Alumni Sports Network: Pickleball Brings Energy and Connection

On 14 February 2026, the Alumni Sports Network served up an exciting and engaging Pickleball session at The Sports Arina @ Expo, bringing together a vibrant community of alumni and friends for a morning of activity and connection.

A total of 43 participants – including 33 alumni, 3 graduating students, and 7 guests – gathered from 10am to 12pm to experience the fast-growing sport in a welcoming and lively environment. Held on Valentine’s Day, the session offered alumni the opportunity to invite their spouses or partners, adding a special touch of camaraderie to the event.

The session catered to all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players. Guided by experienced coaches, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of Pickleball, learning essential techniques and rules before putting their skills into action.

Following the introductory segment, participants took part in a friendly mini-tournament structured as a round-robin format. This allowed everyone to rotate across different groups, encouraging interaction, teamwork, and plenty of spirited rallies on the court.

My wife and I had so much fun playing pickleball with everyone. As beginners to the sport, we quickly got accustomed to the rules of the game all thanks to the guidance from the friendly and patient coaches. We may not be experts at the game but we certainly enjoyed our time spent with the SIT alumni.
— Stanley Xin, Class of 2013

Beyond the games, the event created space for meaningful connections. After the session, participants gathered over refreshments for a networking segment, where alumni reconnected with old friends and forged new relationships in a relaxed setting.

The Pickleball session was a smashing success, blending sport, social engagement, and community spirit – a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day while strengthening alumni bonds.