On sunny days, after students have finished their classes, the rhythmic pop of a perforated plastic ball echoes across the campus pickleball courts. Laughter and banter fill the air as three students–Hailey Dunnington, Trudy Hein, and Colby Howard–engage in pickleball almost every day of the week. For these students, what started as a casual pastime turned into a key part of their college experiences. Whether for exercise, stress relief, or simply the joy of competition, pickleball has drawn them and others together in a way that resembles the community at SNU beautifully.
Hein, a freshman global studies major, discovered pickleball during the fall semester of the 2024-2025 academic year. Initially, she was hesitant to try the sport. “My friends kept inviting me to play, so I thought to myself, ‘I guess I will give it a try,’” she recalls with a laugh. “Even though I’m not particularly skilled, I still find it incredibly enjoyable. It’s a great way to spend time with friends and even meet new people I wouldn’t have interacted with otherwise.”
Dunnington, a freshman nursing major, shares Hein’s enthusiasm. “At first, I thought pickleball was just something people did to pass the time during NSI,” she admits. “But once I started playing more regularly, I realized how much fun it really was. Now, I take it more seriously and enjoy the competitive side of it. There is always room to grow, and a little friendly competition makes the game even more exciting.”
For Howard, a freshman pastoral ministry major, pickleball is more than just a pastime–it’s a valuable opportunity to build connections on campus. “College can be overwhelming at times, and it’s easy to get caught up in assignments and deadlines,” he explains. “Pickleball and the location of the courts provide an outlet where students can unwind, have fun, and form meaningful relationships with others. It’s not just about the game–it’s about creating a sense of community. The community coming together and spending time with one another, whether they know each other or not, is ultimately my favorite part of the game.”
The trio fondly recalls a particularly amusing moment when they began referring to the non-volley zone, commonly known as the “kitchen,” as the “chicken.” Rather than sticking to traditional terminology, they embraced their own playful language, adding to the lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere of their games. In addition to their creative naming conventions, they enhance the experience by playing music, dancing, and engaging in friendly banter while on the court. “You get people dancing who don’t usually dance,” Howard shares. “The music, the energy, and the overall vibe while we play take the fun to another level.”
As the sun sets over the Southern Nazarene University campus, the pickleball courts remain a hub of energy, camaraderie, and competition. What started as a simple pastime for Dunnington, Hein, and Howard has grown into a cherished part of their college experience–one that fosters friendships, relieves stress, and strengthens the sense of community at SNU. Their passion for the game extends beyond the court, bringing people together through laughter, friendly competition, and shared moments of joy. As they continue to play nearly every day, their story serves as a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful college experiences come from the simplest of activities–one paddle swing at a time.
Photo by: MaK Wilkerson