Walking across the quad during lunch, Spikeball is clearly back in full swing. The energy of the players resonates the intensity of the matches. Spikeball has been a Paly tradition since it was introduced to campus by the Spikeball Club in 2017. While the club no longer exists, students still get a dose of the sport through nets and balls supplied by ASB and available for use during lunch. Additionally, ASB has hosted multiple tournaments for student teamsto compete for prizes.
Junior Andre Gertsch said spikeball has been a method for him to expand his social circle.
“Spikeball has helped me become more popular at school,” Gertsch said. “Since I’m a good player, it’s been a fun game to be able to play every day.”
Freshman Miles Joing said his experience with spikeball has not only helped him meet new people, but also strengthened bonds within his friend group.
“I play once a week, and I always play with (my friends),” Joing said. “They have been my friends since before high school, and it’s just fun to play with them once a week on the quad. I don’t hangout with them much after school, and I have classes with them, but this is the main thing we do together.”
Senior Luc Knox said spikeball provides a way to socialize during lunch and has helped him strengthen friendships.
“There’s a lot of trash talk, but it’s good to get out there and chat with friends during lunch,” Knox said.
Knox also said he can channel a lot of his energy while playing, which has improved his productivity during class.
“I get my energy out during this time,” Knox said. “I am not as jittery in class and can give it my full attention.”
Gertsch said spikeball also provides students with a form of exercise and has a strategy component that makes the sport more enjoyable.
“It’s great exercise because of the skill it takes to rotate around the net,” Gerstch said. “I also think that spikeball has just been a fun game to learn how to play at school.”
Beyond being enjoyable, Joing said spikeball allows for enjoyable activity.
“For a lot of students, PE is the only exercise they get,” Joing said. “With this, they can get additional exercise and hang out with friends.”
Joing said playing spikeball has also been a positive use of his lunchtime because he can enjoy and be social.
“Without it, I wouldn’t really be doing anything, or I would be studying during this time, but instead I get to hangout with my friends, which is great,” Joing said.

In addition, senior Alaap Nair said spikeball provides students with an essential opportunity to relax between classes.
“In between two hard classes just being able to decompress, eat some good food and then play outside in the sun is truly a pleasure,” Nair said.
Knox saidrecently spikeball has had another surge in popularity.
“We went from no spikeball to all of the nets constantly being checked out at (ASB adviser Steven) Gallagher’s office,” Knox said. “We also were able to have multiple tournaments this year.”
With the newfound popularity, Nair said the sport allowed him to meet new friends and also develop existing friendships.
“It’s a really social activity, and that’s the best part,” Nair said. “Just being outside and being out in the sun, especially on a nice day playing with friends, just brings everyone together.”