Inaugural West IV Pickleball Competition Highlights Growth of the Sport  

The inaugural West IV Pickleball Intervarsity Competition, held in April, delivered a vibrant showcase of energy, connection, and competition, as student-athletes from across Western Australia came together to compete at the ECU Sport and Fitness Centre. 

Hosted by Edith Cowan University (ECU), the event marked a significant milestone in the growth of pickleball within the university sport landscape.  

With 25 teams and more than 50 students competing, the competition highlighted the sport’s increasing popularity and accessibility across campuses. Teams represented ECU (12 teams), Curtin University (7 teams), The University of Western Australia (3 teams) and Murdoch University, along with three mixed teams, reflecting strong engagement across the region and a growing enthusiasm for pickleball.  

Across the day, matches were played in excellent spirit, balancing competitive intensity with the social and welcoming nature that defines intervarsity sport. The event not only showcased emerging talent but also reinforced the importance of university sport in fostering friendships, connection, and institutional pride. 

In Division 1, Samuel Lim (The University of Western Australia) and Caitlyn Sheppard (Murdoch University) claimed the inaugural title, while the Division 2 winners were ECU students Bentley Prosper and Ashton McCormick. 

Beyond the results, sportsmanship remained a central focus. Two participants were recognised with sportsmanship awards, each receiving a pickleball paddle in acknowledgement of their respect, attitude, and positive contribution to the competition environment. 

The ECU Sport and Fitness Centre also provided a welcoming venue that supported both competition and community engagement throughout the day. 

Jarrod Evans, Sport and Recreation Coordinator at ECU, described the event as a great success, highlighting the growing popularity of pickleball within the university sport community. 

With strong participation and clear momentum, the inaugural West IV Pickleball Intervarsity Competition highlighted the growing presence of pickleball and the important role intervarsity events play in fostering connection, competition, and university pride beyond the classroom. The success of the event has set a strong foundation for future competitions across Western Australia. 

A sincere thank you to Edith Cowan University for hosting and delivering a standout event, providing student-athletes with a welcoming environment to compete, connect and represent their universities. 

Click here for the final placings.  

Article written by UniSport Communications Intern Amiel Luis Casambros (Griffith University)