Search results

As International Women’s Day approaches, we’re spotlighting some of the women helping to shape pickleball across all areas of the sport, from the DUPR College Pickleball Tour and The Dink Minor League Pickleball to DUPR Coaches and professional players competing on the largest stages.

Today, we feature Lydia Hirt, a community builder growing pickleball in New York City and beyond. Since discovering the sport in 2021, she has made it her personal mission to expand access, connect players, foster community, and support women in the game.

From a Winter Escape to a New Obsession

Lydia first discovered pickleball during a family trip to Florida in 2021, where her cousin introduced her to the game at a local community court. At the time, she picked up a paddle with no expectations and little idea of how much the sport would come to mean to her.

When she returned to New York City, she noticed the pickleball scene was much different from Florida, and nothing like it is today. There were no dedicated clubs, limited information about where to play, and few organized opportunities for pickleball tournaments. Finding games required effort, but there was a strong sense of community among those who showed up to play.

“I made it my personal goal to help grow pickleball access in NYC. I truly believe this game can change the world, and no better place to prove it than the greatest city on earth,” she mentioned.

Since then, the sport has continued to grow across the city. Beginning in 2023, more dedicated facilities added permanent courts in Manhattan, creating more opportunities for players to get involved. Despite this growth, the grassroots spirit remains. Paddle stacks still line park fences, and open play continues to bring together players of all levels, from beginners learning the rules to competitors refining their strategy and tracking their pickleball ratings.

Pickleball as a Lifestyle

Pickleball is more than a sport to Lydia; it’s a lifestyle that includes fitness, fashion, travel, and storytelling. Her content reflects how she experiences the game as a natural part of her daily life.

“It was never just a sport I played. It was a place I dressed for, socialized around, traveled to, and even built a career inside of,” she explained.

For her, the game is inherently social and opens doors to travel, friendships, and new experiences.

“Pickleball gave me the world. The least I could do was show all of it,” she says, capturing how the sport inspires not just play, but connection, creativity, and community.

A Cultural Shift for Women in Pickleball

Lydia has also observed a broader shift in how women are participating in sports and gaining visibility across the industry.

In pickleball, moments like Anna Leigh Waters signing with Nike signal how quickly the sport is evolving and how much opportunity exists for women in the game.

“Anna Leigh Waters becoming the first Nike-sponsored pickleball athlete isn't a footnote, it's a signal. Nike doesn't make those calls casually. That partnership says: this woman, this sport, this audience matters,” she said.

For Lydia, the momentum extends beyond professional competition. Women are increasingly shaping the future of the sport in many roles across the ecosystem. They are organizing pickleball tournaments, coaching players, leading business strategy, building media platforms, and helping create the pathways that guide how players compete, improve, and track their progress through pickleball ratings and competitive events.

Making the Path Clear

Looking ahead, Lydia is focused on making the path into pickleball easier and more accessible for new players.

“I want the next woman who falls in love with this game to find her people faster than I did.”

When Lydia first started playing in 2021, there was no clear roadmap. Finding courts, learning the game, and meeting other players often required persistence. Today, the sport offers more structure. Players can join organized leagues, enter pickleball tournaments, and track their progress through DUPR. These tools help players understand where they stand and how they can continue improving.

Lydia hopes the sport continues to see women competing at every level of the game. That includes elite professionals on the biggest stages, the 3.5 player signing up for her first pickleball tournament, and the beginner learning pickleball rules for the first time. 

Keep up with Lydia’s journey here

SEATTLE, WA - March 5, 2026 - The International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities (IAPPF) - the only global trade association for pickleball and padel facility owners, operators, and suppliers - today announced a new strategic partnership with DUPR Coach, the premier Coach-Assigned DUPR rating platform, supported by the world’s most accurate global rating system, DUPR. This partnership will provide facility owners, coaches, and players with transformative tools, programs, and revenue opportunities, creating a stronger, more connected pickleball ecosystem worldwide.

Through this collaboration, IAPPF members will receive exclusive tiered discounts on the DUPR Coach platform. Once enrolled as IAPPF DUPR Coach members, they will gain placement on the DUPR Coach Map, access to enhanced player rating and development pathways, guidance on implementing the DUPR system effectively, and a structured framework for Coach-Assigned DUPR Rating Sessions. In return, DUPR Coach members will enjoy exclusive IAPPF member discounts, access to industry resources, and networking opportunities designed to support facility growth and operational success. IAPPF DUPR Coach members will experience the full benefits of this partnership, including improved programming, player development, and community engagement.

