Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis,[1] was invented in the United States in 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Since its introduction the sport has steadily increased in popularity, and in 2021, 2022, and 2023, the sport was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.[2]
| Pickleball in the United States | |
|---|---|
 Pickleball courts in La Crosse, Wisconsin | |
| Governing body | USA Pickleball |
| Nickname(s) | Pukaball |
| First played | 1965 |
College level pickleball
editPickleball has not been sanctioned by the US National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). USA Pickleball and other organizations are pursuing the possibility of NCAA recognition. Meanwhile, numerous college campuses have independently formed pickleball clubs.[3] As of October 2024[update] USA Pickleball lists 150 colleges and universities with active pickleball clubs. [4]
In January 2023 Noah Suemnick, a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, California, formed the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA). NCPA's inaugural national championships was held in March 2016 at The Hub in Spring Valley, San Diego, California. Nearly 40 colleges and universities competed in the event. The NCPA states that it now has over 200 colleges and universities participating in 2024/2025 NCPA events across the United States.[5] This includes five regional championships, with a national championship to be held in Las Vegas, Nevada in February 2025.
References
edit- ^ "The Essential Rules of Pickleball: A Quick Overview". Team Pickleball. Retrieved 2024-09-10.
- ^ Definition, Beyond. "Pickleball Sees Unprecedented Growth: Will Require 25,000 Courts Built, $900 Million Investment to Keep Up With Demand". Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ Pierce, Drew (April 24, 2023). "College Pickleball: Is NCAA Pickleball on the Horizon?". Pickleball Rookie. Nice Life Media LLC. Archived from the original on April 17, 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
- ^ "Campus Pickleball Clubs". USA Pickleball. March 23, 2022. Archived from the original on September 25, 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
- ^ "Our Story". NCPA. National Collegiate Pickleball Association. Archived from the original on July 18, 2024. Retrieved 25 September 2024.
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