For many athletes, college sports represent the final chapter of their competitive careers. For TJ Rudden, however, college pickleball became the bridge to professional competition. Originally from Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, TJ grew up playing multiple sports before dedicating himself to tennis. His talent on the court led him to become the No. 1 singles player for his high school team, helping them capture three state championships before continuing his collegiate tennis career at Washington & Lee University, where he earned a degree in Economics. After several years working in finance, TJ wasn't ready to leave competition behind. While pursuing a dual master's degree in Business and Finance at Auburn University, he discovered that college pickleball offered exactly what he was looking for: high-level competition, a welcoming community, and a new athletic challenge.
More Than Just Competition
Although TJ had already competed in professional pickleball events before arriving at Auburn, joining the university's club was about much more than winning matches. Moving far from home, he saw the club as the perfect opportunity to meet new people while continuing to compete. That decision quickly became one of the highlights of his graduate school experience. "It's great to meet different undergrads and other people that I would never have come across as a normal student." For TJ, one of the most rewarding aspects of college pickleball has been the diversity of the community, where players of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels come together around the same sport.
A Club That Keeps Growing
One of the biggest surprises for TJ was the overall level of college pickleball. Coming from a strong tennis background, he expected experience to be the deciding factor. Instead, he found incredibly athletic players capable of challenging anyone on a given day. He believes Auburn Club Pickleball has an exceptionally bright future, especially after seeing freshmen rapidly develop into some of the strongest players in the program.
Finding Balance
Graduate school, professional tournaments, and club competition made for a demanding schedule. TJ often practiced in the evenings, traveled to PPA events on weekends, and carefully planned every trip around academic deadlines. One memory still stands out: After competing at the PPA Sacramento tournament, he remembers thinking that missing his return flight might cost him an entire letter grade in one of his classes. Balancing academics, competition, and travel became one of the greatest challenges of his college experience.
Why Auburn Stands Out
When asked what makes Auburn unique, TJ doesn't hesitate. He highlights the combination of excellent academics, a well-organized pickleball club, dozens of indoor and outdoor courts, and a strong local pickleball community. He also credits the opportunity to learn alongside top professional players like Marshall Brown and Rafa Hewett, whose presence has helped many club members improve their games.
College Pickleball Is for Everyone
One of TJ's strongest messages is that college pickleball is not reserved for elite players. While the top athletes often receive the spotlight, he believes the real strength of college pickleball lies in its community. Students rated 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 find teammates, friendships, and a competitive environment where everyone can continue improving. His advice to high school students is simple: Choose the best academic university that fits your goals. Most universities now have pickleball clubs, meaning students don't need to choose a school based solely on the sport.
Looking Toward the Professional Tour
Now competing professionally, TJ believes college pickleball prepared him in unexpected ways. The rally scoring format, pressure-filled team matches, and competitive environment all helped him develop skills that continue to benefit him on the professional tour. As pickleball continues to grow, he expects more and more college players to make the jump to professional competition.
Final Thoughts
When reflecting on his time at Auburn, TJ doesn't focus only on results. He remembers the friendships, the local pickleball community, and the countless people who helped him improve both on and off the court. His final piece of advice perfectly captures what college pickleball is all about: "No matter what school you attend, keep introducing yourself to others you don't know at your local courts. Pickleball is a social game and a great way to make friends."