GCU Leads APP Collegiate: The APP Collegiate Western Regional held on Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28, at Chicken N Pickle in Glendale, Arizona, brought together some of the finest college pickleball teams. This pickleball tournament is the first of four major regional events that will determine which teams secure their place in the highly anticipated APP U.S. Collegiate Team Championships. Pickleball enthusiasts saw incredible performances, with teams battling fiercely for a coveted spot in the finals.
Dominating the Courts: Arizona and Utah Schools
Arizona and Utah schools took center stage, dominating the competition. Representing these states were schools such as Utah Tech, the University of Utah, Arizona State University (ASU), the University of Arizona, and Grand Canyon University (GCU). These schools fielded multiple teams, bringing a high level of intensity and pickleball prowess to the tournament. In addition, prestigious institutions like Purdue University and Loyola Marymount added to the competitive atmosphere, elevating the quality of play.
Teams Advancing to the APP Collegiate Championships
After two days of intense pickleball, the top eight quarterfinalist teams earned their place in the APP U.S. Collegiate Team Championships. The championships, set for January 3-5, 2025, at the new APP Headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, will showcase the best in collegiate pickleball. The advancing teams from the Western Regional are as follows:
- Grand Canyon University (GCU) – two teams
- Utah Tech University – two teams
- University of Utah
- Loyola Marymount
- Purdue University
- Arizona State University (ASU)
These teams will now turn their attention to preparing for the national stage, where the stakes will be even higher as they compete for the ultimate prize in collegiate pickleball.
Final Four and Prize Money Breakdown
The tournament’s final four teams put on an extraordinary display of pickleball, earning glory and prize money for their efforts. Leading the pack, Grand Canyon University’s top team (GCU #1) claimed the top prize of $3,000. Utah Tech’s #1 team secured $2,000 as the runners-up, while GCU’s second team (GCU #2) and the University of Utah took home $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. The quality of play from all these teams showed the growing depth and talent within collegiate pickleball.
Spotlight on Standout Pickleball Players
The pickleball tournament saw standout performances from several key players who demonstrated skill, determination, and leadership on the court.
1. Artur Fonseca – GCU
Leading Grand Canyon University to victory was the exceptional play of Artur Fonseca, who turned in a flawless performance. The Brazilian pickleball star didn’t lose a single match in the finals, securing wins in singles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles.
His athleticism, combined with a powerful two-handed backhand and an impressive roll drop, made him a dominant force throughout the tournament. At 5’9″, Fonseca’s ability to cover the court and dictate play makes him one to watch in the future of collegiate pickleball.
2. Dylan Ciampini – Utah Tech
Playing for Utah Tech, Dylan Ciampini stood out not only for her performance on the court but for the positive energy she brought to her team. Despite recovering from an injury, Ciampini played an integral role, helping her team reach the quarterfinals.
Her ability to keep spirits high during tough matches makes her a crucial player in team settings. Ciampini’s enthusiasm and competitiveness were clear as she rallied her teammates to push through the toughest moments of the tournament.
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3. Mary Monson – Utah Tech
At just 15 years old, Mary Monson of Utah Tech displayed poise beyond her years. Competing at the collegiate level, Monson impressed with her fluid movement and strong groundstrokes, showing a level of skill that belied her age. Tall and athletic, Monson’s ability to hit powerful shots from both sides of the court left spectators and competitors in awe. As one of the youngest players to compete in the tournament, her future in pickleball looks incredibly bright.
Looking Ahead: APP Collegiate Southwest Regional
The next stop in the collegiate pickleball circuit is the APP Collegiate Southwest Regional, scheduled for October 11-12 at the Oasis Pickleball Club in Dallas, Texas. Teams will again compete for their chance to advance to the Team Championships, with high stakes as they look to secure a place among the nation’s elite collegiate pickleball programs.
News in Brief: GCU Leads APP Collegiate
Artur Fonseca led Grand Canyon University (GCU) to victory at the APP Collegiate Western Regional, held on September 27-28 at Chicken N Pickle in Glendale, AZ. Teams from Arizona, Utah, and beyond competed fiercely, with GCU, Utah Tech, Purdue, and others securing spots in the APP U.S. Collegiate Team Championships in January 2025.
Fonseca dominated in singles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles. Utah Tech’s Dylan Ciampini and 15-year-old Mary Monson were standout players as well. The next regional is set for October in Dallas, Texas.