“This partnership represents a true win-win-win for everyone in the pickleball industry,” said David Johnson, CEO of IAPPF. “By connecting our global network of facilities and operators with DUPR Coach, combined with our already strong relationship with DUPR, we are empowering members with the tools they need to enhance club and member experiences, improve court utilization, and drive sustainable growth. This collaboration exemplifies the IAPPF’s mission: bringing the community together to uplift our industry and the sports we love.”

DUPR Coach leverages the world’s most accurate, universal player rating system to train clubs and coaches on delivering DUPR programming and creating new revenue opportunities, including Coach-Assigned DUPR sessions and follow-up improvement sessions. Facilities and coaches learn the system from top to bottom, including how to introduce members to DUPR, implement rating sessions effectively, and guide players through their DUPR journey. This empowers facilities and coaches to develop programs that are both engaging and competitive, enhancing player experiences and driving overall club success.

“We have been partners with the IAPPF from its inception, and we’re so excited that IAPPF is partnering with DUPR Coach to bring DUPR, DUPR Coach, and Coach-Assigned DUPR to their members and facilities worldwide,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “This collaboration ensures that every IAPPF member has access to the tools and platforms needed to maximize programming value, improve player ratings and development, and create experiences that keep communities engaged.”

“DUPR Coach was designed to empower facilities and coaches to deliver consistent, accurate, and meaningful player experiences, helping them not just keep their doors open, but also generate meaningful revenue and create positive member experiences,” added Katie Nimitz, President of MyJourney Pickleball and creator of DUPR Coach. “Partnering with the IAPPF allows us to extend these benefits on a global scale, supporting facilities, helping players improve, and driving sustainable growth for the sport. This partnership creates a lasting impact for everyone in the community, from clubs and coaches to players and industry partners.”

With this partnership, IAPPF and DUPR Coach are establishing a comprehensive pathway for facility programming and success across the pickleball industry. By combining accurate ratings, coaching input, and access to exclusive resources, the collaboration empowers facilities, coaches, and players to achieve their goals while fostering sustainable growth, stronger communities, and a thriving, global pickleball ecosystem.

‍

About the IAPPF

The International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities is the only global trade association dedicated to the success of pickleball and padel facility owners, operators, and suppliers.  Founded and led by Pickleball Central co-founder David Johnson, the IAPPF provides myriad benefits to its members, including exclusive research and data, discounts and special service offerings, events, mentorship, and much more.  Facilities can join for free at https://iappf.org/.

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach is a program designed to empower pickleball coaches to launch Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings for the 34 million non-rated players worldwide. Powered by MyJourney Pickleball, DUPR Coach helps coaches provide valuable insights into players’ skill levels and supports the growth of pickleball through more competitive, enjoyable play. Coaches interested in becoming DUPR Coaches can visit duprcoach.com/coach-cert to sign up and learn more.

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments, and clubs around the world, including USA Pickleball, United Pickleball Association (UPA), Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and College Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

‍

Contacts:

Josh Kerns

Chief Marketing and Member Officer

IAPPF

josh@iappf.org

In the days leading up to International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting the women helping shape pickleball across every part of the sport, from players on the DUPR College Pickleball Tour and The Dink Minor League Pickleball to coaches and professionals competing on the game’s largest stages. 

Today, we’re highlighting Van Nguyen, a leader shaping the sport as a top coach. Van is the first, and currently only, woman in DUPR Coach Vanguard, an elite collective of the most dedicated and impactful DUPR Coaches worldwide.

Van is focused on building structure, fostering community, and driving long-term growth through coaching and leadership.

Leading with Purpose

Being part of the DUPR Coach Vanguard is an honor, as the program brings together coaches who uphold the highest standards of quality, integrity, and innovation. Members foster community engagement, run events, mentor new coaches, provide strategic guidance, and contribute across areas such as coach development, player engagement, social media, innovation, beta testing, AI training, and strategic partnerships. As the only woman currently in the group, she is proud to represent women in this endeavor and hopes to inspire more female leaders to get involved.

“It’s not about being the only one. It’s about visibility and responsibility. When women are visible in leadership, it becomes easier for others to see themselves there,” she shared.

