In a significant step for padel in the United States, St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, Texas, has become the nation’s first middle and high school to install padel courts on campus. Thanks to the vision and determination of padel-enthusiast Subu Jayaram, a generous donation from the Sheffield Family, and the leadership of Athletic Director Jon McCain, the school is introducing this dynamic global sport to its students.
The Journey to Introducing Padel
The idea for the project began a year ago when student-athlete Vihaan Subramanian, then 12 years old, represented the US Junior National Team at the World Padel Championships in Paraguay. This experience ignited a deep passion for padel, not just in Vihaan but also in his father, Subu Jayaram. Recognizing the sport’s potential, they sought to create opportunities for young athletes in the US by integrating padel into schools, a step toward making it as accessible as other sports like tennis or basketball.
Athletic Director Jon McCain at St Stephen’s quickly saw how padel could enrich the school’s athletic program while appealing to its diverse international boarding community. With the Sheffield Family’s generous funding, this vision became a reality.
Building a New Athletic Opportunity
St. Stephen’s, already well-known for its established tennis academy and robust athletic facilities, embraced the addition of three padel courts. The courts were carefully integrated into the campus, creating an inviting environment for beginners and experienced players.
The response has been exceptional. Over 95 students have signed up to play, and interest continues to grow. Faculty and staff have also taken to the sport, adding to its appeal and creating a supportive campus community.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Impact
Vihaan Subramanian has taken his passion for the sport a step further by founding the school’s first padel club. The club aims to foster competitive play, host tournaments, and introduce more students to the sport. Plans for summer programs that combine padel training with academics are also in development, offering students an opportunity to grow both on and off the court.
As padel gains recognition worldwide and edges closer to becoming an Olympic sport, St. Stephen’s is positioning itself as a leader in nurturing young talent. The school envisions creating a vibrant padel culture with tournaments, leagues, and potential collaborations with other schools.
A Sport with Global Appeal
Padel’s accessibility, with its smooth learning curve and social nature, has made it an ideal addition to the school’s athletic program. Its popularity in Europe, South America, and the Middle East, brings an international dimension to the campus, aligning perfectly with St. Stephen’s mission to shape global leaders.
Recognizing Key Contributors
This milestone would not have been possible without the generosity of the Sheffield Family, whose support reflects their dedication to the growth of racquet sports in the US. Athletic Director Jon McCain’s guidance and leadership played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. Most importantly, the initiative and enthusiasm of Subu Jayaram and his son, Vihaan Subramanian, has inspired students to embrace padel and set the foundation for the sport’s future at the school.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School is not just making strides in youth sports—it’s leading the way. By being the first US school to adopt padel, it has set an inspiring precedent, demonstrating how passion, collaboration, and vision can create meaningful opportunities for students.
