Spikeball creates the opportunity to stay active and meet new people, which is believed to be the reason the sport grew so quickly at the University of Idaho.
As the popularity of the game grew, so did the participation of intramural spikeball leagues, as well as friendly gameplay amongst students at schools like UI. The Theophilus Tower lawn is a popular location for games to be held on campus, but the Student Recreation Center has also been used to hold rounds — particularly in the winter months.
The spikeball intramural competitions at UI provide an opportunity for all students to enjoy friendly competition. All students are encouraged to play and participate in these events. Students can register their team of two through the SRC, and they will be placed in a bracket to compete.
Senior computer science and statistics major Noah Rieth has been playing spikeball since 2020. Rieth plays with friends on campus as often as possible. He has competed in the UI intramural tournaments since his freshman year, claiming first place three years in a row.
In addition to his experience at UI, Rieth competed in a nationwide tournament called Spikeball Majors 2023, which was held in Salt Lake City, Utah during the summer. These competitions are run by the Spikeball Roundnet Association, which allows players to register to compete against players from all over the country. The SRA offers divisions for all skill levels.
While at these tournaments, Rieth has seen “a variety of skills with guys who are very athletic and then others with the competitive edge from practice.”
Senior psychology and pre-medical student Celeste Condie casually plays the sport in her free time. She has competed in UI’s intramural competition for the last two years alongside Rieth, placing first both times. For Condie, spikeball provides an outlet for stress, and the community at UI has been more than welcoming to her.
Of course, anyone can play spikeball, but its current demographic is primarily men. Condie is one of the few female competitors who has participated in the men’s intramural tournament on campus. She plays with a male teammate, Rieth, and prefers the high competition in the men’s games.
“As a woman, it can be more intimidating to play with guys who are more athletic and into the game,” Condie said. “But going out and joining games is so worth it!”
Nick Patrick, a freshman majoring in finance, started playing spikeball to unwind after studying and to stay active.
“The game is commonly found at hangouts and get-togethers that provide friends and family a fun way to let loose and have a great time,” Patrick said. “There are certain skills that can be helpful when playing more competitively, but overall, anyone at any skill level can still have a great time.”
When asked about continuing to play spikeball after college, all three students answered yes.
“It is a great way to just try something new that isn’t too time-consuming or a big commitment,” Condie said.
For those interested in getting involved, the SRC rents out spikeball equipment for student use.
Patrick encourages everyone to “just go out and play! It’s the best campus game and community to get involved with so do it.”
