FIU Pickleball Club: Building a Community on the Courts
FIU Pickleball Club Serves Up Success with Community and Passion
A chorus of clacks fills the air as colorful paddles strike a yellow ball over a net at Tamiami Park. Amidst the chatter and laughter, the FIU Pickleball Club stands out as a vibrant community within the sport.
Founded just over a year ago, the FIU Pickleball Club has quickly grown to over 200 members, showcasing the rising popularity of the sport in America. President Alexandra Coba, a former beginner herself, emphasizes the importance of the community within the club.
“It’s really about just the community,” Coba explains. The relationships formed on the court extend beyond the game, fostering mentorship and support among members.
Communication and inclusivity are key values for the club, with Coba ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from joining. Sharing equipment and welcoming newcomers with open arms, the club prioritizes growth and development for all players.
Pickleball, a unique racquet sport with smaller paddles and courts, presents its own challenges. Coba acknowledges the ups and downs of the game, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and staying focused.
“We all have good and bad days, with school it makes it difficult to show up and show out every single time,” Coba reflects. Despite the challenges, she encourages new players to attend practices regularly and embrace the learning process.
To attract new members, the club participates in events like F1RST NIGHT, engaging with students and promoting their passion for pickleball. Through outreach and dedication, the FIU Pickleball Club continues to thrive as a tight-knit community of players.
In the end, it’s the sense of community that truly defines the FIU Pickleball Club. With a shared love for the sport and a commitment to supporting one another, the club embodies the spirit of teamwork and camaraderie both on and off the court.
