Spikeball serves up competition, community at BYU

On Thursday, April 2, Brigham Young University held the intramural mens and mixed spikeball doubles tournament in the Indoor Practice Facility.

As just one of many sports tournaments held for BYU intramurals, intramural facilitator Mylee Smith explained why these events are so valuable.

She said it is beneficial because it encourages exercise, healthy competition and a fun way to get to know people.

I think the intramural program is just big in building a community of sports that people like to get involved in and are passionate about, Smith said.

For those passionate about spikeball, this was the perfect time to put their hours of practice to the test.

As his first time participating in the competition, one of the winners of the mens tournament, Josh Jaimes, shared his thoughts about the experience.

I think it was super cool. There was a big turnout, which is super interesting. I knew that there was a community, but I didn't know that it was so prominent, Jaimes said.

He also shared that he enjoyed playing against those who had come to the event.

They're good sports and they're there for a good time, but they also want to win. So good sports and high competition, Jaimes said. No one got super heated, which is always nice in sports.

Beyond competition, many participants came simply to enjoy the game.

Participant Gracie Hobbs explained why spikeball is a sport worth getting into.

I think its super easy to play, no matter what level you are, Hobbs said. Its really fun and quick to pick up.

Her tournament partner, Ben Adams, agreed that even a beginner could start and have a great time.

Owen Larson, another tournament attendee, also added why he is a fan of spikeball.

I think it's good because it's so portable. You can set up spikeball on the beach, in a backyard, wherever, and it's easy to play wherever you want to, Larson said. You don't need to find an open court or something.

His tournament partner, Jonah Stoddard, added his thoughts.

Yeah, plus you only need four people to play, you know, instead of a giant team, whereas basketball, you need at least 8 or 10, for a whole team, Stoddard said.

With its simplistic and social nature, spikeball continues to bring the students of BYU together in both competition and casual play.