For Van, leadership means creating space and taking initiative rather than waiting for opportunities to appear. This mindset led her to build the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective, a community designed to provide structure, support, and connection for women in the sport.

Through her work, she supports players at every level, from beginners learning pickleball rules to competitive athletes tracking their pickleball ratings through DUPR.

Coaching That Builds Community

Through her leadership, Van helps DUPR Coaches develop their skills, refines technique, and teaches strategy, while engaging players and supporting the global growth of pickleball, which also elevates coaching standards across the community.

“Competition is personal, but coaching is collective. When you invest in people, they begin investing in others,” she explained.

Beyond her work with DUPR Coaches, Van brings the same approach to her club, the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective. With nearly 400 players holding official pickleball ratings, the focus goes beyond match results. Van prioritizes creating a stable and supportive environment where athletes are encouraged, respected, and empowered to grow. Combined with clear development pathways, a solid understanding of pickleball rules, and consistent tracking through DUPR ratings, this structure and sense of community help players build confidence and develop their pickleball skills.

Advice for Women Considering Leadership in Pickleball

For women thinking about becoming coaches, organizers, or leaders in the pickleball community, Van offers good advice:

“You need curiosity, consistency, and care. Study the game, build relationships, support others, and be open to support in return.”

Understanding pickleball rules, learning how pickleball ratings work, and staying engaged in the community are all part of that growth. Leadership does not follow one formula; it can be collaborative, steady, and creative.

Building the Future of Pickleball

From local leagues to competitive pickleball tournaments, the sport continues to grow through structured development, coaching, and a strong understanding of pickleball ratings. Leaders like Van are helping create a player base that is confident, prepared, and ready to take their game to the next level.

She aims to see more representation for women in pickleball leadership, decision-making, and long-term direction. Her focus is not just on participation, but on creating opportunities for ownership and meaningful influence within the sport. By creating supportive spaces, fostering growth, and encouraging women to step into visible roles, she is helping build a stronger and more sustainable pickleball community.

‍

The DUPR Coach Program offers exclusive tools to transform your coaching business. For more information, click here. You can also learn more about Van’s work with the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective, a movement for women who want to play, grow, and lead together.

‍Top Pro & Junior Movers

February brought some significant movement across the DUPR rankings, with both established pros and rising juniors making strong early-season statements. As tournament play ramps up, we’re starting to see which players used the offseason wisely and who is beginning to translate close matches into meaningful breakthroughs.

This month’s Top Risers reflect a mix of steady progression and true breakout performances, the kind that don’t just move numbers, but signal potential shifts in the competitive landscape heading into the heart of the 2026 season.

Top Pro Doubles Risers

• Yuta Funemizu 

Funemizu has had an impressive start to the year. He recently made a quarterfinal run in Men’s Doubles at the PPA Cape Coral, in addition to wins over Riley Newman & Will MacKinnon and Tyson McGuffin & Max Freeman. He has climbed 18 spots this month and now holds a 6.221 DUPR. Despite that surge, he currently sits just outside the Top 50 at No. 51 in our Men’s Pro Doubles Rankings. With his recent results trending upward, I expect him to break into the Top 50 within the next two months.

• Zoey Weil 

Weil is in a similar position to Funemizu. She has climbed 17 spots over the past month and now sits at No. 52 in our Women’s Pro Doubles Rankings. To start the year, she has already earned three doubles medals at PPA Challenger events. She has also had numerous close matches at the top level on the PPA Tour, and the next step will be turning those tight battles into breakthrough wins. With that early-season momentum, I expect Weil to break into the Top 50 within the next couple of months.

Top Pro Singles Risers

• Luc Pham

You may recognize Luc Pham from the PPA Mesa, where he made an impressive Round of 16 run in singles. Along the way, he upset Dylan Frazier and Cason Campbell before falling in a close match to Jack Sock. It marks a significant breakthrough for Pham, who is originally from Vietnam. He now enters the Top 50 with a 6.001 DUPR, jumping 35 spots to No. 50 in our Men’s Pro Singles Rankings. Expect to see more consistent singles runs from this rising young player.

• Carlota Trevino

Trevino has been my dark horse in singles. Originally from Cabo, it was exciting to see her capture a well-deserved gold medal in singles at the PPA Houston Challenger this past month, highlighted by impressive wins over Zoey Weil and Jada Bui. She now enters our Top 50 with a 5.509 DUPR, jumping 28 spots to No. 30 in our Women’s Pro Singles Rankings. That breakthrough performance should serve as a major confidence boost as she kicks off the year inside the Top 50.

