What started as a few students hitting pickleballs together has turned into one of Samford's fastest growing and most competitive club teams. In just its second year, Samford's club pickleball team has made waves nationally, earning a top four ranking among collegiate programs across the country last season.

Last year, the team traveled coast to coast, competing in tournaments in Las Vegas, Dallas and Daytona Beach and taking home multiple regional titles along the way. Competing against powerhouse schools, Samford made a strong impression by rising into the top tier of collegiate pickleball programs.

But beyond national recognition, the club’s growth on campus tells an equally impressive story. What began as a small group of competitive players has grown into a community of nearly 200 students. About 20 members compete and travel to tournaments across the country, while many others join in for the fun of the game through weekly social matches on campus.

“It’s been really cool to see how it’s become something everyone can be part of,” said founder Jake Wilson ’25. “We started with just the competitive side, but now it’s as much about the community as it is about competition.”

 

This story was first published in the fall 2025 issue of Samford. You can read the issue online.