Barbara Sabates Dominates Miami Pickleball: A standout moment at The Dink Minor League Pickleball event in Miami this past weekend was Barbara Sabates playing while 32 weeks pregnant. Representing Team Ready to Drop, she competed through a full day of matches despite the Florida heat and being just eight weeks away from giving birth. Though her team narrowly missed the playoffs, Barbara’s strong performance drew plenty of attention and respect.
Miami Hosts The Dink Minor League Pickleball Weekend
The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) brought exciting, team-based competition to Miami, a city already experiencing some of its hottest weather of the year. The event featured returning players from the 2024 The Dink MiLP National Championships and intense matches on the championship court. Among the competitors was Team Ready to Drop, whose member, Barbara Sabates, showed remarkable determination.
Barbara Sabates’ participation stood out not just for her skills but because she was 32 weeks pregnant. Playing at such an advanced stage of pregnancy is rare, and she handled the tough Florida conditions while competing in the DUPR 16 division.
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What Makes The Dink MiLP Special
The Dink MiLP is designed for real players and real teams looking for serious but fun competition. It does not require rankings, only a DUPR (a player rating system) and a team of four. This format allows players from across the country to compete in a structured and meaningful way.
How to Qualify for Nationals
Players and teams can earn a spot in The Dink MiLP National Championship in two ways. One way is by competing in local MiLP tournaments, like the Miami event, where wins earn points on the National Leaderboard. The top teams on the leaderboard qualify for Nationals.
The other way is by winning State Championships or Regional Showdowns. These wins come with a “Dream Ticket,” which grants automatic entry to the National Championship without needing leaderboard points.
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Looking Forward
Barbara Sabates’ performance shows the spirit and inclusiveness of The Dink Minor League Pickleball. While playing pregnant is not necessary or expected, her dedication serves as an inspiration for others to get back on the court and enjoy the sport.
News in Brief: Barbara Sabates Dominates Miami Pickleball
At the Dink Minor League Pickleball event in Miami, Barbara Sabates played while 32 weeks pregnant. Her team, Ready to Drop, narrowly missed the playoffs. The Dink MiLP offers accessible, fun team competition nationwide, with players qualifying for Nationals through local tournaments or regional wins.
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