Jacksonville, AL – Pickleball enthusiasts at Jacksonville State University are making waves, led by Lori Cochran, a dedicated ambassador for the sport. The JSU Pickleball Club, represented on Instagram by @jsu_pickleball_club, is actively promoting pickleball in the local community, with Cochran at the forefront of this initiative.
Pickleball Ambassadors like Cochran are volunteers who have taken the pledge to promote the sport and the USA Pickleball organization in their local areas. They play a vital role in working with communities, clubs, and recreational facilities to guide and build pickleball programs for people of all ages to enjoy. These ambassadors collaborate within their districts and regions, contributing to the overall development and growth of pickleball.
One of the key prerequisites for becoming a Pickleball Ambassador is a genuine love for the sport and a desire to share it with others. Lori Cochran, who is not only an ambassador but also a faculty member at JSU in the Kinesiology Department, exemplifies this passion for pickleball.
In her role at JSU, Cochran teaches in the Health & Physical Education Teacher Education program, having dedicated 23 years to the university. She has also taken the initiative to start a Beginning Pickleball class, HPE 112, offering students a chance to earn one hour of college credit while learning the game for recreation.
Cochran shared her enthusiasm for the sport, stating, “I teach in the Kinesiology Dept in the Health & Physical Education Teacher Education program. I have been at JSU in this position for 23 years. I also have started a Beginning Pickleball class, HPE 112, for 1 hour college credit for the students who want to learn the game for recreation.”
Beyond her role as an ambassador and educator, Cochran was actively involved in promoting pickleball at the collegiate level. She highlighted the APP U.S. Collegiate Championships, a groundbreaking event for college pickleball players. Taking place on January 3-4, 2024, at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana, the event transformed the indoor soccer facility into a pickleball haven with 24 courts, a Championship Court with fan seating, and a bar/restaurant overlooking the play.
The Collegiate Championships included both team and individual competitions, with players competing for a total of $50,000 in scholarship money. The team competition offers $32,500 in scholarships, while individual events provide an additional $17,500. Cochran’s involvement in this prestigious event further showcases her commitment to advancing the sport of pickleball and supporting its growth at the collegiate level.
For those interested in joining the JSU Pickleball Club or learning more about the sport, Lori Cochran and the club can be found on Instagram at @jsu_pickleball_club. The JSU Pickleball Club continues to thrive under Cochran’s guidance, contributing to the broader pickleball community and fostering a love for the sport among students and enthusiasts alike.
