The Rise of Collegiate Pickleball: The 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship is underway at Brookhaven Country Club, where the excitement is noticeable. With 64 colleges and over 500 players participating, this event marks the largest gathering of collegiate pickleball talent to date. College teams are representing schools from across the country, including local Texas institutions like the University of Texas, Baylor, and Texas A&M, as well as schools from further afield, such as Florida Atlantic University, University of Michigan, and Duke University. This pickleball tournament not only shows the best young talent but also highlights the rapid growth of pickleball in colleges.
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The Growth of Collegiate Pickleball
Collegiate pickleball has seen remarkable growth since the first national championship in 2022, which featured just 16 teams. Hunter Aiono, the Collegiate Pickleball Director for the PPA Tour, noted that back then, only a handful of players had ratings above 5.0.
“The very first collegiate national championship was held in 2022 and there were 16 teams. And I think there were only about three players that were above a 5.0. And now, there are some incredibly competitive teams with players who want to go pro and regularly play in pro qualifiers at the PPA.” – (Hunter Aiono)
Now, the level of play has dramatically increased, with many participants aspiring to go pro and frequently competing in pro qualifiers. Current professionals, like Jack Munro and Ava Ignatowich, are also participating with their college teams, showing the competitive spirit that has developed in collegiate pickleball.
As the sport continues to expand, colleges are beginning to recognize its potential, with some offering scholarships to attract talent. Utah Tech was the first institution to provide scholarships for collegiate pickleball, with a program supported by a private donor. This initiative is paving the way for other schools to follow suit, encouraging more players to take up the sport at a competitive level.
“Two things are developing in college pickleball. Some colleges are starting to offer scholarships. Utah Tech was the very first school to offer scholarships and they worked through a private donor that worked through the school that offered scholarships for six credits which is enough to play a whole team.” – (Hunter Aiono)
“There are other teams like Drury University who have a varsity program and the school pays for their pickleball gear so it falls under their athletic department umbrella.” – (Hunter Aiono)
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Understanding the Championship Format
The championship format mirrors the exciting structure of Major League Pickleball (MLP). Following group play on November 1, the tournament has progressed to the single-elimination round, where 64 teams will battle it out to determine the top four teams. The format utilizes rally scoring, making for quick and thrilling matches. Hunter Aiono explained that teams qualify through regional tournaments held throughout the year, with the best teams earning a spot at the national championship.
“The college format is basically the MLP format. It’s a little bit tweaked but it’s rally scoring. There are seasons throughout the year and during the seasons we have qualifying tournaments called regionals. The top teams of those regionals are held across the country and teams earn bids to be here.” – (Hunter Aiono)
For teams eliminated early, consolation games and bowl games provide additional competitive opportunities. These matches not only allow teams to show their skills but also serve as a pathway for earning bids to future national championships. This inclusive structure fosters a sense of friendship among players while also elevating the overall quality of the competition.
“But for the teams that get eliminated early, we have consolation games and bowl games where the top teams here will earn bids automatically for the next Collegiate National Championship.” – (Hunter Aiono)
The Future of College Pickleball
The future of college pickleball looks bright, with increasing involvement from sponsors and organizations. Companies like Six Zero Pickleball are stepping in to support college teams by covering travel costs and gear, further professionalizing the sport at the collegiate level. This support is crucial for sustaining the momentum that collegiate pickleball has gained and ensuring that programs can thrive.
“It’s growing at such a fast rate and it really is like the wild west. But college pickleball is the best and I can’t wait to see where it goes.” – (Hunter Aiono)
The enthusiasm surrounding college pickleball is noticeable, and with the commitment from players, schools, and sponsors, the sport is set to flourish. The current college players represent the future of professional pickleball, and their journey is one that fans should closely follow.
News in Brief: The Rise of Collegiate Pickleball
The 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship is not just a show of talent but also a pivotal moment in the evolution of pickleball. As the sport continues to gain traction at the collegiate level, it invites players of all ages to engage with pickleball, whether through play, support, or following the exciting developments within the sport.
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