Columbia State Community College recently partnered with the Columbia, Tennessee Pickleball Association as it hosted the 2025 Muletown Paddle Battle.
The event grew from 182 participants in 2024 to 223 this year, despite rainy conditions.
Over 40 Columbia State students, sponsors, vendors and others helped the Columbia, Tennessee Pickleball Association with the event.
“The Columbia, Tennessee Pickleball Association extends its sincere gratitude to Columbia State for welcoming our community to their campus and generously allowing us to use their courts,” said Kenda West, Columbia, TN Pickleball Association Board treasurer. “It’s incredible to see how the local pickleball community has grown and become a pickleball family — simply by the presence of four pickleball courts. Despite a few weather challenges, the 2025 Muletown Paddle Battle was a tremendous success, and we are thrilled to give back to Columbia State students.”
Following the event, the Columbia, Tennessee Pickleball Association generously donated new nets for permanent use on Columbia State’s courts, supporting year-round recreation and future Paddle Battles. The organization also gave part of the proceeds from the tournament to the Columbia State Foundation.
“CTPA has been a great partner with which to work, and we look forward to next year,” said Bethany Lay, Columbia State vice president for advancement and executive director of the Columbia State Foundation. “During this tournament, CTPA’s mission of promoting pickleball in the community was achieved and made even better in that CTPA also helped support students at Columbia State. The sport is definitely growing. It is enjoyable to see the community on the courts from dawn until dark – there are some very committed players!”
CTPA’s mission is to promote the development of the sport of pickleball in Columbia and Maury County.
Columbia State's Columbia Campus offers several opportunities to participate in outdoor recreation. Outdoor activities open to the public include the track, disc golf course, sand volleyball, outdoor basketball goals, tennis courts and pickleball courts.
For more information on Columbia State’s recreational offerings, please contact the athletics department at athletics@ColumbiaState.edu, or by phone at 931.540.2630.
