Terrell Jackson Jr

Armstrong welcomes an addition to its roster of intramural sports: Spikeball, a fast-paced game. 

Spikeball involves hitting a yellow ball on a trampoline-like net past your opponent. Compared to other sports, spikeball can not only be played in all seasons but also in various environments, such as on the beach, in the pool or even in the dark.

Leading the club is Leslie Nguyen, a fifth-year senior studying secondary education with a history focus. Nguyen’s enthusiasm and friendly spirit create an open, casual atmosphere for the club. Nguyen wants students who join to simply enjoy themselves and the game. 

While there is a competitive approach like every other sport, Nguyen focuses on creating a more relaxed, fun environment for students. There are no specific positions a student needs to know in order to jump in and play. 

“We want people who want to say yes to have a good time,” said Nguyen. 

The barrier to learning spikeball is low, appealing to all skill levels, ages, shapes and sizes. There is no ideal body type in spikeball. Because it is not a contact sport, it is also safer for those who are concerned about potential injuries Nguyen said. 

Lauren Richardson, a junior also studying secondary education, encourages students to break away from the stresses of studying and homework by being in the “stress free zone” spikeball has to offer. Richardson encourages students to come out of their dorms and hop into an open net game. Like Nguyen, Richardson wants the center of spikeball to be fun. Both students are more than welcome to teach any newcomers. 

“We like to have a good time…We’re like one big family,” Richardson said. 

Being a senior, Nguyen hopes to build the club’s longevity and expand its membership. Nguyen is over halfway to his goal of developing 20 members. Nguyen also has ambitions for the club to eventually enter national championship tournaments. 

Students can freely join open net games held every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. in front of Windward Commons, no fees are required.  However, to participate in official practices and join the club, students must complete a health concern form and a liability form to the university 

Similar to Spirit Week, open net games also have themes where students can wear togas, Halloween costumes or crazy socks. On Sep. 16, the 10 members of the team will be traveling to Atlanta for an open spikeball tournament. No qualifications are required to join; the university covers the registration fee, but students must handle their own travel and personal expenses.

Although it is a tournament, Nguyen strives to shift the focus from winning or losing to simply having fun and meeting other teams in the spikeball community.

Follow @eaglesroundnet on Instagram to keep up with club updates. Themes for the week and open net time/dates are posted there.

Whether you’re experienced or completely new, spikeball is a backyard game that’s fit for everyone. 

“We want to share the love of spikeball with everyone,” Richardson said.