United Pickleball Association Junior Signings: The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has signed five of the best junior players to professional contracts, giving them a chance to compete at the highest level while continuing to grow in the sport. These young athletes, ages 12 to 15, are the first wave of future stars joining the UPA’s development program.
Rising Junior Talent
The new signings include Cam Chaffin (14, doubles DUPR 5.885), Ella Yeh (15, doubles DUPR 5.246), Elsie Hendershot (12, doubles DUPR 5.124), Jade Rau (15, doubles DUPR 5.068), and Tama Shimabukuro (14, doubles DUPR 5.434). They will now train and compete under contracts that run through 2028.
UPA leaders believe this move will help young players grow while preparing them for professional success.
“If you look at our stars today — players like Gabe Tardio, Hayden Patriquin, Jorja Johnson, JW Johnson, Dylan Frazier and Anna Leigh Waters — they all started out as teenagers with us,”
said PPA Tour Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel Chris Patrick.
“It only makes sense that the next generation of PPA Tour stars will be kids who are growing up in the sport. This program gives them a pathway to chase their dreams while at the same time getting to develop into the pros of tomorrow.”
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Development Contracts
The juniors have signed Futures Contracts, which limit prize money but allow them to play outside major UPA tournaments. They can enter PPA Challenger and PPA Junior events, high school and college competitions, and even local moneyball matches. When their results improve, they can move to the Standard Contract Prize Money Grid for bigger earnings.
This approach ensures young players face top competition while gaining valuable experience against peers. For Tama Shimabukuro, who impressed at PPA Cincinnati, it is a welcome step.
“This is such a great program for juniors like me to have a chance to develop and take my game to the next level. I am ready for the challenge, and very excited for this opportunity.”(Tama Shimabukuro)
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Family Decisions and Future Goals
For some families, the contracts required careful thought. Twelve-year-old Elsie Hendershot, winner of the girls singles 12U 2024 Junior PPA Finals, signed her contract with the support of her father, Kade.
“This was obviously a huge decision for Elsie and our family. Elsie’s goal for the past two years has been to sign a pro contract with the PPA.”(Kade)
Despite the high stakes, Kade values the balance the deal provides.
“We are extremely excited about this unique opportunity for Elsie to become a signed pro, while still having flexibility to be a 12 year old. One of her favorite things about PPA events has been the friendships she’s made along the way.
Elsie realizes she will be experiencing more losses at the pro level and is ready to learn and work in between each opportunity she has to play against the best.”(Kade)
A Pathway to the Future
The UPA’s decision shows a clear investment in the next generation of pickleball. By giving young players structured support and gradual exposure to elite competition, the organization hopes to develop future champions while letting them grow at their own pace. These signings could shape the professional landscape of pickleball in the years ahead.
News in Brief: United Pickleball Association Junior Signings
The United Pickleball Association signed five top junior players—Cam Chaffin, Ella Yeh, Elsie Hendershot, Jade Rau, and Tama Shimabukuro—to professional contracts through 2028. The deals give them access to top competition while allowing them to develop their skills and compete in junior and local tournaments as they rise toward pro status.