Pickleball is booming on college campuses across the United States, but the University of Southern California (USC) is facing a setback. This week, the tennis and pickleball courts were permanently closed to make way for new USC Athletics facilities.

So, how significant is this rapidly growing sport at USC?

In an article titled “A Pickleball Pandemonium Hits USC” by Emily Phally, published in The Daily Trojan, it was noted that an unofficial group of USC students organizing pickleball events, known as Trojan Pickleball, managed to grow its GroupMe membership to 500 in just a year.

“People often see it as a niche activity, something to do occasionally, but there are so many people who genuinely love the sport and play regularly,” said Alex Han, the sponsorships board secretary of Trojan Pickleball and a junior studying economics.

The closure of the courts comes at a time when pickleball’s popularity is surging, which is truly unfortunate.

Phally writes, “What students are losing is more than just a space for outdoor physical activities; they’re also losing a low-pressure social environment.” She emphasizes that the removal of on-campus courts undermines the unique social aspects of pickleball. “Without a shared space for open play, the social and recreational opportunities that pickleball provides are diminished.”

In response, Trojan Pickleball is organizing rideshares to nearby courts and hosting open-play events. However, Phally points out that more comprehensive solutions are needed. “It’s an understatement to say that it will take more coordination and time, especially since the nearest available courts are primarily on the west side of Los Angeles, which often require a membership or fees,” she noted.

“It’s really heartbreaking to see our close-knit community potentially break apart, and many people will miss out on this experience,” said Alexa Medellin, a member of Trojan Pickleball and a senior majoring in industrial and systems engineering.

Given the situation, Phally hopes that school administrators will step in. “What we’re asking for is a newly allocated open outdoor space for play, relaxation, and stress relief for the health and well-being of students,” she writes.

“USC needs to provide a solution by designating a new area for outdoor courts because pickleball isn’t going away. The sport will continue to thrive, with or without the University’s support,” she concluded.