Einstein Swings into the Pickleball Craze
Pickleball has surged nationally, with the familiar “click pop” sound courts everywhere you turn. That now includes the Einstein campus. Pickleball court lines have been added on the rooftop recreation area atop our parking garage and within our indoor basketball/badminton courts in Falk Recreation Center. For those wishing to play, it’s possible to put up the portable nets available through Falk and get your game on without too much fuss.
Pickleball has taken our nation by storm and Einstein is no exception. Courts are available indoors and on the parking garage rooftop, with all necessary equipment available in the Falk Center
In response to the sport’s popularity, starting in June, on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Falk will offer Pickleball Under the Lights on the rooftop space. “All levels of player are welcome,” said Jake Kuhl, assistant director at the center. “So long as it’s warm enough and weather permits, the nets will be in place and racquets and balls will be available.”
First-Ever Tournament
Daniel Beitler and Kevin Tao, champs of Einstein’s inaugural pickleball tournament.
At the close of 2023, the Falk Center held its inaugural pickleball tournament. The winners were M.D./Ph.D. student Kevin Tao and medical student Daniel Beitler, each in their second year at Einstein. Armed with instincts honed from playing tennis prior to coming to the Bronx, as well as tennis and squash matches together at Falk, Kevin and Dan eliminated five other teams on their way to their championship victory.
More than 40 players participated in the tourney, attesting to the popularity of the game on campus. “I was really surprised by how many signed up,” said Jake.
The competition was well rounded. “I’d estimate it was pretty evenly split, 50/50 men and women,” said second-year medical student Emily Hunt, a tennis and volleyball player who partnered with her husband.
A Pickle Barrel of Fun
Jake recalled, “About a year ago, we started getting requests for pickleball. That’s when we added lines indoors and got a portable net.” The lines for the outdoor court were added more recently.
“All of a sudden everyone was playing.,” recalled Kevin. “I really appreciated that the Falk Center provided paddles and balls and allotted time just for pickleball.”
The outdoor courts have been especially popular whenever the weather permits play outside. “It’s just more pleasant to be outside,” said Dan. “Plus there’s more space to back up, and it’s easier to see the yellow ball, which can get lost against the gym floor.”
The sport, which features a ball that has holes in it, like a whiffle ball, involves less running, making it a slower game that can be enjoyed by all levels of player. “Compared to tennis, you can pick it up quickly,” said Jake.
“It’s more about moving your body,” said Emily. “The community is large, and it’s a good time.”
Kevin agreed, noting, “There’s a lot of pretty good competition.”
Added Dan, “It’s a nice break from those super-stressful periods you have in medical school. It helps maintain mental wellness.”
Paging Potential Picklers
Beyond the new Thursday offering under the lights, twice a week, two indoor courts are open to Falk members on a first-come, first-served basis (see the schedule on the Falk Facebook page). Besides balls, nets, and paddles, the Falk Center can provide protective eyewear.
In general, for play on an outdoor court, it’s necessary to make a reservation on the GymMaster app. You also can contact Jake at jake.kuhl@einsteinmed.edu or Tamieka Jackson, the recreation and intramural coordinator, at tamieka.jackson@einsteinmed.edu.
Some have also asked if there will be another pickleball tourney. Said Jake, “Almost certainly—this one was such a success.” Added inaugural champs Dan and Kevin, “We have to defend our title!”
Watch campus monitors, and check intranet announcements or the Falk’s Instagram or Facebook page for all pickleball-related announcements.
Posted on: Friday, June 07, 2024