The University of Missouri’s club racquetball consists of 25 co-ed members who compete at a high level with a hint of fun. The club starts its season with a fundraiser in Saint Louis, Mo. on Oct. 26 to help pay for their travel tournaments. 

The club plays teams from all across the U.S. with a desire to succeed and create new learning experiences as members have the opportunity to see a variety of different locations throughout the year. 

“This year we’re planning on going to Pleasanton, California, Chicago, Illinois and then we’re going to Raleigh, North Carolina. Those are big, high-spending tournaments,” club President Vince Deutschmann said.

The members share their experiences as a team, emphasizing their enjoyment of the competition and traveling to unique cities for matches. The tournaments bring together players of all skill levels to compete. Although they travel for the purpose of tournaments, there is still plenty of time to make memories along the way. 

“Last year we actually decided to stay a full extra day in Chicago just to walk around the city. It was nice to spend just a full day not thinking about the sport and just hanging out with the team,” Deutschmann said. 

The club’s goal has been to expand awareness around the game of racquetball. Since fewer people have knowledge of the sport around campus, they plan to use this club as a means to provide an understanding of it. There are a few different strategies involved when playing the sport. Most games are set up as singles matches, with two players on the court. Doubles matches are the alternative, with four players on the court. 

Racquetball is all about the correct positional advantage. Each player attempts to control the center of the court. The most effective way of doing so is by ensuring they are in front of their opponent at all times. Angles are a critical aspect when trying to gain points in a match. The more precise the angle, the better chance an opponent cannot return the shot. 

“I would say, take control of the center. Also, have fun. It’s a really fun sport, and if you take it too seriously, you’re arguably going to play worse,” Deutschmann said. 

Besides having proper form, every player must be able to gather enough power and get the ball as low on the back wall as they can. There is also the mental side of the sport, which comes from a desire to beat the opponent. 

“I think it’s the most mental sport I’ve played. It’s a lot about trying to figure out what your opponent’s weakness is and you kind of have to attack that, so it’s hard to just stay focused on that and making sure you’re the best player you can be at the same time,” club Treasurer Alex Jordan said. 

Maintaining mental discipline is a highly-regarded factor in furthering one’s racquetball skills. Members who are committed to their training, work to further their ability to perform in tournaments.

“It’s definitely a mental game. It’s just keeping yourself in line. Every sport has that aspect, if you care enough, then you’ll definitely try your best,” freshman Ella Boaz stated.

The members have three practices a week at the MizzouRec racquetball courts. They hold these on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the week.

The executive board of the club consistently provides team bonding experiences, such as their recent outing at Shakespeare’s.

“I know it’s only been three weeks, but I’ve made some new friends, which is always good, and I honestly have a lot of fun. It’s fun to hit the ball around and it’s kind of therapeutic,” freshman Izzy Parr said. 

When it comes to leadership roles in the club, the responsibilities tend to vary from person to person. The treasurer’s main focus is to manage the budgeting and fundraising side of every tournament. Conversely, the president’s goal is to maintain the procedures of the club and take on accountability for altering the team for the better. 

“I think it’s important to be passionate about what you’re playing, especially in the leadership position, so that’s really cool,” Deutschmann said. 

With the promotion of cardiovascular fitness, agility and hand-eye coordination, racquetball allows its players to stay active. By increasing awareness and participation, more individuals can enjoy the physical and mental advantages racquetball offers and help grow the sport’s community.

“My whole goal is to just share it with as many people as possible. Once people try it, they’re hooked. Once people feel that fame, same sensation, it kind of really puts them in and they end up loving it too,” Deutschmann said. 

Club racquetball is a place where new players can learn the basics, and veterans can play at a competitive level. Racquetball is more than just a sport, it is a way to connect with like-minded students.

Edited by Michael Stamps | mstamps@themaneater.com

Copyedited by Jayden Bates-Bland and Natalie Kientzy | nkientzy@themaneater.com 

Edited by Emily Skidmore | eskidmore@themaneater.com