Put Your University on the Front End of Collegiate Pickleball

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. What started as a leisurely sport enjoyed mostly by older generations has gained popularity among all age groups. About 13.6 million Americans play pickleball at least once a year, with growth among people aged between 18 and 44. It’s a fun and accessible sport for people of all skill levels.

With pickleball potentially becoming the next big National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sport, universities and colleges can create teams, host tournaments, and engage students in this exciting activity. This could also attract new students, as many look for schools with vibrant recreational programs. Pickleball is known for fostering a sense of community and encouraging social interaction and team spirit.

Learn how to capture this growing opportunity and put your university on the front end of collegiate pickleball.

Is Pickleball a College Sport?

Pickleball is increasingly being recognized as a college sport, especially with the recent establishment of organized collegiate competitions and leagues. This rapid rise in popularity can largely be attributed to its accessibility, social nature and appeal to a diverse demographic, particularly college-aged students. Additionally, the competitive spirit that pickleball offers makes it an ideal fit for college campuses.

This sport has transitioned from a recreational activity to a competitive sport on college campuses. Various leagues, including the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA) and Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), organize collegiate pickleball regional and national tournaments. These organizations provide platforms for colleges to compete, with scholarships and prize money available for top-performing teams.

The first collegiate national championship was held in 2022, featuring only 16 teams. Today, the DUPR Collegiate National Championship has expanded to include 64 schools and over 600 players, showcasing pickleball’s rapid growth within the collegiate landscape.

With the rise of collegiate pickleball clubs and competitions, many universities recognize the value of incorporating this sport into their athletic offerings. The increasing number of college players — and the establishment of organized tournaments and leagues — highlights the growing significance of pickleball in collegiate athletics.

As more universities begin to offer pickleball as part of their athletic programs, students have the opportunity to compete in tournaments, engage in recreational play and enjoy the many benefits of participating in this fast-growing sport.

The Benefits of Incorporating Pickleball in College Sports

Incorporating pickleball into college sports programs offers numerous benefits for students, universities and the broader campus community.

• Student engagement: Pickleball is accessible and easy to learn, attracting students of all skill levels. This inclusivity can lead to higher participation rates in recreational and competitive activities. Like in tennis, students can play doubles, encouraging teamwork and socialization.
• Health and wellness: Playing pickleball provides a great cardiovascular workout, improving fitness and well-being. It’s also low-impact, making it suitable even for those with physical limitations or who are new to sports.
• Life skill development: Pickleball teaches students valuable skills in teamwork, communication and leadership, which are essential for personal and professional development. Balancing sports with academics and other obligations also helps students develop time management skills.
• Community building and campus events: Colleges can host events that invite local community members to participate, strengthening ties between the university and its surrounding area. Organizing pickleball tournaments and events can also enhance school spirit and foster a sense of pride among students and alumni.
• Attracting new students: Offering pickleball as an athletic program can make universities more attractive to prospective students, particularly those interested in non-traditional sports. Due to its accessibility, it appeals to a broader demographic and promotes inclusivity in college sports.
• Potential for scholarships and competitions: As the sport grows at the college level, some tertiary institutions may start to offer scholarships for pickleball players. Students will have more opportunities to compete in collegiate leagues and tournaments at regional and national levels.
• Positive impact on mental health: Engaging in physical activity like pickleball can help reduce stress and anxiety. Sports are fundamental in improving social inclusion and provide a healthy outlet to cope with academic pressures.

Preparing Your University for Collegiate Pickleball

As collegiate pickleball continues to grow in popularity, universities can take proactive steps to prepare their facilities for this exciting sport, including the following:

Design Your College Pickleball Courts

Consider the following factors of facility and court design requirements:

• Court dimensions: A standard pickleball court measures 20 feet wide by 44 feet long for doubles play. Make sure there’s adequate space for multiple courts, including buffer zones around each court for player movement. If the budget or space for additional facilities is limited, pickleball courts can be set up on existing tennis courts or in gymnasiums to make the most of available athletics facilities.
• Court orientation: Orienting courts north-south minimizes sun glare during play, especially during peak afternoon hours.
• Surface material: Choose a suitable playing surface with good traction and durability. Common options include asphalt, concrete or specialized sports flooring that can withstand outdoor conditions.
• Clear lines: Use high-contrast paint or tape for court lines. Mark the service areas, baselines and sidelines.
• Restroom and changing facilities: Ensure nearby restrooms and changing areas are available for players and spectators.
• Seating and spectator areas: Designate spaces for spectators to comfortably watch matches, such as bleachers.
• Accessibility: Facilities and courts must be accessible for individuals with disabilities. Court facility designs may include ramps, seating and pathways.
• Nets: Add enough nets for all courts. Consider portable net systems for flexibility in setting up temporary courts in various locations.
• Storage equipment: Designate storage areas for paddles, balls and other equipment. Use lockers or storage bins near the courts for easy access.

