APP’s Southeast Collegiate Regional: College pickleball is staying active this winter as the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) prepares to host the Southeast Collegiate Regional at Diadem Pickleball Complex on December 6 and 7. This marks the fourth and final regional pickleball tournament of the semester, leading up to the 2025 U.S. Collegiate National Championships in Cape Coral, Florida, set for March 28-30. Teams will compete for some of the last available spots in the final field of 32 for nationals.
A Battle of the Top College Teams
The pickleball tournament will feature some of the nation’s premier collegiate teams, including the University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Virginia, which recently finished as the runner-up at the DUPR National Championship.
In addition to the college tournament, APP is hosting a Next Gen series event, allowing select players to compete in both tournaments. The Next Gen series offers young players aged 23 and under a chance to gain competitive exposure and access elite coaching, making it a crucial opportunity for the sport’s rising stars. Ken Herrmann, founder of APP, emphasized the significance of the event:
“On show at the two events will be some of the brightest talents in collegiate competition, and the best up and coming players in the world, learning their craft at the highest level.” – (Ken Herrmann)
APP plans to continue hosting events like this to help grow the sport.
“We’re building on what we’ve learned this year, and have a very strong foundation to continue to lead this great sport at collegiate level.” – (Ken Herrmann)
Tournament Format and Group Play
The two-day tournament will feature group play on Friday, followed by elimination bracket play on Saturday. The 12 teams are divided into three groups of four, with group placement determining seeding for the bracket play.
Each match consists of a mixed doubles match, men’s and women’s singles, and men’s and women’s doubles. Doubles matches count for two points, while singles count for one. If the score is tied at 4-4, the winner of the mixed doubles match will serve as the tiebreaker.
Group 1
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of Virginia
- University of Florida (Blue)
- Florida State University #1
Group 2
- University of Iowa
- University of Florida (Orange)
- Florida State University #2
- Stanford University
Group 3
- University of Florida (White)
- Jacksonville State University
- University of Central Florida
- University of Maine
A Surge in College Pickleball
The popularity and participation in college pickleball have surged in recent years, and the APP is playing a pivotal role.
“top-level competition, against rivals from across the country, ending up with the chance to show how good your school is on national tv.”
College scholarships have reached $100,000, further incentivizing players to compete at a high level. This semester alone, over $100,000 in scholarship prize money was awarded across 14 regional tournaments hosted by APP, DUPR, and NCPA.
College pickleball has quickly transformed from a casual club sport into a highly competitive arena, drawing attention and participation from over 80 schools, with numbers expected to grow even further in 2025.
News in Brief: APP’s Southeast Collegiate Regional
The APP’s Southeast Collegiate Regional, taking place December 6-7 at Diadem Pickleball Complex, features top college teams like the University of Florida, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of Virginia.
With $100,000 in scholarship prizes, the event is set to draw attention to the rising competitiveness of college pickleball. In addition, the APP is hosting a Next Gen series event, showcasing young talent in the sport.
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