The Carolina Hogs began their journey in 2023 as the Seattle Pioneers, one of the original franchises launched under Major League Pickleball’s rapidly expanding umbrella. Founded by Tom Dundon, a prominent sports investor and owner of the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, the team initially operated out of the Pacific Northwest.
In 2024, Dundon made a strategic decision to relocate and rebrand the team to the Carolinas, a region experiencing an explosion in pickleball participation, facilities, and fan engagement. The franchise was renamed the Carolina Pickleball Club (now commonly referred to as the Carolina Hogs) to reflect its new identity and regional pride.
With the Carolinas quickly becoming one of the sport’s national hotbeds, the move allowed the team to tap into a vibrant community and establish a local fan base aligned with the sport’s grassroots momentum. The team also benefited from increased visibility, sponsorship opportunities, and access to emerging talent across North and South Carolina.
Current Roster (2025 Season)
| Player Name | Gender | Acquisition Method | Year Acquired |
|---|
| Ben Johns | Male | Draft (#1 Overall) | 2024 |
| Collin Johns | Male | Draft (#47 Overall) | 2024 |
| Kaitlyn Christian | Female | Trade from Arizona | 2024 |
| Tamaryn Emmrich | Female | Free Agency Draft (#22 Pick) | 2025 |
| Liz Truluck | Female | Free Agency Draft (#52 Pick) | 2025 |
| Brandon French | Male | Free Agency Draft (#54 Pick) | 2025 |
Draft Results
2024 MLP Draft
| Date | Player Name | Draft Position |
|---|
| Apr 2, 2024 | Ben Johns | #1 Overall |
| Apr 2, 2024 | Andrea Koop | #43 |
| Apr 2, 2024 | Jessie Irvine | #44 |
| Apr 2, 2024 | Collin Johns | #47 |
2025 Free Agency Draft
| Date | Player Name | Draft Position |
|---|
| Mar 2, 2025 | Tamaryn Emmrich | #22 |
| Mar 2, 2025 | Liz Truluck | #52 |
| Mar 2, 2025 | Brandon French | #54 |
Key Transactions (2024–2025)
| Date | Transaction Details |
|---|
| Jul 22, 2024 | Traded Andrea Koop to Columbus; acquired Brooke Buckner |
| Sep 29, 2024 | Traded Jessie Irvine to Arizona; acquired Kaitlyn Christian |
| Feb 15, 2025 | Acquired Yana Newell from Las Vegas in a 3-team deal; traded away Brooke Buckner |
| Feb 16, 2025 | Retained Ben Johns, Collin Johns, Kaitlyn Christian; released Yana Newell |
