College Pickleball Expansion Initiative: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP), the National Intramural and Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA), Selkirk Sport, and USA Pickleball have teamed up to expand pickleball at colleges across the United States. Their joint effort will provide competitions, funding, equipment, and education to make pickleball more accessible for students and campus programs.
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Building the Future of College Pickleball
“I am so grateful for the incredible collaboration between the APP, NIRSA, Selkirk and USA Pickleball,” said Shannon Dan, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Growth at the APP. “Our collective mission is to grow the game of pickleball on college campuses, and each organization has stepped up to bring meaningful benefits to college programs and players. From funding and education to equipment and a national competition platform, this offering will be transformational for college pickleball.”
The APP Selkirk Collegiate Series will be sanctioned by USA Pickleball and recognized as part of the NIRSA Championship Series. This makes it the only collegiate pickleball program backed by the sport’s official governing body.
Leadership and Growth Plans
Pickleball veteran Dominic Catalano, a coach and lead broadcaster for the APP Tour, has been named Director of the APP Collegiate Series. He will be supported by professional player Susannah Barr, who will serve as College Player and Program Liaison.
Since its debut in 2023–24, the APP college series has grown quickly. Now, it will feature seven regional qualifying events across the country, leading to the 2026 APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships in Cape Coral, Florida. Players will compete for a total of $85,000 in prize money, including $5,000 per qualifier and $50,000 at the championship event.
Partners Supporting the Series
Chicken N Pickle will continue as a main host venue for the series. Selkirk Sport, a leading manufacturer of paddles and gear, has become the official title sponsor. The company will offer equipment to new programs and sponsorships for top players and schools. Matches from the 2026 Collegiate Championships will air on Selkirk Pickleball TV and APPTV on YouTube.
“We believe college campuses are a critical touchpoint for expanding pickleball’s reach,” said Rob Barnes, co-founder and co-CEO of Selkirk Sport. “Collegiate athletes represent the next generation of players and ambassadors, and partnering on this initiative is a powerful way to help expand access, create competitive opportunities and foster a lifelong passion for the sport.”
NIRSA will include the series as part of its national lineup of college sports. “College is a huge opportunity for millions of students to develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime,” said Pam Watts, NIRSA Executive Director. “Each year, member campuses have been expanding their pickleball offerings and so we’re excited to partner with the Association of Pickleball Players, Selkirk and USA Pickleball to bring pickleball to the NIRSA Championship Series lineup.”
USA Pickleball will provide grants, toolkits, and low-cost memberships for students. These efforts include the “Grow the Game” grant for equipment and the “Play It Forward” grant for court installations.
“USA Pickleball is committed to nurturing the growth of pickleball within the collegiate space, recognizing the unique opportunity colleges present for expanding our sport,” said Chris Zukas, Vice President of Membership Development & Service at USA Pickleball. “We’re focused on equipping administrators, coaches, and students with meaningful resources and dedicated support that they need. By investing in college pickleball today, we’re shaping the future of our sport, building a strong foundation for continued growth.”
Upcoming College Series Schedule
| Dates | Tournament | Location | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct. 25-26 | APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Idaho | Boise, ID | The Flying Pickle |
| Nov. 8-9 | APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Arizona (held alongside the APP Phoenix Open) | Mesa, AZ | Arizona Athletic Grounds |
| Nov. 15-16 | APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Colorado | Thornton, CO | Chicken N Pickle |
| Nov. 22-23 | APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Kansas | Overland Park, KS | Chicken N Pickle |
| Jan. 10-11 | APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Florida | Cape Coral, FL | The Courts |
| Jan. 24-25 | APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – Texas | Webster, TX | Chicken N Pickle |
| Jan. 31-Feb. 1 | APP Selkirk Collegiate Qualifier – New Jersey | Hamilton, NJ | Pickleball Kingdom |
| Mar. 6-8 | APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships | Cape Coral, FL | The Courts |
Why It Matters
This partnership is a major step for pickleball at the college level. By bringing together national organizations, funding, and competition, the sport will reach thousands of new student players. It also creates a pathway for athletes to continue competing while building a lifelong connection to pickleball.
News in Brief: College Pickleball Expansion Initiative
The Association of Pickleball Players, NIRSA, Selkirk Sport, and USA Pickleball have partnered to grow college pickleball across the U.S. The APP Selkirk Collegiate Series, sanctioned by USA Pickleball, will host qualifiers and a 2026 national championship, with $85,000 in prize money and strong support from sponsors.
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