LV Night Owls Shuffle Their Top Officers: Major League Pickleball’s Las Vegas Night Owls made a significant leadership change on Thursday, announcing Chris Patrick as their new General Manager and Steve Deakin as Head Coach. The move, effective immediately, is aimed at strengthening the team as they approach the latter half of the season.
Chris Patrick: The New GM
Chris Patrick, a former Vice President of Basketball at Relativity Sports, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With a background that includes being the Managing Partner at the Sports Law Group and Deputy Commissioner & General Counsel at the PPA Tour, Patrick is well-equipped to handle the complexities of Major League Pickleball. His responsibilities with the Night Owls will encompass front office and off-court matters, managing business operations, securing sponsorships, and acting as the key liaison between players, the coach, and the ownership group.
Patrick expressed his enthusiasm for the challenge ahead, especially his decision to bring in Deakin. “One of my first priorities was to secure a veteran coach and leader to guide this team on the court and there is nobody better to do that than Steve Deakin,” Patrick said.
Steve Deakin: A Proven Leader
Steve Deakin, a seasoned professional in the pickleball world, steps into his new role with an impressive track record. His achievements include five PPA Tour medals, nine PPA Senior Tour gold medals, thirty-two APP Tour medals, two US OPEN gold medals, four US National Championship medals, and eight Canadian National Champion titles. Deakin’s experience and success at the highest levels of the sport make him a valuable addition to the Night Owls.
“My goal is to build on the existing strengths of this talented group, foster a culture of collaboration and resilience, and drive us towards new heights of success,” Deakin stated. His focus will be on harnessing the team’s existing talent while instilling a culture of resilience and collaboration.
The Road Ahead for the Night Owls
Currently sitting fifth in the Challenger League standings, the Night Owls are positioned as contenders, boasting the highest win percentage in the league at 75%. With a roster featuring Blaine Hovenier, Judit Castillo, Zoey Wang, and Rafa Hewett, the team has a solid foundation. The new leadership team of Patrick and Deakin aims to capitalize on this foundation, steering the Night Owls toward even greater success as they look to climb the standings in the remaining MLP events this season.
News in Brief: LV Night Owls Shuffle Their Top Officers
The Las Vegas Night Owls, part of Major League Pickleball, have appointed Chris Patrick as General Manager and Steve Deakin as Head Coach. Patrick, with a background in sports management, will oversee business operations and team coordination. Deakin, a decorated pickleball veteran, will focus on enhancing the team’s on-court performance. The Night Owls, currently fifth in the Challenger League, aim to use their new leadership to push for higher standings. The team, with a 75% win rate, features players like Blaine Hovenier and Judit Castillo, and is set for a strong finish to the season.
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