Dinks between classes
On any given afternoon, the sound of a plastic ball popping off paddles echoes through Palmer College of Chiropractic’s R. Richard Bittner Athletic & Recreation Center in Davenport, Iowa. What started as a casual way to unwind has grown into a vibrant pickleball scene that brings together students, faculty, and staff as they build friendships, ease academic pressure, and add another dimension to the Palmer experience. “For students here, the work is relentless,” says Patrik Schneider, D.C. (`14), a faculty member who first played pickleball decades ago and rediscovered the game at Palmer. “Pickleball is the perfect release.” Dr. Schneider points to Palmer’s intentional investment in
recreation as a key factor. The College devotes significant gym space to pickleball courts, provides paddles and balls, and makes it easy for anyone to jump in. “You can play in street clothes,” he says. “The equipment is ready. The barrier to entry is really low.” That accessibility is exactly what drew Student Justin
Togisala (above) to the courts. “I actually discovered pickleball at Palmer,” he says. “I’ve met so many people through it. Students, faculty, and even people beyond
campus. People I never would’ve met otherwise, including lots of chiropractors.” Justin, an Olympic weightlifting competitor, credits pickleball as both a stress reliever and a serious workout. “It’s a lot of cardio,” he laughs. “It’s been huge for my life balance, especially with how demanding our program is.” While the Palmer Pickleball Club isn’t officially chartered,
it’s highly organized. Drop-in play runs several days a week, tournaments happen about once a trimester, and as many as 30 to 50 people cycle through the courts. “The courts are always full, but always welcoming,” Justin says. For Student Tristan Fell, pickleball quickly became central
to his Palmer social life. “Most of my Palmer friends I met playing,” he says. “Relationships develop on the court.” Tristan especially values the chance to play alongside
faculty. “You’ll play with an instructor, maybe get a good smash on them, then see them in class later,” he says. “It’s fun to see them out there. They feel more human.” That human connection is exactly the point, Dr. Schneider
says. “It breaks down the student-faculty barrier,” he explains. “It builds trust and creates the community feeling that’s at the core of Palmer.”
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