Selkirk Sport Pickleball Combine: Selkirk Sport is launching its first-ever pickleball combine this weekend in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to find the next generation of professional players. Twelve hand-picked athletes will take part in advanced testing and live match play as part of Selkirk’s new Sparta Program, a project designed to develop future pickleball stars.
A Program to Build Future Pros
The Sparta Program is Selkirk’s “groundbreaking initiative designed to identify and develop the next generation of professional pickleball athletes,” according to the company. The combine includes a variety of performance assessments, live matches, and one-on-one instruction from professional coach Morgan Evans.
Rob Barnes, co-founder and co-CEO of Selkirk Sport, said, “The Sparta Program and the pickleball combine are about more than testing athletic ability — they’re about investing in the next generation of pickleball talent. By providing data-driven performance evaluations and direct access to professional coaching, we aim to give promising athletes the tools, support and exposure they need to succeed at the highest level. This aligns directly with Selkirk’s mission to grow the game and foster young talent.”
How Players Were Chosen
The 12 participants were selected from Selkirk’s Emerging Pros program, which includes more than 400 players worldwide. Selection was based on DUPR match history, physical attributes, and other key data. Selkirk also used a custom AI-powered reaction and decision-making assessment to help evaluate the applicants before Selkirk leaders and Morgan Evans made final invitations.
The Inaugural Class
The combine will feature six men and six women:
Men
Daniel Traxler, 24 – Oceanside, California
Rafael Lenhard, 28 – Las Vegas, Nevada
Armaan Jiwa Maji, 20 – West Vancouver, British Columbia
Cade Edwards, 22 – Richland, Washington
Miles Hoover, 19 – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Anouar Braham, 25 – Seneca, South Carolina
Women
Estephany Tan, 29 – New York, New York
Luana Stanciu, 29 – Austin, Texas
Brinley Horton, 23 – Washington, Utah
Elina Geut, 27 – Knoxville, Tennessee
Carlota Patricia Treviño, 33 – Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Hannah Fife, 23 – Logan, Utah
One standout participant is Rafael Lenhard, who upset Ben Johns in the round of 64 at the PPA Orange County Cup in June.
Opportunities for Rising Stars
The combine’s main goal is to give players feedback, visibility, and a path to higher competition. Exceptional performers could earn a higher-tier Selkirk contract, offering financial support and professional development. Selkirk plans to expand the program in the future based on what it learns from this first event.
The Sparta Program and combine aim to identify talent early and provide resources for athletes to succeed at the professional level, strengthening pickleball’s growth worldwide.
News in Brief: Selkirk Sport Pickleball Combine
Selkirk Sport is hosting its first pickleball combine in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to scout future pros. Twelve athletes will undergo testing, match play, and coaching as part of the new Sparta Program. Top performers may earn advanced contracts, helping launch their professional careers and supporting the sport’s global growth.
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