The Coachella Valley Scorpions, the newly formed senior professional pickleball team, have quickly captured local and national attention. Representing the valley in the National Pickleball League (NPL), this team offers fans a chance to witness elite senior players in action.
Earlier this week, the Scorpions were profiled on LIVE with Kelly and Mark during a special broadcast from the greater Palm Springs area, bringing widespread exposure to this emerging team.
Owners and Star Players Take Center Stage
The Scorpions’ ownership group boasts familiar faces, including Kim Jagd, Vincent Van Patten, Mark Consuelos, and Michael Gelman. Jagd, a seasoned player with years of competitive experience, has been named the team’s captain.
“We had an absolute blast teaching Mark and Michael the ins and outs and strategies of pickleball. Michael is a huge fan, and his staff reached out to us a few weeks ago with the idea to play pickleball on the show. It was great exposure for the Coachella Valley Scorpions and the National Pickleball League and we were happy to participate and even be just a small part of such a huge national show.” – (Kim Jagd)
Her leadership shone brightly at the recent PSHA Charity Pickleball Event at Demuth Park. The team also made a playful appearance at the 60th annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, wowing fans as players volleyed pickleballs while joining the festivities.
Pickleball and Primetime
During the LIVE with Kelly and Mark broadcast, the hosts got in on the action. Mark Consuelos partnered with Jagd, while Vincent Van Patten and Michael Gelman paired up for a spirited match. After some quick coaching, Van Patten and Gelman emerged victorious with an 11-8 win at the Desert Horizons Golf and Country Club.
The spotlight moment of the event came when Consuelos presented his co-host and wife, Kelly Ripa, with an honorary Scorpions jersey featuring her name on the back. “Thank you, Scorpions, my favorite pickleball team!” Ripa exclaimed, drawing cheers from the audience of over 2,000 at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa.
National Pickleball League and Beyond
The Coachella Valley Scorpions are one of 12 teams in the NPL, a league showing players aged 50 and older in its Champions Pro division. The league’s 2024 season featured monthly events from May through October, resulting in the DreamCloud NPL Championship. This season finale, airing on CBS Sports Network on December 3 at 4 p.m., will spotlight the best in senior professional pickleball.
News in Brief: Coachella Valley Scorpions
The Coachella Valley Scorpions, part of the National Pickleball League, gained national recognition with a feature on LIVE with Kelly and Mark. Co-owners Kim Jagd, Vincent Van Patten, Mark Consuelos, and Michael Gelman highlighted their passion for pickleball, while a match between the owners entertained fans.
The team represents one of 12 NPL franchises in the Champions Pro division, with events from May to October resulting in a December championship broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
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