Collegiate Pickleball Players Enter MLP: For the first time in Major League Pickleball (MLP) history, collegiate players have been selected in the MLP Free Agency Draft, signaling a major shift in how young talent reaches the professional level. Ava Ignatowich and Mehvish Safdar were among the UPA-signed players chosen, solidifying college pickleball as a legitimate pathway to the pros.
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A Game-Changing Draft
Traditionally, MLP has drafted players with experience in PPA and APP events. However, with the expansion of the talent pool, college pickleball is now producing professional-level players, giving rising stars an alternative route to gain exposure and recognition.
Their selections could set a precedent for future drafts, encouraging more MLP teams to scout collegiate players and providing young athletes with a clearer roadmap to the professional level.
Meet the Players
Mehvish Safdar – Utah Black Diamonds (13th Pick)
- Former University of Minnesota tennis player, now representing Indiana University’s pickleball team.
- Two-time national champion at the 2024 DUPR Individual National Championships.
- Transitioned from college pickleball to PPA events, unlike many young pros who go straight to the professional circuit.
- Expected to compete for a spot in the Utah Black Diamonds’ lineup alongside Alix Truong and Tyler Loong.
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Ava Ignatowich – Miami Pickleball Club (50th Pick)
- Represents University of Miami’s pickleball team.
- Signed by the PPA during the ‘Tour Wars’, yet continued to play for UM.
- Expected to compete with Mya Bui for a Premier-level roster spot.
- Her selection proves that players can balance college and pro tournaments.
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What This Means for College Pickleball
The UPA has been working hard to expand collegiate pickleball, but until now, there has been no direct college-to-pro pipeline. The selection of Safdar and Ignatowich may pave the way for:
- More funding and support for college pickleball teams.
- MLP teams scouting collegiate events.
- A standardized pathway for college players to go pro.
While Safdar’s selection may have happened regardless due to her elite tennis background, her involvement in collegiate pickleball helps elevate its legitimacy. College pickleball still has a long way to go before being recognized as elite-level competition, but this draft marks a significant step forward.
News in Brief: Collegiate Pickleball Players Enter MLP
For the first time, two collegiate pickleball players—Mehvish Safdar and Ava Ignatowich—have been selected in the 2025 MLP Free Agency Draft. Their selections highlight college pickleball’s growing legitimacy as a pathway to the pros, potentially shaping future drafts and increasing attention on the collegiate scene.
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