newly formed Pickleball Club. Having dabbled in racket sports and embracing the classic first year “say yes to everything” mindset, I decided to give it a try. I was pretty frustrated at first—mostly with how bad I was—but I quickly got hooked. Before long, I was playing multiple times a week. By sophomore year, I joined the executive board and became co-president the following spring.

In just three years, the club has grown tremendously. We’ve grown from squeezing two makeshift courts onto the Baker Sports Complex’s gym floor to our current set-up in the Knobloch Indoor Tennis Center with six courts, where we hold regular practices twice a week. We welcome players of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned players, and provide paddles, balls, and basic instruction for those new to the game. What started as a small group of curious students has become a vibrant community where people come to de-stress, socialize, and compete.

This past year, we leaned more into the competitive side of the sport. We participated in regional tournaments, scrimmaged with nearby colleges, and even qualified for and competed at Collegiate Pickleball Nationals. Our top four players (two women and two men) form our “A team,” but we also bring other active members to tournaments when possible. Watching the club grow—not just in numbers but in community—has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at Davidson.

When I arrived at Davidson, joining Pickleball Club was a no-brainer. My family had taken up the sport during the COVID-19 lockdown, playing every day as a way to stay active and connected. I was excited to continue that tradition in college, and I quickly found that the club offered so much more than just a place to play.

One of the most special aspects of Davidson Pickleball is the sense of team camaraderie. At Nationals, whether we won or lost, what stood out most was the unwavering support from our teammates. We cheered after every point and encouraged one another through every rally. That kind of energy made every match—regardless of the outcome—fun and memorable.

As collegiate pickleball continues to grow rapidly, so too does our club. We now partner with Gearbox and Head Pickleball, who sponsor our top players and provide discounted equipment to the club. With over 200 students on our email list, the potential for continued growth is exciting. We’re committed to expanding opportunities for students to play—whether that means competing at a national level or just hitting around with friends in the evenings.

Pickleball’s accessibility is part of what makes it so special. It’s a sport that welcomes all ages and skill levels, and our club tries to reflect that spirit. Whether you’re chasing a national title or just want to enjoy a casual game on a sunny afternoon, there’s a place for you here.