Youth Pickleball Teams Take National Stage: One of the most remarkable aspects of pickleball is its unique ability to unite players of all ages on the same court. That unifying magic was on full display recently as two teams of young players outshined their older counterparts, clinching gold in The Dink Minor League Pickleball DUPR 12 events.
Not Just About Age: DUPR 12
DUPR 12 doesn’t refer to an age bracket but a skill level. All four members of each team have an average DUPR rating of 3.0, showing that it’s skill—not age—that defines success on the court.
Twelve-Year-Olds Wins in Tulsa
At the Oklahoma Paddle Royale in Tulsa, the team “The KiDchen Dink”—composed of 12-year-olds Scarlett Milner, Jackson Nelson, Mason Quick, and Aspen Irwin—emerged victorious after battling through hours of intense pickleball competition.
Their gold-medal performance wasn’t just a testament to their exceptional skill, but also a perfect reminder that pickleball transcends age barriers. At the end of the day, Scarlett Milner captured the moment when she said,
“Man, gold sure feels nice.” – (Scarlett Milner)
Arizona Action: Young Stars Steal the Show
Simultaneously, another set of rising stars captured attention at the Southwest Regional Showdown in Arizona. The team known as “3 Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf”—made up of Rhett Roberts (11), Piper Pascoe (11), Christy Corbridge (33), and Hudson Pascoe (10)—fought fiercely to claim the top spot.
After facing off against older competitors, they secured the victory, delivering thrilling matches that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Hudson Pascoe reflected on one of the most competitive games, saying,
“We had the best time playing the ‘Nasty Nelson’ team. They were loud, competitive, and fun, even though we beat them in the Dreambreaker!” – (Hudson Pascoe)
Pickleball’s Universal Appeal
These wins serve as a powerful example of what makes pickleball so special. As Gary Vee mentioned on the PicklePod,
“It’s the first sport where a 71-year-old grandma can whip the F*%k out of her 23-year-old grandson.” – (Gary Vee)
The victories by these young players in Tulsa and Arizona reaffirm that pickleball isn’t just about age—it’s about skill, determination, and pure love for the game.
News in Brief: Youth Pickleball Teams Take National Stage
Two youth pickleball teams took home gold at The Dink Minor League Pickleball DUPR 12 events, with victories in Tulsa and Arizona. “The KiDchen Dink” team, comprised of 12-year-olds, won at the Oklahoma Paddle Royale.
Meanwhile, in Arizona, the “3 Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf” team, made up of children as young as 10, also secured gold. Both wins show the growing popularity of pickleball among young players, showcasing that skill—not age—rules the court.
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