Top Junior Doubles Risers

• Ethan Bakalinsky

Bakalinsky claims the Top Riser spot in the Junior Boys’ Doubles Rankings after jumping 22 spots into the Top 25 at No. 20. He has been trending upward as a junior player, and his recent results continue to back that up. At the PPA Mesa this past month, he captured gold in the Junior Mixed Doubles U16 bracket, the Men’s Doubles 5.0 bracket, and the Moneyball event attached to the tournament. He also battled through qualifying to reach the Mixed Pro main draw, where he ultimately fell in a tight three-game match to Len Yang and Paula Rives. Another strong step forward for one of the rising names in the junior ranks.

Top Junior Singles Risers

• Emma Nelson

As mentioned in my previous Top Risers blogs, breaking into the Top 10 is a major accomplishment given how difficult it is to climb at the very top. Nelson did just that at the end of February, entering the Top 10 in the Junior Girls’ Singles Rankings after rising four spots to No. 7. At just 15 years old, she has already been competing in the Women’s Pro Singles main draws on the PPA Tour, earning first-round wins before running into top seeds. That level of match experience will be invaluable as she continues to progress and develop her singles game.

‍

What stands out about this month’s risers is not just the jump in ranking positions, but the quality of wins behind those climbs. Whether it’s established pros knocking off higher seeds or juniors proving they can compete beyond their age brackets, these players are building momentum in meaningful ways.

As we move deeper into the spring schedule, consistency will be the key. The early gains are there; now the next step is sustaining them. If February is any indication, several of these names won’t just be Top Risers for long; they’ll be firmly planted inside the Top 50 (and beyond) before we know it.

February 27, 2026 — DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) today announced plans to develop a new wheelchair pickleball rating system, a groundbreaking initiative designed to expand inclusion and competitive fairness in the sport. The new system will integrate seamlessly into DUPR’s existing platform, ensuring adaptive athletes benefit from the same unified rating structure that powers pickleball globally.

Developed in partnership with wheelchair athletes, tournament organizers, and the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, which features a dedicated wheelchair division, this initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing adaptive competition. With the Franklin US Open celebrating its 10th anniversary in Naples, Florida, the collaboration underscores a powerful moment to elevate visibility, access, and competitive integrity for wheelchair pickleball on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

“Inclusion is at the heart of pickleball’s growth, and this rating system is a critical step forward,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “We’re proud to work alongside leaders like the US Open Pickleball Championships team to create a system that reflects the true diversity of our sport. While we finalize the technology, we’re excited to share more details soon.”

“This is exactly the kind of progress our sport needs, measurable, meaningful, and built with athletes at the center,” said Ben Weinberger. “At the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, we’re proud of our inclusivity mission and the role our wheelchair division plays in welcoming and celebrating adaptive competition. There is no better place to spotlight and launch this initiative than our 10th anniversary, in front of a global pickleball community that believes everyone deserves a fair and competitive playing field.”

The new rating category will enable tournaments, clubs, and players to create more balanced matchups, refine seeding accuracy, and track player progression with greater precision. By aligning with DUPR’s global ecosystem, wheelchair athletes will gain the same opportunities for competitive development as their peers.

“This partnership with DUPR is a milestone for adaptive athletes,” said Ryan Anthony, wheelchair pickleball athlete and advocate. “Having a rating system that recognizes our skill level and progression means we can compete with confidence and continue growing the sport we love.”

As development progresses, DUPR and its partners, including the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, will share updates on the system’s availability and features. The collaboration reinforces a collective vision for a more inclusive future in pickleball, where every athlete can compete, improve, and be recognized with the same standard of excellence.

‍

About DUPR‍

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments, and clubs around the world, including USA Pickleball, United Pickleball Association (UPA), Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, and National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

About the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships

‍Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships is the sport’s signature destination event and home of The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World™. Founded in 2016 and held annually in Naples, Florida, at the USOP National Pickleball Center at East Naples Community Park, the event welcomes athletes and fans from around the globe for a week of competition across professional, senior professional, amateur, junior, and wheelchair divisions, plus entertainment and onsite activations. The US Open Pickleball Championships is owned by Spirit Promotions LLC, a Pickle4 Company. For more information, visit www.usopenpickleball.com or follow The Open on Instagram @usopenpickleball, Facebook, and X @usopenpicklebal.

