Josh Kindarara ’25 M.S. ’26 returns a shot while competing in ‘Picklepalooza.’ **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

Hip-hop music echoed through the gym entrance while pickleballs popped sharply against paddles on the basketball courts. Clusters of students crowded around each other inside the Malley Center lobby, chatting away excitedly. The so-called ‘Picklepalooza’ was officially in full swing, with the University’s recreation space transforming into a full-fledged campus celebration.

The event was nothing short of upbeat and energetic. Students flocked to the table to collect free t-shirts emblazoned with the words ‘Picklepalooza’ in a bold crimson, yellow and blue design. Cheering for raffle winners in the main entrance and on the basketball courts continued throughout the evening, reinforcing the sense of community and shared excitement surrounding the event.

“The atmosphere is electric,” said Justin Chan ’28. “There are lots of people here for sure, which is great.”

Chan said that it would be a great event for the University to emulate again in the future.

Picklepalooza has made major changes this year, allowing it to expand from 16 teams in previous years to a record high of 32 pairs this time around.

“We were fortunate enough over winter break to get the ability to install pickleball nets on all three of the courts,” said intramural student coordinator George Marzo ’26.

The Malley Center’s three basketball courts each had three pickleball courts set up for the event. **(Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)**

“Pickleball has gotten really popular, and this event is so great because even if you aren’t participating in the tournament, you can enter the raffle,” Marzo said.

The raffle was a resounding success; hundreds of students entered for a chance to win an array of awesome pickleball-themed goodies. They had pickle-flavored puffs for a snack, pickle squishmallows, hats and even the chance for students to win a free pickleball set.

“I really like the merch set up,” said Tyler Chan ’28. “The shirts and the plushies, there’s a woman who’s also handing out pickle stickers, which I think are so sick.”

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Left: The raffle set-up. Dill pickle corn puffs were raffled off. (Nina Glick/The Santa Clara)

Students who weren’t participating still had a great time watching the event unfold.

“My best friend, my brother and his friends are all playing in the tournament,” said Claire Andre ’28. “So I’m here to support, join the raffle and just have fun.”

As the final matches wrapped up and the crowd began to thin, The Saturn, commanded by Alex Hindes ’26 and Jack Quinn ’26, emerged as this year’s Picklepalooza champions.

“I think it was a great event,” said Hindes. “The school should definitely keep doing things like this with volleyball, ping pong, or any short game style.”

This brought the evening to a close. An event that showcased not only the growing popularity of pickleball but also student enthusiasm for inclusive, high-energy campus activities was a huge hit.