Roundnet and relationships

On any given Monday or Thursday afternoon at the Quad, you can spot groups of students diving, leaping and spiking in a fast-paced game of Spikeball. What started as a niche pastime has become one of the most energetic and social clubs on campus — the USU Roundnet (Spikeball) Club.

Founded in 2018, the club was created to provide students with an opportunity to engage in the fast-growing sport of Spikeball, a game that has gained immense popularity across college campuses. Since then, the club has evolved under the leadership of several presidents, including current president Ian Morgan, a fourth-year student from Kaysville, Utah. Morgan, who took over the leadership last year, has embraced a mission focused on growing the club and fostering a welcoming, low-pressure environment for all.

“Honestly, this is a pretty low commitment group,” Morgan said, emphasizing that his goal is to introduce as many people as possible to the sport. “I want a lot of people to just become familiar with Spikeball and with competitive Spikeball in general.” For Morgan, keeping the club inclusive and accessible is a top priority, and this laid-back approach has made the club appealing to newcomers.

For many students, joining the club is about more than just learning a new sport. First-year members Kaneal Ostler and Abigail Gray echo this sentiment, sharing the club has provided a welcoming and supportive environment.

Ostler, who had prior experience with Spikeball in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, noted, “It’s been fun, definitely humbling, realizing that there’s a lot more to learn.”

Both newcomers expressed their appreciation for the club’s friendly dynamics, with Gray adding, “I don’t know anything about Spikeball, but they’re so nice and willing to teach me, and it’s great.”

The atmosphere during practices and tournaments is characterized by fun and camaraderie. Morgan emphasizes while some participants may take the game seriously, the club focuses on creating friendships in a relaxed environment.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Morgan said. “A lot of people are here to have fun and just joke around.”

One of the most appealing things about the club is that it welcomes everyone of every experience level.

“It’s really just for fun. Like, they’re not even practices. It’s just pick up, like, just come out, bring your friends, and we’re just going to mess around and play some Spikeball. You have the competitive nets and the kind of people just learning. So it’s a good mix for really anyone that either has no idea how to play or has been playing for years. So everyone’s welcome,” says Kyle Burch, a first-year student from Twin Falls, Idaho.

While the focus is on enjoyment, many members are eager to improve their skills. Since joining the club, Ostler has noticed significant growth in her abilities.

“My serves were kind of sucky, but now I have a pretty decent serve,” Ostler said.

Burch, who has been playing Spikeball competitively for three years and took a one-year hiatus, has found the transition to the club challenging and rewarding.

“The skill level here is also a lot higher than what I was used to in Twin Falls,” Burch said. “It was a big improvement to find people that were actually better at the game.”

For newcomers interested in joining the club, the advice from seasoned members is clear: don’t be intimidated and don’t give up. Morgan encourages anyone curious to just “come and play.” The club welcomes people of all skill levels, and there’s always someone willing to teach the basics.

Burch advised new members to stick with it, even if they initially find the learning process hard.

“It’s pretty easy to give up and think, ‘this isn’t something I’m going to be good at.’” 

However, he added people can improve with persistence and regular attendance. Spikeball rewards time and effort, and the supportive club environment makes it easier for newcomers to feel comfortable.

Despite its success, the Spikeball club faces some challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is maintaining participation during the winter months.

“A big [challenge] for us is when it gets cold, a lot of people don’t show up to club anymore because Spikeball is a lot more fun outdoors,” Morgan said. The colder weather discourages participation, but Morgan remains optimistic about keeping the momentum.

One exciting prospect for the club’s future is the possibility of becoming a recognized club sport at USU. Morgan revealed that the club received an offer to transition into a club sport, which would provide more resources and recognition.

“We did get an offer to have it become a club sport, so that might be something in the future,” Morgan said. This potential development could mark a new chapter for the club, allowing it to grow even further and solidify its presence on campus.

In addition to regular club activities, members participate in various tournaments on and off campus. One such opportunity is the Utah State — unaffiliated with the university — Spikeball Championships in American Fork, which occurred on Oct. 19. These tournaments offer members a chance to showcase their skills and compete against players from around the region. Participating in tournaments also allows the club to recruit more people to play.

Morgan highlighted a successful recruitment effort during Day on the Quad, where over 100 students signed up for the club, leading to a robust group chat of around 200 people.

The club has undoubtedly significantly impacted its members’ college experiences. For Morgan, the club has even led to personal milestones, as he met his fiancee through the group. Ostler and Gray also highlighted how their involvement in the club has made them more open to trying new things and forming friendships.

As the club grows, it stands as a testament to the power of sport in building community. With its inclusive atmosphere, dedication to skill development and the possibility of becoming an official club sport, the club offers all students a unique and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a curious newcomer, the USU Roundnet (Spikeball) Club is ready to welcome you with open arms — and plenty of Spikeball.