Stacy Potter’s 2025 Pickleball Comeback: Ojai pickleball star Stacy (Margolin) Potter ended the 2024 National Pickleball League (NPL) season on a high note, going undefeated in the NPL Championships over the weekend of October 17-20 in West Chester, Ohio. Partnering with Joe Paraiso in mixed doubles and Amy Blumrosen in women’s doubles, Potter showcased her impressive skills, finishing with a perfect 4-0 record despite battling a back injury.
Potter, a former professional tennis player ranked 18th in the world, is now a rising star in pickleball. She plays for the Houston Hammers, who finished third in the NPL team standings. The Hammers ended the season with a 15-5 record, just behind the second-place Columbus Hotshots, who had the same record but a higher point differential. The Boca Raton Picklers claimed the top spot with a 16-4 record.
The Championship Weekend and Potter’s Performance
The NPL Championships were a dramatic conclusion to a thrilling season. Potter and her team faced the Columbus Hotshots in a tight semifinal matchup. After being down 5-2 in matches, Potter’s victory in mixed doubles with Paraiso turned the tide, putting the Hammers ahead 6-5. Despite their efforts, the Hammers lost the final match in the team competition, which led to a Team Breaker. Unfortunately, they lost the breaker but still had the chance to play for third place.
The following day, the Hammers defeated the Denver Iconics in the third-place playoff, securing $12,000 in prize money.
“That final weekend in the semifinals, our team was down 5-2 in matches; then our mixed doubles match that I won with my partner Joe Paraiso, put us up 6-5 against No. 2 seeds Columbus Hotshots,” (Stacy Potter).
Potter’s Impressive Season Performance
Potter’s 2024 season was marked by resilience and success. She finished with a 75 percent win rate, earning a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of 5.27. She is also ranked No. 7 in the U.S. Masters Division, solidifying her reputation as one of the top players in the sport.
Despite dealing with a sciatic injury during the season, Potter’s performance never wavered. Her ability to compete at such a high level, even while injured, speaks to her determination and skill. She plans to be back in action early in 2025, eager to continue building on her success.
Houston Hammers’ Third-Place Finish
Potter’s team, the Houston Hammers, had a strong season overall, finishing in third place out of the 12 teams in the NPL. The team’s record of 15-5 was impressive, but a small point differential prevented them from advancing to the finals. The Hotshots’ 47-point match win differential was just enough to edge the Hammers, who had a 44-point differential.
Despite not making it to the final, the Hammers’ performance at the championships showed their resilience and competitive spirit. Their third-place finish in the league and the $12,000 prize money was a solid achievement for the team, who now look ahead to the next season with hopes of improving their standing.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the 2024 season concludes, Potter and the Houston Hammers are already looking forward to 2025. For Potter, this means recovering from her injury and coming back stronger than ever. She has proven herself to be one of the best in the game, and with a full recovery, she is poised for more success.
For the Houston Hammers, the goal is to improve their performance and challenge for the top spot. The competition in the NPL is fierce, with teams like the Boca Raton Picklers and Columbus Hotshots showing they are tough contenders.
As the new year approaches, pickleball fans can look forward to another exciting season. With players like Stacy Potter leading the way, the sport’s growth and popularity continue to rise, offering more thrilling moments for players, fans, and teams alike.
News in Brief: Stacy Potter’s 2025 Pickleball Comeback
After an undefeated 2024 NPL Championship run, Stacy (Margolin) Potter is focusing on a strong 2025 season. Recovering from a back injury, she is ready to return to the court with full strength. With a 75% win rate and top rankings in the U.S. Masters Division, Potter aims to lead the Houston Hammers to the top and build on her success, cementing her position as a top pickleball star in 2025.
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