The satisfying pop of paddle meeting ball echoed through Greenlee Plaza on a warm spring afternoon—marking not just a game in motion, but a vision in action. On April 16,
2025, Cal State LA celebrated the grand opening of its new state-of- the-art pickleball courts, adding a spirited chapter to campus life.
Located adjacent to the Student Services Building, the eight new courts were not just built for sport, they were built for connection.
“This is just the beginning of our commitment to community and entrepreneurship at Cal State LA,” said President Berenecea Johnson Eanes in her remarks. “Our commitment to the community is deep, and it will be intentional, authentic, directional, and quantifiable.”
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the country, is known for bringing people of all ages and skill levels together. Now, Cal State LA is using it as a vehicle for just that: building community, promoting wellness, and engaging students between classes in a way that’s joyful, low-pressure, and fun.
A Game for All
For the uninitiated, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played on a compact court with graphite paddles and perforated plastic balls, it is fast, accessible, and easy to learn—making it a perfect addition to a university setting.
The new courts were quickly embraced by students, alumni, faculty, and staff alike. Among the first to hit the courts during the grand opening were Cal State LA alumni George Lopez and Larry Corona, both self-described pickleball enthusiasts.
“I was excited for the campus to add an additional resource for the students,” said Lopez. “It’ll be a great stress reliever. Come out, get some exercise between classes, it’s fun.”
Corona agreed, noting the diverse and welcoming nature of their home pickleball community in Montebello.
“We have people from 14 to 82 years old playing. It could be competitive or just for fun, it’s whatever you make it,” he said. “And now, Cal State LA gets to be part of that.”
“That’s what we wanted, to give students an easy, fun way to stay engaged, build community, and fall in love with something new.”
Building a Campus Culture of Play
For Eugene Hutchinson, director of business services, the new courts represent more than a recreational upgrade.
“If you’re a beginner, it doesn’t take much for you to get involved,” he said. “That’s what we wanted, to give students an easy, fun way to stay engaged, build community, and fall in love with something new.”
Nursing students Harley Reyes and Mat Han were among those counting down the days to opening. “We would walk past [the courts] every time we went to class and thought it was amazing,” said Reyes. “We’ve been waiting for the opening.”
“We try to get our classmates to play all the time,” Han added. “It’s great that they made a pickleball court on campus.”
A Space for Everyone
The courts, which share a multi-use space with the former futsal courts, are open to the entire campus and surrounding community. Court rental fees are $10 per person, and the full facility is available for $480 per hour. Paddles and balls are available to rent, making it easy for anyone to drop in and play.
From the court to the classroom, Cal State LA is creating spaces where students thrive physically, emotionally, and socially. It is part of the University’s larger commitment to transforming lives and empowering dreams—one paddle swing at a time.
Photo: Cal State LA is looking to pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the country, to build community, promote wellness, and engage students between classes.