The 8th Annual Nick Hostler Memorial Pickleball Tournament will take place from September 20-21, 2025, at Gillenwaters Park & Tennis Complex in Springfield, Missouri. The tournament, which honors Nick Hostler’s legacy, raises funds for special needs projects and foundations.
Hosted by the Nick Hostler Foundation, Ozarks Pickleball Club, and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, the tournament will feature a variety of events, including men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles, as well as senior and junior scrambles. Players can register for $50, with all events included. The registration deadline is September 14, 2025.
A Legacy of Giving Back
Nick Hostler, a special education teacher, dedicated his life to helping individuals with special needs. He saw opportunities, not challenges, for his students and wanted them to experience life to the fullest. His legacy continues through this tournament, which donates its proceeds to causes that provide services and opportunities for the special needs community.
“By participating in this tournament, you will be helping these special people get that opportunity,” said Gil and Mary Kay Hostler, Nick’s parents.
Tournament Details
The tournament will be held on tennis courts with 24 temporary nets, using Onix Dura Fast 40 balls. All brackets will be round robin, with games played to 11 or 15 points. A minimum of four games per player is guaranteed.
Events on Saturday, September 20, will include men’s and women’s doubles and senior scrambles. Sunday, September 21, will feature mixed doubles, senior coed scrambles, and a junior scramble for players aged 8-15. Age divisions range from juniors (8-15) to seniors (50+), with planned skill divisions from beginner to advanced.
Special Discounts and Mulligans
Seniors (50+) who are members of US Senior Pickleball (USSP) will receive a $10 discount on their registration. Players can also purchase mulligans, or “nicklepickles,” for $5 each to replay a point during a match. The tournament will also host a Special Olympics exhibition on the evening of Friday, September 19, and a Drury Pickleball Challenge Court for participants to challenge the DU players.
Community Support
The tournament is not only about competition but also community. It’s a chance to meet new people, catch up with old friends, and support a good cause. “It’s a family reunion of sorts, but for pickleball players,” added the Hostlers.
Impact and Future Outlook
The Nick Hostler Memorial Pickleball Tournament continues to make a significant impact by raising funds for special needs programs. As the event grows each year, more people will have the chance to participate, both in the sport and in giving back to a worthy cause. The ongoing support from players and sponsors ensures that Nick Hostler’s mission of helping others lives on, making the tournament a vital community event for years to come.
News in Brief: Nick Hostler Memorial Pickleball Tournament
The 8th Annual Nick Hostler Memorial Pickleball Tournament returns September 20–21, 2025, to Springfield, Missouri. Honoring a beloved special education teacher, the event raises funds for special needs programs. Featuring doubles, scrambles, junior and senior divisions, and a Special Olympics exhibition, players compete in a fun, inclusive atmosphere. With mulligans, challenge courts, and deep community ties, the pickleball tournament offers more than competition—it’s a heartfelt celebration of giving back and legacy.
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