Cornell Pickleball Club Excels at New Jersey Super Regional, Secures Spot at 2025 Collegiate National Championship
The Cornell Pickleball Club has made waves in the world of collegiate sports after securing a spot at the 2025 Collegiate National Championship. The team’s impressive performance at the New Jersey Super Regional, held at the Robbinsville Pickle House, earned them a spot in the quarterfinals and an invitation to the national tournament in Peachtree, Georgia from April 11-13.
Founded by Jason Cho ’27, the club has quickly become a competitive force on campus. Cho, a hotel administration major at Cornell’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, discovered pickleball in high school and has since dedicated himself to the sport.
With the support of their adviser, Sabel Bong, the team has overcome challenges such as lack of alumni funding by finding creative solutions. Rachel Zhang ’27, the club’s programming manager, helped secure free lodging for the team at the New Jersey Super Regional by hosting them at her family’s home. Cho’s family in Atlanta will also host the team for the national championship, ensuring they can focus on competing without worrying about hotel costs.
In addition to their competitive success, the club is actively promoting pickleball on campus by hosting weekly open play sessions at Pickleball Mania in the Shops at Ithaca Mall. These sessions have attracted many students eager to try the sport and improve their skills.
As they prepare for the Collegiate National Championship, the Cornell Pickleball Club is excited to represent their school against top teams from around the country. Their journey from a newly formed club to national contenders is a testament to their passion for the sport and dedication to growing pickleball at Cornell.
