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New Zealand’s Masters Team Shines at Pickleball World Cup in Peru

New Zealand’s Masters Team Shines at Pickleball World Cup: The Pickleball World Cup recently showed the sport’s rapid evolution and growing global appeal, with teams from over 30 countries competing for supremacy in the vibrant competition held in Peru. Among the passionate competitors was the New Zealand national team, known as the Black Paddles, led by captain Will Dewhirst.

This year’s pickleball tournament not only tested their skills on the court but also highlighted the rising status of New Zealand as a formidable force in the pickleball community. As the world’s eyes turned toward this spirited event, Will Dewhirst and his teammates aimed to leave a lasting mark on the international pickleball scene.

Journey Begins

Will Dewhirst’s journey into the world of pickleball began in 2018 when he was invited to lead a session for older adults at the Ākau Tangi Sports Centre in Kilbirnie. From the moment he witnessed the enthusiasm of the players, he was hooked.

“One of them even travelled from Christchurch just to play and try it, and people were desperate to basically just give it a go. So, that made me go ‘OK, well this must be something pretty cool.’” – (Will Dewhirst)

Fast forward to this year, Will Dewhirst stood at the helm of the New Zealand national team—the Black Paddles—competing against more than 30 countries at the Pickleball World Cup in Peru, which concluded on Monday. The open team fought bravely, reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by the United States, while the masters team showed their prowess, clinching a silver medal after a 3-0 defeat to the same formidable opponent in the finals.

Changing Perceptions

Paula Duffy, a committee member of the Wellington Pickleball Club, shared her insights on the tournament’s impact.

“Before the World Cup, New Zealand was not considered a pickleball threat, but that would change after the tournament. The eyes of the world pickleball scene will now be on New Zealand and we cannot be prouder.” – (Paula Duffy)

Will Dewhirst likened pickleball to other racket sports, drawing comparisons to tennis mixed with the strategic elements of dodgeball. What sets this sport apart, he believes, is its inclusivity and accessibility. With players ranging from ages eight to ninety, the game welcomes everyone.

“Because of the size of the court, because of the ball, because of the paddle, it’s all lightweight and everything feels within reach and gives you that opportunity to play with anyone and just, honestly, have a whole bunch of fun.” – (Will Dewhirst)

New Zealand's Masters Team Shines

Growing the Community

With the invaluable support of the New Zealand Pickleball Association, which actively traveled across the country to provide training and equipment funding, the pickleball community at Ākau Tangi has flourished. What started as weekly sessions at a local community sports center has evolved into a vibrant community boasting over 200 members and counting.

“For a lot of us, and this includes myself, it’s this really buzzy feeling.” Will Dewhirst expressed, emphasizing the joy of representing their country on an international platform.

As captain, he prioritized fostering a strong team culture where each member felt supported and could collaborate effectively. His core advice to teammates echoed a sense of unity.

“If you’re not on the court, can you give even 1% out of the people on the court that are doing the 80/90%? So yeah, making sure there’s a positive influence off the court.” – (Will Dewhirst)

The Spirit of the Game

The light-heartedness and camaraderie that characterize pickleball distinguish it from other sports, a sentiment Will Dewhirst observed during the World Cup tournament, particularly during the lively opening ceremony.

When asked about the team’s biggest rival, Dewhirst didn’t hesitate. “You can’t really go past the USA. We’ve seen them training; they are the OGs at pickleball, so they’re always going to be a battle.” he acknowledged, displaying a mix of respect and determination.

News in Brief: New Zealand’s Masters Team Shines at Pickleball World Cup

Will Dewhirst captained the New Zealand pickleball team, the Black Paddles, at the Pickleball World Cup in Peru, where they showed impressive skills. The open team reached the quarter-finals, while the masters team won silver after a strong performance.

Paula Duffy, from the Wellington Pickleball Club, emphasized the tournament’s impact on New Zealand’s standing in pickleball. Will Dewhirst highlighted the sport’s inclusivity, with players aged eight to ninety, and stressed the importance of team culture and sportsmanship throughout the event.

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