Michigan Pickleball Team Secures Nationals Spot: The University of Michigan Club Pickleball Team has officially its spot in the 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship. This achievement follows their impressive third-place finish at the Illinois Super Regional held in February.
Rising Interest in Pickleball
In just four years, the Michigan club has witnessed a remarkable surge in interest, with over 90 students attending tryouts this fall in Ann Arbor. Senior Club President Henry Shields expressed his astonishment at the growth.
“This is only the beginning for this team, and we are improving drastically every year. I’m excited to see what becomes of this club even after I am gone.”-(shields)
Shields, the younger brother of Thomas Shields, founder and CEO of The Dink, joined the team as a freshman and became president in his senior year. Together with co-president Ava Ferrante and coach Jake Frederickson, Shields assessed talent during a two-day tryout, ultimately choosing 16 players for the final roster. For those who didn’t make the A team, a practice squad was created, ensuring that all players could stay engaged and compete.
The Changing Landscape of College Pickleball
Pickleball, once nearly absent from college campuses, has seen a significant rise in popularity. Drury University even introduced pickleball scholarships last year, marking a turning point for the sport. As more clubs establish themselves across U.S. campuses, the University of Michigan’s club faces exciting challenges ahead.
With their victories at the Illinois Super Regional, the Michigan team earned the coveted “Silver Ticket,” granting them entry into the upcoming national championships. However, they still require financial support to make the trip to Dallas, Texas, in November.
Funding the Journey
While club dues have funded their journey thus far, the team is still $3,000 short of covering expenses for the 2024 Championships and other remaining DUPR regional pickleball tournaments.
DUPR Collegiate National Championship Details
- Date: November 1-3
- Location: Lapiplasty UPA World Championships, Dallas, TX
- Total Scholarships: $32,000
This year, 64 schools will compete for the national title, organized into 16 groups of four. All teams will advance to a single-elimination playoff, following a March Madness format. Additionally, Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams will be guaranteed six matches, regardless of their performance, and a challenger bracket will also operate similarly to the previous year.
News in Brief: Michigan Pickleball Team Secures Nationals Spot
The University of Michigan Club Pickleball Team has secured a spot in the 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship after finishing third in the Illinois Super Regional. Led by Senior Club President Henry Shields, the team selected 16 pickleball players from over 90 tryout participants.
However, they are seeking $3,000 to fund their trip to Dallas, Texas, for the championship, scheduled for November 1-3. The pickleball tournament will feature 64 schools competing in a March Madness-style playoff format, with a total of $32,000 in scholarships available.
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