The Growth of University of Michigan Pickleball with Team President Suzanne Chuparkoff

20x44 Life: A Pickleball Podcast

Welcome back to another episode of 20x44 Life, the podcast that brings the pickleball community together, one episode at a time. In this installment, we're thrilled to have Suzanne Chuparkoff, the President of the Michigan Pickleball Club at the University of Michigan, to discuss the growing world of college pickleball.
Highlights from this episode:

• Suzanne shares her personal journey into pickleball, from a family trip to Florida to watch the U.S. Open, to becoming deeply involved with the Michigan Pickleball team.
• Discover the evolution of the Michigan Pickleball Club from a social group to a competitive team partaking in national collegiate tournaments.
• Explore the unique dynamics and rapid growth of collegiate pickleball, including how Suzanne and her team manage hundreds of members and maintain a balance between competitive and social play.
• An insider's look at Wolverine Pickleball, the premier facility where the Michigan team trains, highlighting the community atmosphere and the amenities that make it a top destination for players.
• The transition from playing at college level to potentially coaching, and Suzanne’s anticipation of continuing her pickleball journey while attending graduate school.
• The impact of rally scoring in collegiate games and how it differs from traditional scoring in promoting a different strategy and game dynamic.
• Announcement of the Michigan Midnight Madness tournament hosted by Suzanne – a unique event inviting collegiate teams for competitive play and community engagement.

Special moments:

• Suzanne’s reflections on the camaraderie and community within collegiate pickleball, showcasing the sport's unique ability to bring diverse groups together.
• A preview of Suzanne's future in pickleball as she balances playing, coaching, and studying, and what this means for her involvement in the sport.
• A lively discussion about the pros and cons of rally scoring, adding depth to our understanding of the evolving strategies within the sport.

Thank you for tuning into 20x44 Life! Stay connected, stay inspired, and let’s continue to rally together for the love of pickleball.
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