Pickleball Angels Tournament Scholarships: The 4th annual Pickleball Angels Tournament took place on Saturday, June 28, at the Portsmouth Community Campus in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The tournament raised more than $20,000 for scholarships to help students at Plymouth State University. Nearly 100 players competed in men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles events, with many of New Hampshire’s top pickleball players taking part.
The event supported two scholarships: the Plymouth Opportunity Scholarship Fund, which helps students with housing and food support, and the Priscilla and Mario Semprini Portsmouth High School Endowed Scholarship, which helps Portsmouth High School graduates attend Plymouth State University.
A Growing Event for a Good Cause
Started by Wayne Semprini, the tournament has grown each year. Wayne Semprini is a 1972 graduate of Plymouth State University and serves as a trustee for the University System of New Hampshire and on the Plymouth State University President’s Council.
“The Pickleball Angels Tournament has become one of the most popular pickleball tournaments in New Hampshire,” (Wayne Semprini).
The event brings together people who enjoy pickleball and want to help students who need extra support to continue their education.
Winners Come from Near and Far
The tournament had strong competition across all categories. PJ Johnson and Corie Schwartz, both from Rye, won the men’s doubles event. Collette Irvin from Rye and Gale MacCauley from Green Harbor, Massachusetts, were the top team in women’s doubles. In the mixed doubles event, Collette Irvin teamed up with Alex Kidder from New York City to take first place.
The tournament welcomed both intermediate and advanced players. Its mix of high-level talent and community support helped raise a large amount of money to help students in need.
Support That Makes a Difference
The scholarships supported by the tournament do more than just pay for classes. The Plymouth Opportunity Scholarship Fund gives help with year-round housing and gift cards to local restaurants and grocery stores. This can make a big difference for students who are struggling to stay in school.
Each year, the Priscilla and Mario Semprini Portsmouth High School Endowed Scholarship provides financial support to one student from Portsmouth High School who attends Plymouth State University.
The Pickleball Angels Tournament shows how a local sports event can have a big impact, bringing people together to support education.
News in Brief: Pickleball Angels Tournament Scholarships
The 4th Pickleball Angels Tournament in Portsmouth raised over $20,000 for scholarships benefiting Plymouth State University students. Nearly 100 players competed in doubles events. Winners included PJ Johnson, Corie Schwartz, Collette Irvin, Gale MacCauley, and Alex Kidder. The event supports student housing, food, and educational needs.