The Growth of Collegiate Padel: How U.S. Universities Are Embracing the Sport
Padel, a racket sport born from the fusion of tennis and squash, is now gaining traction in the U.S., especially within the college sports ecosystem. What started as a niche activity is transforming into a competitive sport with leagues, tournaments, and growing infrastructure on university campuses. In recent years, prominent U.S. universities, particularly in regions like Florida, Texas, and California, have begun incorporating padel into their athletic programs and recreational offerings. This surge is part of a broader trend where institutions recognize the social, physical, and mental benefits that padel brings to student life.
But how did padel become the next big sport at U.S. universities? What role are students, coaches, and organizations playing in this growing movement? Let’s explore the forces driving the rise of collegiate padel and how it’s shaping the future of racket sports in America.
Why Padel is Growing on U.S. Campuses
The growth of padel in American universities is a confluence of several factors: accessibility, social engagement, and its international appeal. The sport is easy to learn and play, requiring less technical skill than tennis. It’s often described as a more inclusive sport, where beginners can quickly get into the flow of the game.
Moreover, padel’s compact court size encourages fast-paced play, making it appealing to students looking for a high-energy, competitive experience. According to the U.S. Padel Association (USPA), the sport also provides social benefits: it fosters teamwork, builds friendships, and helps players develop cognitive and strategic thinking skills. As universities place increasing emphasis on holistic student well-being, padel fits perfectly into wellness and intramural programs.
Take, for example, the University of Miami, where padel clubs have flourished since 2021. What started as a small group of international students playing for fun has grown into a fully-fledged club sport, attracting athletes from various backgrounds. Similarly, Texas A&M has created a padel program that provides courts and resources for both recreational and competitive play.
University Padel Clubs: The Grassroots Movement
Padel clubs are often at the forefront of this growth. Students passionate about the sport have taken the initiative to organize and form official university clubs, establishing a presence on campus and raising awareness. These clubs are typically student-run but are increasingly receiving backing from university athletic departments, which see the value in supporting a sport that fosters inclusivity and physical activity.
For example, the Padel Club at the University of Miami now boasts over 100 members, organizing weekly games, training sessions, and tournaments. They’ve collaborated with local padel clubs and facilities to gain access to professional-grade courts, offering students a competitive experience. Similarly, the University of Texas (UT) Padel Club has reported rapid growth, with participation surging among both domestic and international students. These clubs not only offer students a chance to play but are becoming avenues for community building and leadership development.
As more students and alumni join these clubs, universities are beginning to take note. This grassroots movement is driving demand for dedicated padel facilities and professional coaching.
The Role of International Students in Padel’s Popularity
A major factor contributing to the rise of collegiate padel in the U.S. is the growing presence of international students, many of whom come from padel-dominant countries like Spain, Argentina, and Mexico. For these students, padel is more than just a pastime—it’s a connection to their home cultures. By bringing their love for the sport to the U.S., they have helped foster an environment where padel can thrive.
In many cases, these international students are the driving force behind padel clubs and events. They’ve also been instrumental in spreading awareness of the sport, hosting exhibitions and introducing their American peers to the game. Universities with large international populations, like Florida International University (FIU) and Pepperdine, have seen padel clubs spring up rapidly due to this influence.
At Florida International University, for example, the FIU Padel Club was formed in 2022, with a core group of international students leading the way. The club now organizes intramural competitions and collaborates with local clubs to arrange friendly matches. This cross-cultural exchange is making padel one of the most inclusive sports on U.S. campuses.
Building Infrastructure: Courts and Facilities on Campus
As demand grows, so does the need for infrastructure. Universities are beginning to invest in padel courts, both for recreational use and competitive training. Dedicated padel courts are now being built at campuses across Texas, Florida, and California, with several universities integrating the sport into their athletic programs.
In 2023, Texas A&M completed the construction of two state-of-the-art padel courts, becoming one of the first universities in the U.S. to provide dedicated facilities for the sport. Texas A&M’s Padel Initiative, part of a broader effort to diversify campus sports, allows students to access courts for free while also supporting competitive play for those interested in tournaments. Similarly, universities like UCLA and Arizona State have plans to include padel in future sports facility expansions, recognizing the sport’s growing importance.
The investment in facilities is also a reflection of the broader expansion of padel in the U.S., with private clubs, gyms, and country clubs increasingly adding courts. This means that students who play padel in college will have more opportunities to continue playing after they graduate.
The Rise of Collegiate Padel Leagues and Competitions
Competitive play is another driving force behind the sport’s popularity in American universities. While intramural and casual games are common, there’s a growing interest in formal competitions. Universities are exploring the possibility of establishing collegiate padel leagues, modeled after successful programs in Europe and Latin America.
In 2023, several universities, including Texas Christian University (TCU) and the University of Miami, participated in intercollegiate padel tournaments, a first for the U.S. collegiate scene. These tournaments were organized in partnership with local padel clubs and received backing from the USPA, which has been instrumental in promoting competitive padel at both the amateur and professional levels. With more universities joining the fray, there’s potential for a fully-fledged national collegiate padel league within the next few years.
Such competitions not only give students the chance to showcase their skills but also open pathways for young athletes to pursue professional careers in padel. The increased visibility of collegiate competitions is helping padel gain credibility as a serious sport within the U.S. athletic community.
The Future of Padel at U.S. Universities
As padel continues to grow on U.S. campuses, the future looks bright for the sport. More universities are expected to adopt padel as part of their athletic and recreational offerings, with the sport poised to join the ranks of traditional college sports like tennis and soccer.
One significant development on the horizon is the potential for NCAA recognition of padel. If the sport continues its rapid growth, it could soon meet the requirements for NCAA status, which would elevate its profile and create new opportunities for student-athletes, scholarships, and professional careers. With the backing of organizations like the USPA and a passionate student base, the sky’s the limit for collegiate padel in the U.S.
The sport’s growth also signals a shift in how universities approach student wellness and recreation. Padel offers a unique blend of physical fitness, social interaction, and competitive play, making it a perfect fit for the modern college experience. As more students get involved, universities will continue to build out the infrastructure and support systems needed to foster the sport’s development.