URI Pickleball Team Emerges Victorious in First Official Club Sport Match
The University of Rhode Island’s Pickleball team made history on Sunday, November 17th, as they competed in their first official club sport match against the University of Hartford. The team, founded in 2022 by three students during O-week, emerged victorious with a final score of five matches to Hartford’s three.
The Rhody Pickleball team, which practices four times a week, showcased their skills and preparation during the match. With pairings in Men’s and Women’s doubles, Mixed doubles, and singles matches, the team displayed their dominance on the court. Standout performances from players like Addison Emons, Maya Brausch, Bailey Bolton, and Chris May helped secure the win for URI.
Team President Bailey Bolton spoke about the team’s chemistry and dynamic after the match, highlighting the camaraderie and support among teammates. Looking ahead, the team has set their sights on competing in a DUPR tournament in the spring and participating in more regional tournaments in the future.
Bolton also shared advice for those interested in starting a new club sports team, emphasizing the importance of taking the first step and building interest within the community. The team’s success and growth have been evident, with tryouts being held to establish a secure roster for future competitions.
As the team wraps up their fall season with a match against UConn, they are already looking ahead to the spring season and setting their sights on achieving more milestones. With a strong foundation and a dedicated group of players, the Rhody Pickleball team is poised for continued success in the world of collegiate club sports.
