Rachel Rohrabacher’s Unforgettable MLP Victory: Rachel Rohrabacher may still be a relative newcomer to professional pickleball, but in just 18 months, she has made her mark on the sport. With an impressive tally of seven gold medals, five silver, and two bronze in women’s doubles on the PPA Tour, Rohrabacher has proven herself as one of the sport’s emerging talents.
Her rise to prominence has been strengthened by victories alongside Anna Bright, with the duo claiming top honors at major events like the CIBC Atlanta Slam and the Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction Pickleball World Championships. These victories against top-tier opponents, including Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau, marked significant milestones in her career.
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A Career-Best Moment: MLP Championship
However, despite these notable accomplishments, Rohrabacher has a different highlight she holds above all others. Winning the MLP Premier Level championship in 2023 with the Orlando Squeeze is, to her, the pinnacle of her career so far.
“It was so early in my career, but winning with the Orlando Squeeze was amazing. It was my first big-time event, and this team who didn’t even know who I was took a chance on me. There were a lot of people who were against it, and it was incredible to win with an amazing group of people to prove a lot of people wrong as well.” – (Rohrabacher)
A Dynamic Team with Diverse Strengths
The 2023 Orlando Squeeze team featured a mix of seasoned veterans and a newcomer in Rohrabacher. Alongside Bright, Zane Navratil, and Andrei Daescu—established names in the sport—Rohrabacher learned quickly from her experienced teammates.
“They really helped me hone some skills and understand my role. I had never really played the right before. I didn’t understand the women’s role in mixed, and I think they helped me excel on the right because I came into the team having only played the left side. I had to adapt because obviously I was going to be on the right with Anna and Zane, or Andrei on the left.” – (Rohrabacher)
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The Impact of Positive Coaching
Though Rohrabacher’s technical skills sharpened through her time with the Squeeze, it was the support and guidance from Bright, Navratil, and Daescu that left a lasting impact.
“They were super patient, understanding, and all-around great teammates. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.” – (Rohrabacher)
Although the four teammates were all drafted to different squads in 2024, the bond they shared will never be forgotten. The memories they created together, particularly during the championship run, will remain a highlight of their careers.
Continuing Success for Rohrabacher and Bright
For Rohrabacher and Bright, the chemistry they built on the court has carried over into their individual careers. While they now compete on separate teams, their shared experience remains a driving force in their continued success.
News in Brief: Rachel Rohrabacher’s Unforgettable MLP Victory
Rachel Rohrabacher has made a significant impact in her short professional career, with seven gold medals and a standout win in the 2023 MLP Premier Level championship with the Orlando Squeeze.
Though still new to the scene, Rohrabacher’s growth has been strengthened by mentorship from teammates like Anna Bright, Zane Navratil, and Andrei Daescu. Their support and the chemistry built during the championship season continue to guide Rohrabacher’s rise in the sport.
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