Accounting Professor James (Yibo) Zhang is sharing his love of pickleball with students in ACC 495/595 (Accounting Analysis). On a Sunday afternoon, you might find him and a group of students learning the sport together and having fun.
“It’s a class social event for ACC 495/595 to help students get to know each other better and build connections,” said James.
The first event was joined by six students, but recent numbers have grown to 11 students, and there’s room for plenty more. There are 10 pickleball courts at the TRI Community Center in Oxford, maintained by the City of Oxford Parks and Recreation. Construction began in the summer at the site of the old skate park, adding six newly upgraded courts to the existing four. A tennis court at the site can also be converted into two pickleball courts.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the US, according to USA Pickleball, which provides a step-by-step “How to Play Pickleball” guide on its website. “There are some good players in the ACC program who have played with their family or friends for several years. Most of the students are at the beginner level and learning how to play and keep score,” said James.
The group rotates in and out of games during play so that students can get different partners per game and build connections.
Up next may be a cross-departmental fundraising pickleball tournament where the group invites all master’s students from the Farmer School of Business.
Photo Gallery: Pickeball Sunday