One of the biggest questions I get is: “Should I pursue professional pickleball?”

It’s a tough one to answer.

I’m not someone who will ever tell a person not to chase their passion or their goals. But there’s an important piece of the conversation that often gets overlooked, and that’s the financial reality of it all. 

I’ve seen players give themselves one year to try it out. Some have made a name for themselves through results. Others have built meaningful connections and discovered a passion for growing the sport off the court. And some have stepped away, at least temporarily, because of how expensive it’s become to compete full-time.

That’s why I want to share a transparent breakdown of my expenses as a full-time professional pickleball player to give emerging pros a realistic picture of what this path can look like.

Life on Tour: Year Four

2025 marked my fourth year on tour. I’m no longer starting from scratch. So now I’m in a different position than many players considering jumping into this full-time. Over four years, I’ve built relationships on and off the court, developed partnerships, and proven my capabilities through results. That foundation matters.

In 2025, I competed in: 11 APP Tour events, 1 PPA Tour event, 4 local Moneyball tournaments, 5 independent events (including the US Open, USA Nationals, LifeTime Singles Open, Global Sports Pro League & Tournament, and a Cayman Islands event). 

Breaking Down My Expenses

Below is a breakdown of my total expenses across APP, PPA, and independent tournaments (excluding local Moneyballs):

Flights - $3,550 

Five of the tournaments were held in Florida, so I was able to drive to those events. For two tournaments, my flights were covered, including the Global Sports League event in India and the PPA Asia tournament in Malaysia.

Lodging - $2,194‍

I was fortunate to stay with hosts for most of my tournaments, people I’ve met through connections, friends, and former colleagues. Honestly, this became one of my favorite parts of traveling. I had the opportunity to meet incredible individuals and families who were welcoming, generous, and deeply passionate about pickleball. On one occasion, it even sparked a new friendship with someone I hadn’t seen since high school! On a few occasions, I shared an Airbnb or hotel with other players, which also helped keep costs down.

‍Rental Car / Transportation - $2,017 

Gas - $262.27

Meals - $3,252

Lunch was provided for the players at all APP Tour stops so that helped with some of our meal expenses

Trainer - $3,165 

This is my own personal trainer. The on-site trainer at tournaments is free to use for players. 

Registration Fees - $1,877

If you’re ranked in the Top 10 of the APP standings for a given quarter, your entry fees are waived for that quarter. However, you must maintain a Top 10 ranking to continue receiving that benefit in subsequent quarters. Because of that, I only paid registration fees for the independent tournaments, including the US Open and USA Nationals, as well as one PPA event (PPA Cape Coral), since I’m a non-contracted player.

To put it in perspective: entry fees can average around $600 to compete in three events at a single tournament (singles, mixed, and gender). If you multiply that by 10 tournaments over the course of a year, you’re looking at approximately $6,000 in registration fees alone.

Total Expenses (4th Year on Tour, 2025): $19,000 - $20,000

Fun fact: the most I spent at a single tournament in 2025 was at APP Newport Beach — $2,363.

There are three main reasons I was able to keep my overall expenses relatively low this year:

1. Staying with host families.
This made a huge difference. I was typically arriving Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and leaving Sunday night or Monday morning, meaning I was on the road for five to six nights at a time. Not having to cover hotel costs for nearly a week per tournament adds up quickly. Beyond the financial benefit, it also created meaningful relationships and experiences I wouldn’t trade.

2. Waived entry fees.
Because of my ranking, I didn’t have to pay entry fees for APP events. As mentioned earlier, registration alone can total around $6,000 over the course of a season. That’s a significant expense many players do have to factor in.

3. Living in South Florida.
Five of the tournaments were already in Florida and within driving distance, so I avoided paying for multiple round-trip flights. On top of that, living in South Florida means being in one of the hubs of professional pickleball. You never run out of players to drill and compete with, and you’re surrounded by athletes who treat this as a full-time pursuit. When you’re in that kind of environment, the standard is high and it becomes easier to want more for yourself.

Breaking Down The Expenses of An Emerging Pro

I’ll share the experience of another pro pickleball player who decided to commit to a full-time pickleball schedule in 2025, being his first year on tour. Here’s the breakdown of his top expense categories. As you can see, along with basic expenses of flights, lodging, and transportation, you run into different expenses versus a player that has been playing longer on tour, and this includes registration fees and equipment costs (due to not having a sponsor…yet!). 

