The 2024 Nike Dink Awards have officially crowned the winners for the pro player categories after receiving over 13,000 votes from pickleball fans across the nation, more than double last year’s turnout. The winners, as chosen by fans, showcase the talent and competitive spirit driving the sport forward.
Results Overview
| Category | Winner | Percentage | Other Nominees & Votes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Player of the Year | Ben Johns | 34.3% | Federico Staksrud (28.0%), Hayden Patriquin (22.2%) |
| Women’s Player of the Year | Anna Leigh Waters | 55.9% | Anna Bright (20.0%), Jorja Johnson (10.5%) |
| Men’s Senior Player of the Year | Steve Deakin | 26.5% | Altaf Merchant (21.2%), David Weinbach (19.7%) |
| Women’s Senior Player of the Year | Lee Whitwell | 43.8% | Angela Simon (18.9%), Beth Bellamy (16.5%) |
| Men’s Most Improved Player | Gabe Tardio | 33.2% | Quang Duong (29.2%), CJ Klinger (17.6%) |
| Women’s Most Improved Player | Hurricane Tyra Black | 31.9% | Kate Fahey (31.7%), Mari Humberg (15.2%) |
| Rising Star – Next Gem | Jack Munro | 36.3% | Alix Truong (28.2%), Layne Sleeth (12.3%) |
| Upset of the Year | Daescu and Bright Upset Waters and Johns | 26.5% | Johnson & Schneeman Upset Waters & Catherine Parenteau (25.9%) |
Men’s Player of the Year: Ben Johns
Ben Johns took home the title of Men’s Player of the Year with 34.3% of the vote. He was followed by Federico Staksrud at 28.0% and Hayden Patriquin at 22.2%. Other nominees included JW Johnson and Christian Alshon.
Women’s Player of the Year: Anna Leigh Waters
In the Women’s Player of the Year category, Anna Leigh Waters was the dominant winner with 55.9% of the vote, well ahead of Anna Bright with 20.0%. Jorja Johnson, Rachel Rohrabacher, and Catherine Parenteau rounded out the nominees.
Senior Player of the Year Awards
Steve Deakin emerged victorious in the Men’s Senior Player of the Year category, earning 26.5% of the votes. He defeated nominees such as Altaf Merchant and David Weinbach. Lee Whitwell claimed Women’s Senior Player of the Year with 43.8% of the votes, surpassing Angela Simon and Beth Bellamy.
Most Improved Players
Gabe Tardio won the Men’s Most Improved Player category, receiving 33.2% of the votes, while Hurricane Tyra Black was awarded Women’s Most Improved Player with 31.9%. Black narrowly edged out Kate Fahey in a highly competitive race.
Rising Star: Jack Munro
The Rising Star – Next Gem award went to Jack Munro, who garnered 36.3% of the votes, besting Alix Truong, Layne Sleeth, and others.
Upset of the Year: Daescu and Bright
The upset of the year was claimed by Daescu and Bright, who stunned the pickleball community by defeating Waters & Johns. This surprising win received 26.5% of the vote.
These results highlight the incredible talent and growth in the pickleball community, with familiar names and new stars shining in 2024.
News in Brief: 2024 Nike Dink Awards
The 2024 Nike Dink Awards have announced the winners in pro player categories. Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters were crowned Men’s and Women’s Player of the Year, respectively.
Other winners included Gabe Tardio (Men’s Most Improved) and Lee Whitwell (Women’s Senior Player). The Upset of the Year award went to Daescu and Bright for their stunning victory over Waters and Johns.
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