DETA Pickleball Club, the largest pickleball facility in Miami-Dade County, will send its first-ever team to the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, from April 26 to May 3. This milestone reflects the club’s growth and dedication to advancing pickleball in South Florida.
A Milestone for DETA Pickleball Club
The club, which boasts 17 championship courts, is making history by sponsoring a team in the prestigious national tournament. Founder David Ensignia Sr. highlighted the significance of this achievement.
Fielding a team for the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships is a testament to the growth of our club and the incredible talent within our ranks,” Ensignia said. “We’re excited to represent our community on the national stage and showcase the passion and skill of our players.”
Open Practice Sessions for Local Players
To celebrate National Pickleball Month, DETA is offering practice courts every Friday night from 7 to 10 p.m. for local players preparing for the U.S. Open. Juan Carlos Pardi, DETA’s director and a U.S. Open doubles player, encouraged competitors to take advantage of the opportunity.
“We’re here to support all the local players getting ready for the U.S. Open,” Pardi said. “Our courts are open—come by and get some practice in before heading to Naples.”
The Team Representing DETA Pickleball Club
DETA’s team includes a mix of skilled local players competing in various categories:
Oscar Moran (Mixed Doubles) – Doral, FL
Adrian Palacios (Men’s Singles) – Kendall, FL
Gustavo Melendez (Men’s Doubles) – Kendall, FL
Marcell Cubilla (Men’s Doubles) – Kendall, FL
Saylid Lopez (Mixed Doubles) – Doral, FL
Juan Pardi (50+ Men’s Doubles) – Kendall, FL
Decio Raven (50+ Men’s Doubles) – Kendall, FL
For 19-year-old Adrian Palacios, a former tennis player, competing at the U.S. Open is a dream come true.
“I began playing pickleball for fun,” Palacios said. “I never imagined I would have the opportunity to compete in something beyond the local level. I am honored to represent the club and take my game to a bigger stage.”
How the Team Was Chosen
DETA held qualifiers, inviting members to compete for a spot on the seven-player roster. Ensignia described the selection process as highly competitive.
“Choosing our team wasn’t easy—it was a tough process, with our regulars battling it out on the court,” Ensignia said. “Many talented club members took part, but the final seven stood out. Their skills, teamwork, and dedication made them the perfect representatives for our club.”
Sponsorship and Support
Several major sponsors are backing DETA’s team at the U.S. Open:
Babolat is supplying paddles and footwear for peak performance.
Natural Systems, a Miami-based vitamin company, is providing practice and tournament uniforms.
Metro-Dade K9 Services in Kendall is offering additional support.
“Babolat is proud to partner with DETA in sponsoring their team at the U.S. Pickleball Championships,” said Alfredo Lopez, Babolat’s representative for Florida. “We’re committed to supporting the growth of pickleball and providing athletes with the best equipment to enable them to compete at the highest level.”
How to Join DETA’s Practice Sessions
Pickleball players with a DUPR rating of 3.50 or higher are invited to train with DETA’s team. Practices are held every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. on the following dates:
March 28
April 4
April 11
April 18
Cost: $10 for a three-hour session. Players interested in participating should email Juan Carlos Pardi at info@detapickleballclub.com or register via CourtReserve/DETAPickleballClub.
About DETA Pickleball Club
Founded in 2023 by the David Ensignia Tennis Academy (DETA), DETA Pickleball Club is the largest pickleball facility in Miami-Dade County. Located at 6401 Kendall Lakes Boulevard, Miami, FL, inside the Miccosukee Golf and Country Club, the club offers coaching, tournaments, and social events. Membership is free and open to the public.
News in Brief: DETA Pickleball Club
DETA Pickleball Club will send its first-ever team to the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida, from April 26 to May 3. To prepare, the club is hosting Friday night practice sessions for all local U.S. Open players. Sponsored by Babolat and Natural Systems, the team includes seven standout competitors.
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