Next, consider incorporating shade structures that cover the bleachers or the court to ensure the comfort of players and spectators. Shade structures provide many benefits for collegiate pickleball:

• Player comfort: Shade structures protect players by blocking 96% of harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn, heat exhaustion and dehydration. They provide a more enjoyable and productive playing experience while encouraging participation and reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

• Extended playtime: These structures can extend the hours available for pickleball play, allowing students to enjoy the sport even during the hottest parts of the day. They’ll help increase the courts’ overall utilization and maximize the investment’s value.
• Improved performance: Shade structures can help players perform at their best by reducing glare and eye strain. This is especially important for competitive play, where slight advantages can make a difference.
• Enhanced aesthetics: Various shade structures are available in customizable designs and colors. Universities can create aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces that complement the campus environment and reflect their unique brand identity.
• Durability and longevity: Shade structures are built to withstand harsh weather conditions. They also minimize court maintenance costs by offering protection.

Create a Campus Pickleball League

Building a campus pickleball league involves careful planning and effective promotion strategies. Here’s how to get started:

1. Assess interest: Use online surveys or social media polls to gauge student interest in pickleball. Ask about their willingness to participate, preferred times for play and skill levels.
2. Gather support: Assemble a group of interested students, faculty and staff to help organize the league. This committee can handle planning, scheduling and promotion. Consider collaborating with existing sports or recreational clubs on campus to garner support and resources for establishing the league.
3. Choose a league format: Decide on the structure of the league. Teams can compete in knockout rounds, accumulate points to determine standings or combine different formats for various stages. Consider having different divisions based on skill levels to ensure fair competition. Identify and recruit qualified coaches or trainers to support the program and facilitate skill development.
4. Choose a location: Determine if the program will be offered on campus or at local facilities and whether it will be indoors or outdoors. If using existing courts, make sure you have permission to use them. If you’re interested in building courts, choose an accessible location for players and spectators.
5. Gather equipment: Buy sufficient paddles, balls and nets for all participants. Consider sourcing equipment locally or seeking sponsorships for additional support. If you plan to have a recreational league, participants may want to bring their own gear.
6. Develop rules and guidelines: Create a rulebook outlining the league’s structure, match procedures, scoring and conduct expectations. You can use official pickleball rules as a guideline. Make the rulebook readily available to anyone who wants to read it.
7. Decide on a registration process: Consider using an online platform for easy sign-ups and communication. This way, league leaders can easily send out links or QR codes to gauge interest and fill teams. When you’re ready to start registration, make it as easy as possible for students to access the platform.
8. Promote the league: Use flyers, social media, campus newsletters and announcements to promote the league and attract more participants. Collaborate with local pickleball clubs or organizations to promote the league and provide additional resources. Another idea is to organize learn-to-play sessions or friendly tournaments to introduce students to pickleball and encourage sign-ups for the league.
9. Launch the league: Create a match schedule that accommodates participants’ availability and set up a system for tracking scores, standings and match results. Kick off the league with an opening ceremony or event to build excitement and allow participants to meet each other.
10. Facilitate matches: Have referees or league coordinators oversee games and enforce rules — this can be another way for students to get involved if they aren’t interested in playing. Additionally, look for opportunities for students to compete at the intercollegiate level and foster relationships with other institutions.
11. Celebrate achievements: Organize an awards ceremony at the end of the season to recognize top performers and encourage continued participation.
12. Collect feedback: After each season, gather feedback from participants about their experiences, suggestions for improvement and ideas for future leagues. Use this feedback to refine the league structure and plan for the next season.

Future Trends and Opportunities in College Pickleball

The future of collegiate pickleball looks promising, as the sport continues to gain popularity and recognition. Here are some key trends and opportunities to consider as you build your collegiate league:

• Emerging national championships: With more schools participating and scholarship prize money increasing, these tournaments provide competitive opportunities for students and raise the profile of pickleball in collegiate athletics. Universities can get involved by forming teams, participating in regional tournaments and fostering a competitive culture on campus.
• Sponsorship and marketing opportunities: Companies involved in sports equipment, apparel, and health and wellness are increasingly interested in sponsoring college teams and events, including pickleball. This could lead to financial support for programs, funding for facilities and opportunities for branding and marketing initiatives for the sport and sponsoring companies.
• Potential for scholarships and professional pathways: As universities recognize the competitive nature of the sport, they may be able to offer scholarships to attract talented players. Additionally, the emergence of name, image and likeness deals provides further financial opportunities for student-athletes.
• Partnership opportunities: Universities can partner with organizations like the NCPA or USA Pickleball to access resources, training and support for developing their pickleball programs. These partnerships can help facilitate tournaments, provide coaching clinics and enhance the league’s overall quality.

Collegiate pickleball could continue to expand and potentially reach mainstream status. The NCAA requires at least 40 colleges to sponsor a sport before it can be considered for championship status. With the current momentum and increasing participation, pickleball is on a clear trajectory toward meeting this criterion.

Invest in Collegiate Pickleball With Shade Structures From USA SHADE

As recreational sports continue to gain popularity, pickleball can attract diverse participants, from casual players to serious competitors. The sport’s low cost of entry and its fast-paced, fun nature position make it perfect for college campuses. Universities can use this popularity to create lasting programs that engage students and foster community.

Outdoor pickleball courts require proper shade structures for player comfort, especially in areas with intense sunlight. USA SHADE offers comprehensive shade solutions for colleges and universities, including high-quality, customizable and durable shade structures that meet the specific needs of pickleball court facilities. Schools can implement structures to protect both spectators and players from sun and rain, making the experience even more enjoyable.

By partnering with us, universities can put themselves at the forefront of collegiate pickleball. Contact USA SHADE for all your pickleball court shading and design needs.