Student Congress recommends Spikeball club receive $400

One of UNC’s newest clubs is hoping to grow with the help of Student Congress.

UNC Spikeball Club asked the finance committee of Student Congress for money to purchase more equipment to support its growing organization Tuesday.

Priyesh Krishnan, chairperson of the Congress’ finance committee, said the committee recommended allocating $400 to the organization, but the full Congress will have to vote on the issue.

Two teams play Spikeball, with two players on each team. Each team is allowed to hit the ball three times, but the third hit has to be into the trampoline-like net. Once the ball is bounced off the net, it is in the other team’s possession. If a team is unable to successfully hit the ball into the net, the other team gets a point and the first team to earn 21 points wins.

Junior Nick Ciampa, chief operations officer of the club, was inspired to create the club when he received a Spikeball set for his birthday last year.

He said he started playing with his suitemates and friends. They decided to form a club not only as a way to share the sport, but also to create a community around it.

“A big goal we had when we set out was to teach people the game and of course have people meet each other and form friend groups,” Ciampa said.

The club holds open play every Friday, where club members are welcome to play against one another. The club also tries to hold tournaments once a month, Ciampa said.

Since the club was created this year, UNC Spikeball has been focusing on gaining membership, Ciampa said. However, he said they have many goals for the club, like becoming a club sport at UNC and playing other universities.

The co-presidents of the club are Patrick Jahn and Corey Emerick. Jahn and Ciampa were roommates last year and became interested in the game when Ciampa received the Spikeball set for his birthday.

Jahn said the sport is fun for people of all ages and all levels of experience.

Jahn said the goal of the club was to introduce people to the game and use it to bring people together, especially for new UNC students who are trying to get involved with campus activities.

“It’s really cool to be a part of Spikeball club right now because we are starting and people want to see it grow and they want to help in whatever way they can,” Jahn said.

UNC Spikeball Club’s equipment is owned by members, but new equipment bought with Student Congress money will be owned by Student Congress. Krishnan said this will make it easier for the club to continue after older members graduate.

“The Student Congress likes to fund things like this because they are investing for many years, no matter who runs (the club),” Krishnan said.

Krishnan said it’s very likely the club will get the money.

“The committee doesn’t necessarily only consider the amount the organization is asking for, but what it is for and how it affects the student body,” he said.

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