Dallas Hosts Historic Collegiate Pickleball Championship: The excitement is noticeable as teams from across the United States converge on Dallas for the 2024 DUPR College National Pickleball Championship. With 64 schools competing and a remarkable $30,000 in scholarship prize money on the line, this championship is not just an event; it’s a landmark moment for collegiate pickleball, reflecting its rapid growth and promising future.
A Surge in Participation
In recent years, college pickleball has experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity. This year, the championship sees participation soar from 36 schools last year to a staggering 64, with an additional 216 players competing in the challenger brackets. Such growth shows the increasing interest in this dynamic sport among college students.
The Competition Format
Each participating school will send its top players—comprised of 2 to 3 men and 2 to 3 women—to represent their institution in the team bracket. However, the event isn’t exclusive to these teams; DUPR has also organized additional brackets for players participating in men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s doubles.
The pickleball tournament will commence on Friday, November 1, featuring three rounds of group play to determine the seeding for the 64-team single-elimination bracket, similar to March Madness.
The structure follows the well-established format of Major League Pickleball. When schools face off, they will compete in women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and two mixed doubles matches. Should the score tie at 2-2, the tension will culminate in the thrilling singles Dreambreaker.
With historic stakes and excitement, this championship is set to mark a significant chapter in the evolution of collegiate pickleball.
Introducing All-America Teams
This year’s championship also introduces an exciting new accolade: All-America recognition. For the first time, the tournament will honor top-performing individuals by naming All-America 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams, with each team consisting of four men and four women divided by region—East and West—using the Mississippi River as a boundary.
This historic addition not only elevates the competition but also provides elite college players with a recognition level previously unavailable, enhancing the national championship’s prestige.
A Long-Awaited Moment
The road to nationals has been a long journey. DUPR hosted nine super regional events over the past two semesters, allowing top finishers to earn their school a coveted spot at nationals.
These regional tournaments offered players a glimpse of pickleball, setting the stage for the intense national-level competition that awaits. This bid-based system further solidifies pickleball’s legitimacy as a collegiate sport.
Teams to Watch
University of Virginia — Team DUPR: 19.681
As the defending national champions, the University of Virginia returns three players from last year’s team that triumphed over the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in a thrilling Dreambreaker. Their earlier super regional victory in Virginia Beach solidifies their status as a formidable contender.
University of North Carolina — Team DUPR: 20.067
Last year’s runners-up, the University of North Carolina, find themselves in a similar position as they look to reclaim their glory. Although they will be without Selkirk and Major League Pickleball pro Collin Schick this year, multiple returning players from last year’s squad maintain their competitive edge.
Utah Tech University — Team DUPR: 21.271
Utah Tech University is making waves, having won two super regionals this fall in Nevada and Arizona. With such momentum, Utah Tech is ready for a deep run at this year’s championship.
University of Texas — Team DUPR: 18.964
The University of Texas boasts the #1 ranked player in the nation, Jack Munro, who currently plays for the Chicago Slice in Major League Pickleball’s challenger division. After winning two individual national championships last summer, Jack Munro will be looking to add a team championship to his impressive career.
News in Brief: Dallas Hosts Historic Collegiate Pickleball Championship
The 2024 DUPR College National Pickleball Championship in Dallas will feature 64 colleges competing for $30,000 in scholarships. This year’s tournament marks a significant increase in participation, with a new All-America recognition introduced for outstanding players.
The competition begins on November 1, showing a thrilling format that includes women’s, men’s, and mixed doubles matches, resulting in a Dreambreaker if necessary.
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