The University of Virginia Pickleball Club finished fifth at the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating Collegiate National Championships, held Nov. 18 and 19 in Dripping Springs, Texas.
Pickleball has taken the world and the University by storm; UVA’s club, founded two years ago during the pandemic, has grown to over 600 members.
To qualify for nationals, UVA had to host its own tournament and meet a minimum Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating as a team.
UVA’s Pickleball Club was named “most spirited” among competitors, in part for displaying its support to honor victims of the shooting in November. (Contributed photo)
Fourth-year student John Ellard, a key member of the UVA tournament team, said the club was extremely happy with their performance in Texas.
“Our top players went 2-1 in our group championship pool,” he said. “My partner, Conor Burns, and I went 12-0 on the weekend and won our challenger bracket. We also were voted the ‘most spirited team’ with our great energy and UVA Strong shirts and armbands to honor the victims of the shooting just days before.”
The Pickleball Club hopes to continue growing and to compete at nationals again next year.
