Pickleball at the collegiate level is more than just a game—it’s a high-energy, passion-driven sport that fosters camaraderie, competition, and unforgettable moments. That’s exactly what the James Madison University (JMU) Pickleball Club set out to showcase in their new documentary, “For the Love of the Game - The JMU Pickleball Nationals Experience.” Having premiered on January 22, 2025, this video offers an inside look at the trials, triumphs, and tenacity of JMU’s team as they took on the best in the nation at the 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship.

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More Than Just Singles and Doubles

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Collegiate pickleball's format adds layers of strategy and teamwork. A team consists of four players—two men and two women—competing against each other. Each match begins with a women’s doubles, then follows a men’s doubles game, and by two mixed doubles matches

If the teams split 2-2, it all comes down to a “Dreambreaker”, a high-stakes team singles match where players rotate every four points. As JMU's Team member, Ryan Morneau, put it,

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“Even if you have a really, really good player, you need the whole team to be there to really exchange these matches.”

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JMU’s Unique Vibe: Energy, Passion, and a Little Bit of Chaos

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JMU brings an energy that often sets them apart from the competition. Their players embrace a culture that thrives on excitement, passion, and an undeniable presence on the court. From the sidelines to the final point, they’re loud, engaged, and always supporting their teammates. 

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For them, pickleball isn’t just about winning; it’s about creating an atmosphere where energy fuels performance and every match feels like an event. Their approach has helped build a team identity that stands out in collegiate pickleball, making them one of the most talked-about programs in the sport.

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That same enthusiasm, however, can also make them a target. Their relentless support and high-energy approach aren’t always well-received by opponents who prefer a quieter, more traditional competitive environment. Some teams see JMU’s presence as overwhelming, even frustrating, leading to a natural rivalry dynamic. 

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Whether loved or disliked, one thing is certain—JMU leaves an impression, and their impact on the court is impossible to ignore.

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JMU's Journey at The 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship

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JMU started Nationals with nerves high, struggling early against Purdue. Costly mistakes in doubles and mixed doubles led to a tough loss.

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“We lost that match, and it was on me,” said Morneau. Despite a strong fight in the Dreambreaker, they fell 21-18.

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Regrouping, JMU bounced back with a win, using it to sharpen their game before the elimination rounds. The depth of their 20-player roster proved crucial, emphasizing team chemistry beyond just skill.

JMU’s final showdown was against their biggest rivals, Virginia Tech. With Tech’s new star player, the match carried extra intensity. JMU fell behind 20-8, but refused to quit, rallying to 20-19 in a stunning comeback. However, a missed serve on match point sealed the loss.

Though they fell short, JMU left Nationals knowing they could compete with the best—and with confidence that next time, they’d be ready to win.

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The Future of Collegiate Pickleball

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JMU’s experience at Nationals highlights the rapid growth of collegiate pickleball. The event also highlighted the rapid rise of collegiate pickleball, with 64 teams competing—a number set to double next year, thanks to growing support from DUPR and the PPA. As more schools join the competition, the sport is evolving beyond just a club activity. With its rising popularity, many believe it’s only a matter of time before scholarships and NIL deals become a reality. The increase in teams from year to year shows just how quickly the sport is expanding, outpacing traditional college tennis events in size and excitement.

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For the Love of the Game – The JMU Pickleball Nationals Experience" captures the dedication and resilience of a team pushing the limits of collegiate pickleball. More than just a tournament, it’s a look at a fast-growing sport and the players driving its momentum. Watch the full documentary here.

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