The University of Pittsburgh’s Pickleball Club is celebrating after winning the CNC Sweepstakes, securing an all-expenses-paid trip to the Collegiate National Championship taking place at Life Time Peachtree Corners in Georgia from April 11-13. Their rapid rise in the collegiate pickleball scene, competitive success, and strong community support have made them a team to watch.

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Building a Pickleball Club and Community

The University of Pittsburgh Pickleball Club was officially established in the spring of 2024. “As a newer organization, we are thrilled to be recognized on a national scale!” said Ethan Estatico, club representative. 

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Before its founding, there was no dedicated space for students to play pickleball, despite a growing interest in the sport and increasing curiosity about pickleball ratings and competitive play. Once officially recognized, the club experienced rapid expansion, evolving from a small group into a thriving community of nearly 400 interested students and 32 competitive team members.

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Despite limited funding, the team has found ways to compete and grow. In their first semester, they could barely send one team to a DUPR Super Regional. Fast forward, and they've attended the 2024 Collegiate National Championship (CNC), that took place on Halloween, and this year, they’ve sent 14 students to two separate Super Regionals and are preparing for the CNC. More than just a team, the club has become a close-knit community where students connect through their shared love of pickleball and their hunger to improve their pickleball ratings. 

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Earning a Spot at Pickleball Nationals

The moment Pitt secured a bid for the DUPR Collegiate National Championship at the New Jersey Super Regional was one to remember. It was a validation of all the hard work and dedication that had gone into building this program from the ground up. Competing at a national level had always been a goal, but earning that spot proved that the club was ready to take the next step.

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Winning the CNC Sweepstakes

If securing a bid for Nationals was exciting, winning the CNC Sweepstakes was downright surreal. The club knew they were the underdogs, but they also knew they had something special—heart, grit, and a community that believed in them. The support they received was overwhelming, and when the final votes were tallied, Pitt had won an all-expenses-paid trip to CNC, funded by Reign Storm.

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For a newer club, this opportunity is game-changing. With financial concerns lifted, they can now allocate resources to future DUPR events, fueling further growth and competition at an even higher level.

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A Pickleball Community That Shows Up

Winning the CNC Sweepstakes wasn’t just about the players, it was about the entire Pittsburgh community. The club has seen firsthand how passionate and dedicated their supporters are, whether through fundraising efforts or rallying behind them in this competition.

Ethan stated, “It’s incredibly humbling to have such a strong and passionate community behind us. If we could personally thank every single person who voted for us, we absolutely would—because their support means the world to us.”

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Looking Ahead to CNC

As the Collegiate National Championship approaches, Pitt’s training sessions have taken on a new level of intensity. The team has been working on refining skills, increasing endurance, and sharpening footwork. Every session is an opportunity to push boundaries, build team chemistry, and boost their pickleball ratings as they step up to the challenge that awaits them on the national stage.

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Beyond the competition itself, the team is excited to travel together, explore Georgia, and create unforgettable memories. But make no mistake, Pitt is here to compete. Facing off against new schools and testing their skills against some of the best collegiate pickleball teams in the country is an opportunity they won’t take for granted as they move ahead in representing their school.

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Advice for New Pickleball Clubs

For those looking to start a pickleball club, Pitt’s advice is simple: build a strong foundation and find people who are just as passionate as you are. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with dedication and teamwork, a club can grow faster than you think. Whether it’s recruiting committed players or building a supportive community, the key is to stay focused and keep pushing forward.

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With the DUPR Collegiate National Championship just around the corner, Pitt is ready to prove that anything is possible. They’ve built something special, and now, they have the chance to showcase it on the biggest stage in collegiate pickleball.

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Meet the Pickleball Team Headed to Georgia

These are the players who will be representing Pitt on the biggest stage in collegiate pickleball.

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Inspired by Pitt’s story? Start your own DUPR Digital Club today and take the first step toward Nationals.

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