Cornell Pickleball Club Makes Unexpected Impact in Inaugural Season
Title: Cornell Pickleball Club Makes Unexpected Splash in Collegiate Pickleball Scene
In a surprising turn of events, the Cornell Pickleball Club, led by president Jason Cho ’27, has quickly risen to prominence in the world of collegiate pickleball. What started as a response to the removal of basketball hoops in Cho’s childhood park has now become a full-fledged passion for the hotel administration major.
After discovering pickleball in his senior year of high school, Cho’s obsession with the sport led him to establish the Cornell Pickleball Club. The club’s competitive team recently made waves by winning their group at the 2025 Collegiate Pickleball Tour’s New Jersey Super Regional, earning them a spot in the upcoming Collegiate National Championship.
With the support of club adviser Sabel Bong and the dedication of club members like Rachel Zhang ’27 and Richard Li ’26, the Cornell Pickleball Club has flourished. Despite being a new club without alumni support, the team has found creative ways to fund their trips, including staying at Zhang’s family home for regionals.
The club’s success is not only attributed to their competitive achievements but also to their efforts in growing the sport at Cornell. Weekly play sessions at Pickleball Mania draw in dozens of players, with up to 200 enthusiasts attending the gatherings.
As the club prepares for the upcoming national championship, Cho and his teammates are grateful for the support they have received from the Cornell community, including Lesa Carter, owner of Pickleball Mania. With their sights set on representing Cornell on a national stage, the Cornell Pickleball Club is poised to continue making a splash in the world of collegiate pickleball.
