Building a Family and a Championship-Caliber Program: The UNC Club Pickleball Team’s Success Under the Lights
The UNC Club Pickleball team is not just a group of athletes, but a tight-knit family that has found success both on and off the court. With nearly 900 members in their GroupMe chat, the team is a diverse group that welcomes players of all skill levels.
The team’s dedication is evident in their rigorous practice schedule, with some members spending up to four hours on the court three times a week. This commitment paid off when the competitive team traveled to Texas for the DUPR Collegiate National Championship and made it to the Final Four.
Their most impressive victory came in the quarterfinal match against No. 1 Utah Valley, where they staged a remarkable comeback to secure the win. The team’s resilience and teamwork were on full display during the tiebreaker “dreambreaker” match, where they pulled off a thrilling 22-20 victory.
UNC Club Pickleball Secretary Emma Horvath credits the team’s success to their strong bond and mutual support. “Playing with your best friends and feeling encouraged by each other makes all the difference,” she said.
As the fastest-growing sport in the nation, pickleball is gaining popularity among college students, and the UNC Club Pickleball team is leading the way with their competitive spirit and sense of camaraderie. With their recent success at the national championship, the team is poised to continue making waves in the pickleball community.
