Pickleball has become a popular sport across the United States. In 2019, the Professional Pickleball Association was founded, and during COVID-19, the sport’s popularity exploded. Now, many students and families play with their churches or in parks.

Chapman students have also joined the pickleball push, with many playing in their free time.

Junior Cody Benstead said he got into pickleball because of a friend at church.

“One of my friends invited me to play with him one time, and it was really fun,” Benstead said. “Now I’m really good at it.”

Family has also influenced why students play.

Sophomore Alina Lutsik credited her start in the sport to her siblings.

“When it became really popular last year, all my siblings started to play, so that really helped me get into playing the game,” Lutsik said.

Junior Avril Genobles also said her family helped her begin to play.

“I’ve really enjoyed playing the sport with my family because they helped get me into enjoying and playing the game,” Genobles said.

Some students, like junior Xander Fly, enjoy playing the game with friends.

“I really enjoy the competitiveness of the sport and having fun with my friends,” Fly said.

Lutsik added that she also enjoys the sport’s competitiveness and its similarity to tennis.

“I think it’s fun,” Lutsik said. “I play tennis, so it’s similar to that, and it gives me another option whenever I don’t want to play that.”