If Paris Hilton is a great DJ, then I am a great athlete. I have gracefully stumbled playing just about every game from tennis to volleyball to basketball and soccer, never finding a sport that I could say I was passionate about. I was just too great at being bad at all of them. Despite lacking that sporty spice, I still like to be active and competitive. I decided to try racquetball.

I ventured into the RCC with many questions. I approached the desk with uncertainty, hoping that someone would be able to help me in my pursuit of athleticism. The girl at the desk informed me Jordan Yuson, director of intramural sports, would be more than able to help. I emailed Yuson with the simple plea for help to begin my course at being the bomb at racquetball. As my fingers typed up what I am sure is the very start of my smashing racquetball career, images of me being a boss smacking the ball into the wall, volleying intensely with my opponent and scoring every point flashed like a movie in my mind – close ups and all.

Yuson gladly obliged to help me. The very next day I made my way in the rain to the RCC. I thought to myself, “What a great day for racquetball!” As the rain trickled the thoughts of confidence trickled in and I was convinced I would be absolutely perfect at racquetball.

I arrived at the building and we quickly proceeded to the court with racquets and a ball in tow.

We just started to play a bit and throughout Yuson would show me technique and tricks. He was really helpful and patient. My delusional theory that I would be great right away was proven incorrect, but as I got the hang of it I started having a great time. I did tricky angles, got some pretty cool shots in and even scored a few points. However, my opponent was far more experienced. Even going easy on me was not enough for it to be close.

At one point a seemingly endless volley ensued. I chased after the ball, and just as things seemed to be happening at the speed of light they slowed down then suddenly, I fell hard on my hand and side. I shook it off and considered the bruise on my knee a battle scar.

Still, I loved the game. I felt like a champion when I did well and the volley was solid. How could this one sport be fairly easy for such a non-athlete like me?

“If you have any hand eye coordination you can play racquetball. With a sport like tennis there’s a lot of rules and you have to worry about hitting the net, but racquetball is really easy to pick up. It’s the easiest sport to play recreationally,” Yuson said after the game.

I will be back to play, and I’ll bring a friend in tow. I will become the Ryan Lochte of racquetball, and perhaps challenge Yuson to play me again, when my skill is up to par.

Equipment for racquetball can be rented at the front desk at the RCC, and courts are available during regular hours except during basketball and volleyball.