The University of Virginia pickleball club came close to adding a second national title to its accolades, continuing an impressive rise in the collegiate pickleball scene. Just a year after clinching the 2023 Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) Collegiate National Championship, the University of Virginia team fought its way to a runner-up finish in the 64-team 2024 national championship event, held in Dallas from November 1-3. For their efforts, the club earned a $5,000 prize, a fitting recognition of their determination and skill.
Representing the University of Virginia in the tournament’s top division were four standout players: fourth-year students Conor Burns, Eli Mautner, and Alexandra McDonald, and second-year Vivianne Ngo.
The team showed exceptional resilience and teamwork, advancing through a tough bracket that saw them best Texas Christian University, North Carolina State University in the quarterfinals, and Clemson University in the semifinals. In the final match, however, the University of Virginia fell to Utah Tech in a hard-fought battle.
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A Team Bond That Shines
Throughout the tournament, the University of Virginia squad had a noticeable advantage—not only in skill but in spirit. Conor Burns noted the energy surrounding the team, saying,
“We had tons of fans and parents with us, giving UVA the largest and loudest cheering section there. Our camaraderie and energy are so palpable – they truly make our team special.” – (Conor Burns)
The energy of the University of Virginia supporters didn’t go unnoticed. DUPR’s CEO himself praised the University of Virginia team, acknowledging their sportsmanship and contribution to the collegiate atmosphere.
“The CEO of DUPR even personally complimented us on our team spirit and how much we add to the collegiate energy. Overall, it was an amazing weekend for our entire team, and we couldn’t be more excited about where this program is headed.” – (Conor Burns)
Doubles Team Rises in Challenger Division
Adding to the weekend’s success, the University of Virginia’s women’s doubles team, composed of fourth-year student Brice Howe and third-year student Armelle Worrel, brought home a victory in the challenger division—one tier below the championship division at the DUPR event. This win showed the program’s depth, with University of Virginia athletes succeeding at multiple levels.
Growth of a Young Program
Since its founding in 2020, the University of Virginia pickleball club has quickly established itself as a strong force in collegiate pickleball. Finishing fifth in the 2022 DUPR Collegiate National Championship, the club has consistently improved, now boasting a national championship and a second-place finish in consecutive years. The program’s future appears bright, with dedicated players, strong coaching, and a growing base of supporters.
Next up, University of Virginia pickleball will return to its home turf on November 16-17 at the Snyder Tennis Center, where it hosts a major collegiate pickleball tournament with 10 other programs and over 130 players. The event, open to the public, promises to deliver another display of high-level collegiate pickleball as the University of Virginia continues to build on its momentum.
News in Brief: University of Virginia Pickleball Club
The University of Virginia pickleball club narrowly missed a second consecutive national title, finishing second at the 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship in Dallas. The team, led by top players Conor Burns, Eli Mautner, Alexandra McDonald, and Vivianne Ngo, defeated multiple strong opponents before falling to Utah Tech in the final.
With $5,000 in prize money and a promising future, University of Virginia pickleball returns to action on November 16-17 for a major home tournament at the Snyder Tennis Center.
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