By Victoria Williamson ~ Sports Editor
University of Lynchburg Pickleball Club. Photo via University of Lynchburg.
By Victoria Williamson ~ Sports Editor
Over the past year, pickleball has spiked in interest, gaining popularity throughout the US, especially on college campuses. As more students pick up the sport, universities are seeing a rise in pickleball clubs on campus, with Lynchburg no different.
Jillian Martin and Kayla Cartwright began the University of Lynchburg Pickleball Club in February 2024, capitalizing on its growing interest. Senior Luke Owens heard about the club via social media and decided to give the sport a chance.
“I was one of the first people to say that I was interested after they made the Instagram account, that’s where I found out about pickleball club,” said Owens, who is now the vice president of the club
Though pickleball has been around for decades, tracing back to 1965, most club members are brand new to the sport. First-year student Lindsay Hanks appreciates the club’s laid-back atmosphere, which she says allows her to learn the sport at her pace while still competing with friends.
“I just finished my swim season, and I had free time so I figured why not join? I can be terrible at it and it’s still fun,” Hanks said.
To spread the word about the club, Martin and Cartwright have also sent out campus-wide emails inviting students to join. Their efforts have resulted in many new faces joining the club, like Ashby Watts, who was eager to join.
“I saw the club sign up form in my email, and I thought it would be fun. Then I met some of the people who were already in the club and they really liked it, so I wanted to join,” Watts said.
Whether you want to try out a new sport or get together with friends for some competitive entertainment, the Lynchburg Pickleball Club might be the place to try out next.
For more information, check out the Lynchburg Pickleball Club Instagram