MLP’s Pandas Rebrand as Nashville Chefs: The Major League Pickleball franchise formerly known as the Pandas is now the Nashville Chefs. The team, operated by The Kitchen, aims to compete seriously for the Challenger Level title this season after management changes in the fall of 2024.
Management Changes and Team Goals
The Kitchen took over management of the franchise in late 2024, overseeing marketing, operations, and sponsorship sales. Their first order of business for the 2025 season includes filling the team’s roster through the Challenger Level free-agency draft and revealing a new logo and team colors.
Draft Strategy and Selections
General Manager Jared Paul and Assistant General Manager Caleb Hodder decided to keep Ewa Radzikowska as the sole returning player from last season, leaving three spots to fill in the draft.
Although the Chefs were outbid by the Bay Area Breakers for the No. 1 overall selection, they secured the No. 2 spot with a bid of 8,000 draft points and selected Anderson Scarpa. The team also claimed the No. 3 pick for 7,000 points, choosing Marshall Brown, and later selected Michelle Esquivel with the No. 9 pick for 1,000 points.
“We’re really excited about who we chose and we feel like we got the best of the best. We spent more money in the challenger draft than any other team and it’s because we really wanted to get the people we picked.” – (Hodder)
Player Profiles and Experience
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Anderson Scarpa: A 31-year-old from Charleston, South Carolina, Scarpa has a strong DUPR rating and a background in Division I tennis. He’s excited to be a top player in the Challenger Level and aims to prove himself with his new team.
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Michelle Esquivel: At 38 years old, Esquivel hails from Estero, Florida. With experience in college tennis and past MLP teams, she is eager to win an MLP title and feels optimistic about her team’s potential.
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Marshall Brown: A 30-year-old residing in Auburn, Alabama, Brown has a successful history with the other players on the team. He appreciates the competitive environment and the teamwork he shares with his new teammates.
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Ewa Radzikowska: Originally from Poland and now living in Atlanta, Georgia, Radzikowska brings extensive experience, including multiple MLP championships. She believes the team’s experience gives them a competitive edge.
Looking Ahead
The Nashville Chefs are poised to make a significant impact in the Challenger Level this season. With a revamped roster and a strong management team, they aim for success on the court and hope to build a competitive team culture.
News in Brief: MLP’s Pandas Rebrand as Nashville Chefs
The Pandas have rebranded as the Nashville Chefs in Major League Pickleball. Under new management, the team aims for a successful 2025 season. Key players include Anderson Scarpa, Michelle Esquivel, Marshall Brown, and Ewa Radzikowska, each bringing unique skills and experience.
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