New Jersey 5s’ Dynamic General Manager: Ryan Harwood, the Owner and General Manager of the New Jersey 5s, has become one of the most dynamic figures in Major League Pickleball (MLP). Known for his passionate energy and presence courtside, Harwood has taken on a visible role, not just as a front-office executive, but as a driving force behind the team’s spirit and culture.
Building a Winning Culture
Harwood’s leadership extends far beyond the X’s and O’s of the game. He has carefully cultivated a team culture that centers on positivity, effort, and fun.
“We drafted a team specifically around a certain type of energy and culture. I think culture is incredibly important in MLP, and I think this team specifically is wildly positive. They support each other.” – (Harwood)
This approach, he says, begins with a simple formula:
- Positivity: “You support each other on the sidelines.”
- Relentless Effort: “You give 110% effort every ball.”
- Fun: “We go out there and we have the most fun on the sidelines.”
These principles are non-negotiable for Harwood. “If we do those three things, I am a very proud owner and GM,” he emphasized.
“One is that you are incredibly positive on the sidelines together. You support each other. Two is that you never quit. You give 110% effort every ball. I care about effort the most. And three is that we have the most fun. We go out there and we have the most fun on the sidelines. We entertain the crowds, and we have the most fun out of any single team. That’s all I care about, win or lose. If we do those three things, I am a very proud owner and GM.” – (Harwood)
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A New Season, A Renewed Focus
For the 2024 season, Harwood’s message is resonating strongly with the 5s. He has witnessed firsthand how the players are internalizing the culture he’s set.
“They’ve taken that assignment very well. I try to lead by example when it comes to those assets and traits.” – (Harwood)
At the MLP Finals in Orlando, the 5s’ fans were a testament to this newfound culture, with supporters wearing bright red shirts and filling the stands with deafening cheers. Their chants and energy were contagious, creating a thrilling atmosphere—one that didn’t sit well with everyone.
The biggest winner in all of this is @MajorLeaguePB – just a year ago we were on the verge of not having a season and here we are with the most electric weekend in all of pro pickleball with the most invested fans.
— Ryan Harwood (@RyanHarwood27) November 25, 2024
The Controversy of Passion
While Harwood’s enthusiasm energizes his team, it hasn’t always been appreciated by rival teams and their fans.
For those of you who don’t like our passion on the sidelines, know that yes we do it because we want to win and we are competitors, but more importantly, we want pro pickleball to win. We need energy to keep the viewers and fans engaged.” – (Harwood)
This commitment to the sport’s future, not just his team’s success, defines Harwood’s leadership style.
A Strategic Draft
When Harwood set out to build his team, he wasn’t just looking for talented players—he sought individuals who could thrive in the fast-paced, high-pressure environment of MLP.
We built a team around Anna Leigh Waters that specifically suited her and those traits very well. Zane, Will, and Mari are incredibly positive, mentally tough, rise-to-the-occasion type of players. We saw early on that they are gamers.” – (Harwood)
This season marked the first time players Will Howells and Mari Humberg joined the 5s. Their inclusion brought a unique dynamic, as neither frequently competes in PPA tournaments, making them somewhat of an unknown quantity at the Premier Level.
The Rise of Will Howells
For Harwood, Will Howells is a standout. Despite not being widely recognized in the MLP scene, Harwood saw something special in him.
“Will is a star, and we don’t see him enough in our league. I hope that changes soon. When deciding to draft him, I loved Will’s perspective and attitude when it came to sports and competing. When I looked into his eyes, I saw that he had something that reminded me of the best competitors in the world. I wanted people who were competing and have that “IT” factor.” – (Harwood)
Harwood’s admiration for Howells goes beyond his talent—he sees a drive and attitude that sets him apart.
“People still continuously doubt and underestimate Will because they don’t get to see him enough, but I’ve seen him enough, and that’s why I know that he’s as good as any guy in this league. He’s proven that time and time again, right? He’s beaten the best players in the entire world in this league. To beat Christian Alshon and Quang Duong twice in a row is really hard. He’s beaten Ben and Collin Johns, Tyson McGuffin, and Federico Staksrud. He has some amazing wins, and he’s as good as it gets.” – (Harwood)
Harwood’s Faith in His Team
As the 2024 season progresses, Harwood remains the 5s’ biggest advocate, standing firm in his belief that his players—especially Howells—will continue to prove their worth on the court. His leadership, which blends passion, positivity, and a keen understanding of his team’s potential, sets the New Jersey 5s up for a future full of promise.
News in Brief: New Jersey 5s’ Dynamic General Manager
Ryan Harwood, Owner and GM of the New Jersey 5s, is redefining team leadership in Major League Pickleball, focusing on positivity, relentless effort, and fun. Under his guidance, the team has become one of the most energetic forces in MLP, building a fanbase that cheers with unmatched enthusiasm. Harwood’s unique strategy and deep respect for his players, including Will Howells, sets the stage for future success.
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