"Pickleball is a paddle sport that blends the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong." (Graphics Editor / Alexander Cruz)
Rowan University students have launched a new club centered on one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, pickleball. The pickleball club, founded by Jacob Grosser, 20, an accounting major, already has 23 active members and aims to create a tight-knit community on campus, while promoting health, wellness, and friendly competition.
Pickleball is a paddle sport that blends the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong on a 20-by-44-foot court with a low net, using paddles and a lightweight plastic ball. Players compete in singles or doubles, hitting the ball back and forth and scoring points when their opponents fail to return it. The smaller court size and easy-to-learn rules make the games fast-paced but accessible for those seeking to take it up as a hobby.
“I started playing pickleball with my parents five years ago. It was a fun way to connect with them and stay active. When I found out Rowan didn’t have a club, I knew I wanted to bring that experience to other students,” said Grosser.
Grosser founded the club at Rowan last fall, officially launching in the spring. Since its creation, the club has been steadily building its presence on campus.
“We want as many members as possible, but we also want a foundation of committed people to grow the club responsibly,” said Grosser.
Staff at the Rowan University Rec Center see pickleball as more than just a sport.
“Pickleball is definitely one of the fastest-growing sports in the country right now. It’s a little bit lower barrier to entry than tennis, so a lot of people can just pick up a paddle and start playing,” said Andrew Havrisko, assistant director of intramural sports and special events at the Rec Center.
Because of pickleball’s accessibility, he notes that the game benefits students in ways that go beyond physical activity. Beyond just numbers, the club has attracted students from a wide range of backgrounds. It provides a space for students with different skill levels to connect and form long-lasting friendships, both on and off the court.
“Physically, it’s great just to get up and move, but there are also social and emotional benefits. It gives students a healthy outlet for stress, a chance to meet new friends, and an opportunity to feel a part of the community,” said Havrisko.
He also believes that pickleball aligns closely with the Rec Center’s overall mission of creating an inclusive environment for all students. Building on that sense of inclusivity, Havrisko acknowledges the game’s design makes it approachable for anyone.
“Because the court is smaller and the game is easier to pick up, it’s more accessible than other racquet sports. It really does provide a welcoming entryway to recreation, and it’s something students can enjoy not just here, but for a lifetime,” said Havrisko.
Rowan’s Rec Center also offers an intramural pickleball league, free of charge, with paddles, balls, and nets provided. Registration is available to all students through the Rowan Campus Rec app. Registration for the intramural pickleball league is currently open and has been extended until Thursday, Sept. 18. Students can sign up for either single or doubles play, with games running once a week over four weeks.
“Pickleball fills that niche of a quick drop-in recreational opportunity. If you’ve only got 30 minutes, you can just come out, hit the call around, and de-stress from classes,” said Havrisko.
Beyond pickleball, the Rec Center is also opening registration next week for indoor wiffleball leagues, plus hosting special events like Disc-It. It is a new, fast-paced flying disc-style game typically played in teams of four or 10 players at a time. It features nonstop action, turnovers, and interceptions. Whether through club competition or casual intramurals, pickleball is giving students at Rowan more than just a workout. It’s helping them de-stress, build friendships, and stay active.
“Our goal at the Rec Center is to provide something for everyone. Pickleball has become a great example of that. It’s simple, it’s social, and it’s something students can carry with them beyond their time at Rowan,” said Havrisko.
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