Coker University: Getting the Ball Rolling

One of U.S. fistball’s most exciting developments this year started with a ball order.

Dr. Suzanne Parker, a professor at Coker University, first connected with us in 2021 when she purchased two fistballs from our online store. When a new order came through a few months ago, we reached out to introduce ourselves and learn more about how she was using the sport. That conversation quickly grew into something more—a custom video created for her students introducing them to U.S. fistball.

Coker University is a small liberal arts institution in Hartsville, South Carolina, home to just under 1,200 undergraduate students. For many of them, this was their first exposure to fistball beyond the classroom. Through the video, they were introduced to club opportunities, summer tournaments, national team pathways, and international competition.

Dr. Parker, a professor and program coordinator with over 20 years of teaching experience, incorporates fistball into her PE 405: Physical Activity and Positive Health course. The class explores how physical activity impacts diverse populations while emphasizing how games can be adapted to be more inclusive and engaging.

Fistball has become a natural fit for that mission.

In Dr. Parker’s words, “It’s one of those games that almost anyone can participate in—whether it’s for fun, for competition, or just to get off the couch and be active. Once students learn the basics, they get real competitive, real quick.”

We’re excited to continue building this relationship with Dr. Parker and Coker University—and we can’t wait to see the first Cobra at an upcoming tournament.