If Paris Hilton is a great DJ, then I am a great athlete. I have gracefully stumbled playing just about every sport from tennis to volleyball to basketball to soccer, never finding a sport that I could say I am passionate about. I was just too great at being bad at all of them, and I just simply could not get attached. 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 Jordan with the simple plea for help to begin my course at being the bomb at racquetball. As my fingers typed up what I’m sure is the very start of my smashing racquetball career, images of me being a bamf 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.

Jordan gladly obliged to help. 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, as 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 Jordan would show me technique and tricks. Jordan 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 and even got some pretty cool shots in, and even scored a few points. However, my opponent was far more experienced. Even going easy on me wasn’t enough for it to be close.

At one point an endless volley ensued, that seemed to never end. I chased after the ball, and just as things seemed to be happening at the speed of light they slowed down, and before I knew it with a crash 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 bamf 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,” said Jordan after our game.

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

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