Flights - $3,850

Five of the tournaments were held in Florida, allowing the player to drive to those events. For two others, flights were covered, including the Global Sports League in India and the PPA Asia tournament in Malaysia.

Lodging - $2,300‍

The player stayed with hosts when possible.

Rental Car / Transportation - $1,825

Gas - $160

Meals - $1,575

Registration Fees - $2,650

The player received some funding support, but most events were paid out-of-pocket until reaching Top 10 (which waives fees the following quarter).

Equipment - $1,850

The player spent on equipment expenses, including paddles, shoes, and clothes needed for competition.

Total Expenses (First Year on Tour, 2025): $14,210

At first glance, you might think: “Wait… the emerging pro spent less?” But in this case,I believe a little more context matters. 

• Different revenue streams and therefore flexibility on spending habits
• No personal trainer
• Lower food spending
• Still building schedule and ranking

It’s important to consider if you can afford this investment period. There really is no secret magic or correct path. But it’s making sure you understand the numbers and the sacrifices that come with being a professional athlete. 

For more insight into life as a professional pickleball player, check out our article, “How to Go Pro in Pickleball.”

‍EPIC World Championship and DUPR Coach today announced a transformative global partnership that will redefine the pathway into international amateur competition.

This is more than a collaboration; it’s infrastructure for the future of competitive pickleball. As the sport expands worldwide, DUPR continues to serve as the universal rating system connecting players across levels and regions, helping build a shared competitive language. EPIC provides the destination stage, while DUPR Coach and Coach-Assigned DUPRs help guide players along the journey. Together, they are shaping one of the first true global amateur performance pipelines in pickleball.

Through this partnership, DUPR Coaches at select EPIC World Championship partner clubs in Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond will activate non-rated players, turning grassroots participation into Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings and opening the door to competitive play at every level. These ratings serve as an anchor, giving players an accurate starting point to join leagues and tournaments at the level that matches their skill. From there, they can log matches, compete in tournament qualifications, and earn their placement through performance. This ensures every player begins their EPIC qualifications at the correct level and can progress through a structured competitive pathway. EPIC World Championship then becomes the aspirational pinnacle, bringing these players together on a global stage.

“DUPR and EPIC World Championship already share an incredible partnership, ensuring every match at EPIC is verified and meaningful,” said Victor Cui, Founding Partner of EPIC World Championship. “Now, with DUPR Coaches spread across our partner clubs, we’re creating greater accessibility and scale within the DUPR ecosystem. Coach-Assigned DUPRs will enable more players to enter the competitive pathway, grow participation at EPIC, and continue advancing pickleball worldwide.”

“This partnership strengthens the competitive foundation of amateur pickleball,” said Yui See Lau, Co-founder and Chief Competition Officer at EPIC. "By integrating DUPR Coaches into our partner clubs, we can ensure players are rated accurately, compete at the right level, and experience fair, meaningful matches at every stage. It raises the standard of competition, fosters international credibility, and ensures that the EPIC World Championship remains the pinnacle of amateur play worldwide.”

The partnership also enables clubs and coaches to expand the DUPR ecosystem, grow their communities, generate revenue through rating and improvement sessions, and provide a clear pathway into competitive play. Players of all levels gain access to credentialed DUPR Coaches and Coach-Assigned DUPRs, which place them at the appropriate competitive level from the start. This allows partner clubs to support their entire pickleball community, from social and recreational players to emerging competitors, ensuring everyone can join the right open plays, enjoy fair and meaningful competition, and progress toward their goals. It’s a program that meets players where they are while providing a structured pathway to achieve their highest potential.

Katie Nimitz, President of DUPR Coach, added, “Millions of pickleball players worldwide still don’t have DUPRs, which limits their access to fair competition and meaningful progression. This partnership with EPIC World Championship changes that. It creates a global pathway that connects everyone, from beginners and recreational players in open plays to elite competitors aiming for the EPIC World Championship, into the DUPR ecosystem. Through DUPR Coaches, clubs can guide players, run rating sessions, support skill development, track match progress, and provide a clear route to compete at the appropriate level. This is more than a partnership; it is a scalable system that empowers players, strengthens clubs, and grows the sport at every level.”

