The University of Texas at Austin pickleball team has been voted the College Team of the Year from the 2024 Dink Awards. This honor not only recognizes the team’s competitive success but also celebrates the strong sense of community and commitment that drives the program. 

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Over the past season, the UT Austin pickleball team has overcome challenges, celebrated memorable victories, and built a tight-knit community on and off the courts. Their achievements and engaging team culture have caught the attention of the broader pickleball community, making this award a significant marker of their success and impact on collegiate sports.

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Dink Awards Vote Breakdown

The Dink Awards have become a revered benchmark for excellence in collegiate pickleball. This year, the College Team of the Year award was decided by a robust total of 5,985 votes, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm for the sport and for UT Austin’s program.

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• University of Texas — Austin: 1,152 votes (19.27%)
• Ohio State University: 528 votes (8.83%)
• University of Florida: 509 votes (8.51%)
• UNC Chapel Hill: 493 votes (8.25%)
• Utah Tech: 458 votes (7.66%)
• University of Southern California: 418 votes (6.99%)
• Florida Atlantic University: 394 votes (6.59%)
• University of Virginia: 372 votes (6.22%)
• Virginia Tech: 330 votes (5.52%)
• Purdue University: 235 votes (3.93%)
• Samford University: 230 votes (3.85%)
• Indiana University: 215 votes (3.60%)
• North Carolina State University: 156 votes (2.61%)
• Utah State University: 154 votes (2.58%)
• Clemson University: 148 votes (2.48%)
• Utah Valley University: 144 votes (2.41%)

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UT Austin clearly came out on top by capturing nearly 20% of all votes. That shows the program's big influence and the amazing support from its community.

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A Culture Built on Loyalty and Fun

The secret to UT Austin’s success lies in the team’s unique culture and deep-rooted loyalty. The program has fostered an environment where every member—from students to alumni—feels a profound connection to the team and the school. This enduring loyalty has been a cornerstone of their identity, both on and off the court.

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"What sets us apart is the unwavering loyalty our students, alumni, and friends have for our school and our team, which truly means a lot to us,” said UT Austin team captain, Jack Munro.

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This commitment goes beyond winning matches; it creates a family-like atmosphere where team dinners, social nights with DJs and food, and mandatory gatherings are all part of building lasting bonds. These events have helped solidify a culture that values both excellence in competition and camaraderie off the court.

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Memorable Victories and the Role of Key Players

The UT Austin team has experienced several unforgettable moments during the season, with one particular victory standing out as a turning point. The win at the Collegiate Individual Nationals not only put the team on the map but also created a legacy that continues to inspire the program. 

"Timmy was vital to win collegiate thenationals last year. I owe everything to Timmy. He saved seven match points,” Munro emphasized.

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This highlights the pivotal role that individual performances can play in lifting the entire team. Even as players graduate and move on to new opportunities, their contributions remain a lasting part of the team’s identity, symbolized by the banner proudly displayed at Urban Pickleball. 

Such victories not only boost the team's confidence but also cement their reputation as one of the premier collegiate pickleball programs in the nation.

Overcoming the Challenges of Collegiate Pickleball

Running a collegiate pickleball program comes with a unique set of challenges, and UT Austin’s journey has been a testament to learning through trial and error. Without a clear blueprint for managing everything from flight bookings to scheduling practices and hosting tryouts, the team has had to innovate on the fly. 

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This learning process has involved seeking advice from other programs and adapting strategies to fit their unique needs.

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Logistical challenges aside, the team has also faced the task of building a competitive structure from scratch. Smaller tournaments such as the Texas Super Regional and the Baylor Invitational have served as critical stepping stones. 

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These events allow the team to gauge the level of regional competition and gain valuable experience, ensuring that they are fully prepared for the national stage.

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Leadership and the Importance of Team Bonding

Strong leadership has been a vital component in navigating both the triumphs and trials of the season. The team’s leadership structure, which includes captains on both the men’s and women’s sides, has been instrumental in maintaining focus and morale. Alongside these leaders, Coach Terry McCarthy has played an indispensable role in organizing the team, managing logistics, and providing unwavering support.

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"Leadership was huge—being the captain, having Zoeya Khan lead on the female side, and our coach Terry McCarthy who helped us with everything from setting up to booking flights. We owe so much to Terry; he even gave us our first jerseys when we had none,” Munro said.

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This blend of strong leadership and team bonding has allowed UT Austin to maintain a balance between competitive intensity and a fun, inclusive environment. The regular team dinners, social nights, and other bonding activities have not only boosted morale but have also created an atmosphere where every member feels valued and driven to contribute to the collective success.

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Building a Legacy for the Future

Winning the College Team of the Year award is more than just a recognition of past achievements—it is a stepping stone to future success. The award is expected to strengthen the program’s case for institutional support, such as the installation of permanent pickleball courts at the university. 

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Such developments would ensure that the team continues to thrive and attract top-tier talent, further establishing UT Austin as a powerhouse in collegiate pickleball. In addition to seeking better facilities, the team has set its sights on ambitious goals for the coming seasons. 

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They aim to secure back-to-back national titles, even as they navigate changes in player partnerships and adapt to new competitive challenges. The future of UT Austin pickleball is bright, with plans to expand the team’s social presence and continue building a legacy that will inspire future generations of student-athletes.

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"[The] jobs not finished,” stressed Munro. “Our goal is to win another back-to-back title and keep growing our social side. It’s where you meet people, where we vibe. For kids coming to UT or getting into collegiate pickleball, it’s going to be one of the best decisions of your life."

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This forward-looking vision encapsulates the team’s determination to remain at the forefront of collegiate pickleball while also nurturing a community that values both athletic excellence and personal growth.

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The Future Impact of UT Austin’s Success

The recognition as College Team of the Year at the Dink Awards marks a pivotal moment for the UT Austin pickleball program. This accolade is a testament to the team’s hard work, strong leadership, and the supportive community that rallies behind them. As they continue to build on this success, the program is poised to influence the broader collegiate sports landscape and pave the way for future pickleball athletes.

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With an eye on further national success and improved facilities, UT Austin is set to lead the evolution of collegiate pickleball. The program’s innovative approach, underpinned by a deep sense of loyalty and a vibrant team culture, will undoubtedly inspire new players to join and contribute to the sport. 

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The UT Austin pickleball team’s journey is a great example of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a commitment to the community. Their recent recognition at the Dink Awards is not just a win for the team—it is a win for every member of the UT Austin community and a beacon for future generations in collegiate pickleball.