This spring, Manchester University’s senior capstone Case Studies class created and operated Spartan Paddle Co., a pickleball paddle business, with all earnings going to the Special Olympics.
This spring, Manchester University’s senior capstone Case Studies class created and operated Spartan Paddle Co., a pickleball paddle business, with all earnings going to the Special Olympics.
Each spring, students of the Case Studies class run a real business and designate a nonprofit organization for the earnings to be donated to. After several rounds of discussion, this year’s class decided to sell pickleball paddles; a single paddle sold for $39.99, and the premium Spartan set sold for $69.99.
Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport worldwide and will make its debut at the Special Olympics in 2026. 
In addition to operating all aspects of the business, students were also required to complete at least 10 hours of service.
At a presentation in May, awards were announced for outstanding achievements in the class. Yandel Victoriano of Jacksonville, Fla., earned the award for Top Service Hours, with 26 hours. Nathan Capobianco of Cape Coral, Fla., earned the award for Top Sales, and his team was named the Winning Sales Team with $4,470.50.
Nearly $8,000 was donated to the Special Olympics this year.
“Getting that hands-on experience and education in a real business setting outside of the classroom will have a long-lasting impact on not only my continuing education, but my career as a young professional,” said Lainey Shock of North Manchester, President of Spartan Paddle Co. “Experiential learning, and specifically this Case Studies class, goes far beyond the classroom and allowed me to focus on the intricacies of running a business.”
This marks the final Case Studies class for Professor Timothy Ogden, who retired at the end of the academic year after 34 years at Manchester University. Since its creation more than 20 years ago, business ventures of the Case Studies course have contributed over $137,000 to various nonprofit organizations.
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