Between lectures, labs, and late-night study sessions, medical students at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine have found a unique way to unwind—on pickleball courts. The Pickleball Interest Group, led by second-year medical students Juan Contreras (president), Bradley Dorin (vice president), and Krishna Josyula (tournament director), has grown into a popular way for students to stay active and connected.

The Pickleball Interest Group began in 2021 when first-year medical student Spencer Laue—now a fourth-year student—wanted to bring a little sunlight and movement back into his routine. “Volker Hall can feel pretty dreary when you’re there every day,” Laue said. “I had just started playing pickleball and loved how it helped me unwind.” What started as a few casual rooftop games soon evolved into an official student organization, thanks to support from classmates and then–vice president Luke Frost, now also a fourth-year student. Together, they organized equipment, set up courts, and created a welcoming space for students of all skill levels to connect, recharge, and enjoy a healthy outlet outside of class.

Since then, the group has grown in popularity. Four years later, it has evolved into a thriving student organization with nearly 300 members. “The great thing is the pickleball courts are right outside where we study,” Contreras said. “You don’t have to plan ahead—just step out, play for 30 minutes, and talk with classmates.”

Until now, the courts have relied on duct tape to mark the lines—a quick fix that often doesn’t hold up for long. Within 30 minutes, the tape may start peeling away under the Alabama heat, forcing students to continue re-taping the area before playing. As interest in the group grew, Contreras and other members began working with school leadership to find a better option for court lines. This fall, they’re excited to announce that the Volker Hall court will be painted—eliminating the need for tape and making it easier than ever for students to play.

“How many medical students can say they have a pickleball court in their courtyard?” Dorin said. “It’s such a unique thing—especially with the ups and downs of medical school. Having a place right outside where you can step away, clear your head, and play for a while makes all the difference.”

Each year, the Pickleball Interest Group hosts a tournament open to students across UAB’s health professional schools—including medicine, dentistry, nursing, and health professions. Last year’s event drew 16 teams and 32 participants, fostering friendly competition and lasting connections among future healthcare professionals. "The tournament is great because it’s welcoming to everyone,” Josyula said. “There are people who’ve never played before and others who are really competitive—it’s fun at every level.” This year, the group hopes to expand participation by inviting faculty members to join.

For Contreras, the mission behind this interest group is simple: to keep students connected and balanced. “Medical school can get isolating fast—you study all day, and suddenly it’s night,” he said. “Pickleball is all-inclusive. You don’t need any skills, and it brings all the classes together. It’s a way to step outside the cycle, meet people, and remember that you’re part of a community.”