The collaboration will offer exclusive credentialing opportunities and discounted DUPR Coach certifications for EPIC participants, alongside in-person activations at the EPIC World Championship, seamlessly integrating player rating and coach credentialing into the event experience.

As pickleball continues its rapid global expansion, this alliance creates the missing link between mass participation and elite amateur competition. EPIC is not just a destination event; it is both a driver and the pinnacle of a year-round global development ecosystem that connects and grows pickleball communities and players at every level worldwide. DUPR Coach is not simply a credentialing program; it is the official gateway that strengthens clubs and communities, guides players to the right local open plays, and provides a clear pathway to compete on the world stage.

Together, EPIC World Championship and DUPR Coach are not just supporting the growth of pickleball; they are building the system that will sustain it.

About EPIC World Championship

The EPIC World Championship is an international pickleball festival and elite amateur competition bringing together players, spectators, and global partners in one of Asia’s most vibrant destinations, Singapore. Combining world-class hospitality, cultural experiences, entertainment, and high-level tournament play, EPIC delivers an unmatched championship atmosphere. With multiple competitive divisions and a growing prize purse, EPIC is designed to showcase the sport’s top talent and celebrate pickleball on a global stage.

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach is a program designed to empower pickleball coaches to launch Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings for the 34 million non-rated players worldwide. Powered by MyJourney Pickleball, DUPR Coach helps coaches provide valuable insights into players’ skill levels and supports the growth of pickleball through more competitive, enjoyable play. Coaches interested in becoming DUPR Coaches can visit duprcoach.com/coach-cert to sign up and learn more.

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

The first Indiana College & High School Pickleball Super Regional at The Picklr – Noblesville brought together one of the deepest Midwest fields of the season. With 188 players competing across 39 MLP teams and 16 Challenger teams, the weekend served as both a proving ground for Nationals contenders and a look at how quickly the region continues to grow.

Many of the programs highlighted ahead of the event on this blog, including Wisconsin, Indiana, Purdue, Michigan, and Ohio State, entered with strong lineups and several existing bids already secured. Early results followed expectations, where favorites lead the way. Higher-seeded teams advanced cleanly through the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals, with outcomes closely matching DUPR team averages.

The later rounds told a different story.

Upsets Define Championship Sunday

After a predictable start, the semifinals and finals flipped the direction of the bracket. Every deciding match from the semifinal stage onward went against the higher seed, reshaping what initially looked like a straightforward path to the title.

Ohio State ultimately capitalized on that shift, putting together one of the strongest runs of the weekend.

Ohio State Continues Midwest Success

Ohio State defeated the top two teams by DUPR average on its way to the championship, continuing a stretch of strong regional performances that includes a win at the 2025 Ohio Super Regional.

Their lineup adjusted well as matches tightened late in the bracket, closing out the final against Indiana 1 to secure the title.

Indiana Depth Shows at Home

Indiana programs made a strong showing in front of local supporters, with three teams reaching the quarterfinals. The turnout reflected the growing interest around both college and high school pickleball in the region, with parents and fans consistently filling the venue throughout the weekend.

Purdue’s depth also stood out, following up on the preview storyline of seven entered teams by placing multiple lineups into competitive positions across the brackets.

Bids Earned

Illinois, Ohio State, and Kentucky secured bids through their finishes in Indiana, adding to a growing list of programs positioning themselves for Nationals.

High School Pipeline Continues to Grow

Alongside the college competition, high school teams competed throughout the weekend, reinforcing the connection between developing junior players and future college programs. The inclusion of high school brackets continues to expand the pathway into college pickleball, something that was visible throughout the event.

Download Your Pictures

Super Regional players, the Indiana SR photos are live! 📸 We’ve uploaded a shareable album with highlights from the weekend — team shots, action moments, and some of the best plays from the event. You can view and download your photos here.
Password: IndiSR

Feel free to share with your teammates, post on social, and tag DUPR at @duprpb when you do!

The college pickleball growth isn’t just coming from new programs joining the scene; established schools continue to expand their depth at a rapid pace. Indiana, Notre Dame, and Purdue each brought at least five teams to the Indiana Super Regional, marking the first time three programs have reached that level of participation at a single event.

With just six weeks remaining until Nationals, the focus now shifts toward final preparations as teams continue to test lineups,establish DUPR rankings, build experience, and position themselves for what will once again be the largest college pickleball event in history.