Pickleball in Austin Texas is rapidly gaining popularity across all age groups, communities, and settings. Whether it’s in collegiate institutions or urban environments, the sport is thriving. In this post, we dive into a conversation with Timmy Manzano, a key player in the college pickleball scene at the University of Texas as well as Urban Pickleball in Austin. Timmy shares insights into how the sport has evolved in both settings and what the future holds for pickleball enthusiasts.
Urban Pickleball in Austin: A Unique Community
Urban Pickleball is a top-tier, membership-based pickleball facility in Austin, Texas, known for its unique urban courts and strong community focus. Timmy describes how Urban Pickleball was initially created by Jay Lerner, the founder, for family use on top of a downtown parking garage. Soon, people from the area started to notice and began showing up to play, leading to the development of more courts and an organized community.
“Where it's situated is on top of a parking garage, with high rises surrounded all around. So everybody started seeing these courts and people started driving to the top of this parking garage. And he was like, you know what, this is pretty cool.”
What sets Urban Pickleball apart is not just its unique location, but also its community-driven approach. The club offers unlimited play to members without the need for hourly fees—a model that breaks from some traditional membership models and helps foster a close-knit group of players. Membership is somewhat exclusive, with a long waitlist of people eager to join.
Timmy notes the visual appeal of the courts as another major draw. With ivy-covered walls and bright blue umbrellas, the courts don’t feel like they’re on a parking lot at all. This aesthetic setup, combined with the community vibe, has made Urban Pickleball one of the most sought-after pickleball experiences in Austin.
Timmy’s Pickleball Journey: From Novice to Collegiate Competitor
Timmy’s introduction to pickleball was unexpected and humbling. During a visit to a ranch, he found himself struggling to keep up with a group of older men who were playing the game casually. Despite thinking pickleball was for older generations, Timmy’s competitive spirit was sparked, and he quickly became hooked on the sport.
“I was just getting run around by 50-year-old men with a beer in their hand. And I was like, all right, this is not okay... I just fell in love and when I get onto something, I get addicted to it.”
From that moment, Timmy was determined to improve. He spent countless hours on the rec courts, playing every day and pushing himself to get better. His dedication eventually led him to the Longhorn Pickleball Club at UT, where he quickly integrated into the team.
The Growth of College Pickleball
College pickleball is still relatively new, but it’s growing fast. Schools like Texas A&M, TCU, Baylor, and Texas Tech have all established teams, and UT has emerged as a competitive force. Timmy was part of the Longhorn Pickleball Club’s rapid rise. He talks about his journey on the team, going from 29th out of 32 teams at their first tournament to winning the men’s doubles DUPR collegiate championship just a few months later. You can learn more about DUPR in our chat with Tito Machado here.
“We went to Cincinnati in June, and we ended up winning the whole men's DUPR collegiate championship. We beat Florida in the finals, and that was pretty cool.”
The club’s growth has been exponential, both in terms of talent and visibility. Under the leadership of standout players like Jack Monroe and Zoeya Khan, the Longhorn Pickleball Club has expanded its social media presence and attracted hundreds of members.
Timmy believes college pickleball has enormous potential, with scholarship opportunities and greater recognition on the horizon. As more schools form teams and more students join the sport, the collegiate pickleball scene will likely become a key feeder system for professional pickleball.
The Future of Pickleball: Scholarship Potential and Growth
As more money is invested in pickleball at both the professional and collegiate levels, Timmy sees significant opportunities for growth. He envisions the sport expanding through sponsorships, collaborations with other collegiate sports, and even alumni involvement.
“There’s so much untapped potential. I could see us doing things with alumni... it’d be cool to see Matthew McConaughey out on a pickleball court.”
The professional pickleball scene is already seeing a surge in investment, and we expect that might trickle down to college programs. As more high-profile figures get involved and more players enter the sport, the sky’s the limit for pickleball.
How to Get Involved in College Pickleball
For students interested in joining a pickleball club, most schools now offer opportunities to sign up. At UT, students can register for the Longhorn Pickleball Club through the university’s HornsLink platform or reach out via social media. Timmy encourages anyone interested to attend club events or connect with current members, as the pickleball community is incredibly welcoming.
“Everybody's so cool and so nice. It's really easy to get started and meet friends.”
How to Join Urban Pickleball in Austin
Urban Pickleball is one of the most popular pickleball spots in Austin, and demand is high. Currently, there is a waitlist for memberships, but there are still opportunities to play as a guest. For those interested, Timmy recommends following Urban Pickleball Club ATX on Instagram to stay up-to-date on court availability and membership openings.
Urban Pickleball’s second location in South Austin, Urban Pickleball Club Barton, offers additional opportunities to play. This new venue features two courts on another parking garage, giving South Austin residents easier access to the sport. Despite the high demand, the community-driven nature of Urban Pickleball makes it a welcoming place for all.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a college student looking to join a pickleball team or someone interested in experiencing the vibrant urban pickleball scene in Austin, the sport’s growth shows no signs of slowing down. With passionate advocates like Timmy and the support of dedicated communities, pickleball is becoming more accessible, competitive, and fun than ever before. For more information on how to get involved, follow the links below and be sure to check out Urban Pickleball on Instagram.
