MLP Waiver Period: The second and final waiver period of the 2025 Major League Pickleball season required all 16 Premier Level teams to name their fifth and sixth players—bench players—by Tuesday. The Carolina Hogs and SoCal Hard Eights made some of the most surprising decisions, leaving top players like Collin Johns and Judit Castillo available to be claimed by other teams.
Big Names Moved to the Bench
The Carolina Hogs, with a record of 2 wins and 12 losses (7 points), listed Collin Johns as their third male player. This is notable because Collin Johns has started every match he’s been available for this season. He has played men’s doubles with Ben Johns and mixed doubles with Kaitlyn Christian and Liz Truluck.
The Hogs marked Brandon French as their second starting male, even though he hasn’t played in a match this MLP season. This move could allow the Hogs to add another team’s bench player in French’s spot. It also means Collin Johns is now available for other teams to claim.
SoCal Changes Spark Questions
The SoCal Hard Eights, who also have a 2-12 record and 7 points, made a big decision by listing Judit Castillo as their third female player. Castillo has played in every match this season and has been a steady presence on the team.
Irina Tereschenko and Jalina Ingram are now listed as the two starting female players for SoCal. Jalina Ingram joined the team during the first waiver period and has played in 11 total games. Irina Tereschenko has been dealing with a lower body injury.
One source said, “If the Hard Eights do make a move, I would expect them to add someone in place of Tereschenko, despite her history of success in MLP. I could see SoCal putting in a claim for Helena Jansen of the Texas Ranchers, as she would provide more value in DreamBreakers than Tereschenko currently does.”
Full List of Waiver Bench Players
Each team has now declared its two bench players. Here are the full designations:
Atlanta Bouncers: Rachel Rettger, Sam Querrey
Brooklyn Pickleball Team: Hannah Blatt, Pat Smith
Carolina Hogs: Collin Johns, Liz Truluck
Chicago Slice: Carlos Di Laura, Pierina Imparato
Columbus Sliders: Marcela Hones, Ross Whittaker
Dallas Flash: Ivan Jakovljevic, Tatiana Ruhl
LA Mad Drops: Danna Funaro, Wes Burrows
Miami Pickleball Club: Ava Ignatowich, Yuta Funemizu
New Jersey 5s: Christa Gecheva, Craig Johnson
New York Hustlers: Helena Spiridis, Stephen Madonia
Orlando Squeeze: Alli Phillips, Tom Evans
Phoenix Flames: Alex Walker, Pesa Teoni
SoCal Hard Eights: Judit Castillo, Roscoe Bellamy
St. Louis Shock: Erik Lange, Felicity Di Laura
Texas Ranchers: Helena Jansen, Rafa Hewett
Utah Black Diamonds: Mehvish Safdar, Yates Johnson
What Happens Next?
These roster decisions will have a big impact on what happens in the final waiver period. Teams now have the chance to claim any of the newly listed bench players. The deadline for any new changes is Monday.
Fans and league insiders will be watching to see if teams take advantage of this last chance to improve their rosters before the season continues.
News in Brief: MLP Waiver Period
Top MLP players Collin Johns and Judit Castillo were placed on the bench during the second 2025 waiver period, making them available for other teams. Carolina Hogs and SoCal Hard Eights made bold roster moves. Teams have until Monday to claim waived players before the final deadline.
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