The URI tennis courts were buzzing with high energy and friendly competition on Saturday, April 11th as Intramural Sports hosted its second annual Doubles Pickleball Tournament. What began as a 32-team bracket quickly transformed into a massive 48-team showcase, as intramural coordinators expanded the field to meet an overwhelming surge in student demand. This jump in participation highlights the rapid growth of pickleball on campus, turning a Saturday afternoon into one of the best intramural events of the semester.
From 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. the courts next to Boss Ice Arena were alive with music and competitive spirit. Campus Recreation facilitated the high energy atmosphere by providing all necessary equipment and professional scorekeeping across eight simultaneous courts, ensuring a seamless experience for nearly 100 students. The environment remained laid-back and positive in true IM sports fashion with creative team names like “Pickle Rick” and “Ticklle dis Pickle”.
Despite the expanded field, a familiar duo rose to the top. Christopher May and Tommy Mcgunnigle, competing as team No Thoughts, secured their second consecutive title in the single elimination doubles tournament. The championship match proved to be their toughest test yet, as they faced off against Austin Fallon and Evan Smith of team Just the Tib. While Fallon and Smith mounted a late game surge, May and Mcgunnigle held their ground to clinch the win with an 11-8 final score.
In a display of confidence, May and Mcgunnigle, also members of the club pickleball team, competed in the same T-shirts they earned from winning the inaugural tournament a year ago. By the end of the evening, they had effectively doubled their collection, walking away with new limited edition Intramural Sports championship shirts.
Beyond the scores and cool T-shirts, the afternoon was defined by student engagement and a shared passion for a sport that continues to sweep the campus. The success of the tournament serves as a testament to the community building power of intramural sports at URI. Make sure to grab a friend and compete in the third annual Doubles Pickleball Tournament next spring!
By John Almy
Class of 2026
Journalism Major