Pickleball, the sport that blends elements of badminton, tennis and pingpong, exploded in popularity across the United States, and California Baptist University students caught on. With its accessibility, community-oriented play, and appeal across generations, pickleball drew players from all backgrounds.
Marnie Kavern, assistant director of Intramurals and Esports, saw firsthand how students gravitated toward the sport.
“A few years ago, when pickleball started booming, we hosted a few one-day tournaments, and they always maxed out. Now, we have many CBU students that have been checking out pickleball sets and playing on the outdoor courts on their own time, which is so fun to see,” Kavern said.
The sport’s popularity was attributed to its low barrier to entry. Unlike sports that required large teams or years of training, pickleball was relatively easy to pick up.
“Much of the pickleball community is so welcoming and inviting and wants new players to come and experience it. I think there is a lot of appeal because it comes off as nonthreatening for people who may have less of an athletic background, so it can feel safe to try. It is relatively quick to learn for people who have not played before,” Kavern said. “It also requires fewer people to play! All you really need is one additional person, and you can get a game going.”
For students interested in playing, CBU offers open recreational hours at the Rec Center on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, a new two-week pickleball league—offering both competitive and noncompetitive play—will take place on the outdoor courts, with sign-ups running from Feb. 24 to March 18.
Beyond CBU, pickleball’s rise in popularity spanned generations. The average playing age was 41, yet college-aged players quickly embraced the sport, enjoying its competitive and social aspects.
Emme Buhl, CBU alumna, was first introduced to pickleball by her grandparents during a family trip to Cambria.
“The first time I played was with my grandparents in Cambria. They played regularly, so during a trip, my family joined them at the courts, and we all fell in love with the game,” Buhl said. “My dad and I had experience playing tennis, so for us, it was really easy to catch on. And then during COVID, more of my family started playing it, so when we would have family events, it would be pickleball and dinner.”
Buhl noticed an increase in young players, especially at the college level.
“I think it’s becoming more popular among younger players because they have agility on their side. I [sometimes] play pickleball with my grandma at her retirement community, and it’s fun to beat old people at the game (especially when they are really serious). The only reason I’m better is because I can run,” Buhl said.
According to Expertpickleball, pickleball was named the fastest-growing sport in America for the third consecutive year, as reported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. With its easy learning curve, low cost, and ability to be played at any skill level, pickleball proved to be more than a passing trend.
As pickleball grew, CBU students could expect even more opportunities to get involved, whether for friendly competition or to join the ever-expanding community that made the sport unique.
