The journey from college sports to the professional stage is often long and arduous. But for Mehvish Safdar and Ava Ignatowich, the path was accelerated thanks to the opportunities presented by the DUPR Collegiate Tour. 

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Both rising stars have now made history by getting drafted into Major League Pickleball (MLP) via free agency, marking a pivotal moment not just for them but for the entire collegiate pickleball ecosystem.

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The Impact of the DUPR Collegiate Tour

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At its core, the DUPR Collegiate Tour is designed to bridge the gap between amateur and professional pickleball. By offering:

• High-level pickleball competition for college players
• A transparent and trusted pickleball rating system
• National exposure for college pickleball players

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DUPR is revolutionizing pickleball rankings and the way young talent gets discovered.

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By competing in DUPR-sanctioned collegiate pickleball events, Mehvish and Ava gained valuable experience against the best college players in the nation. Their consistent performance in college pickleball tournaments led to boost their pickleball ratings and be directly selected in the MLP Free Agency Draft by professional scouts. 

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Mehvish Safdar: A Steady Climb to the Top

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Mehvish Safdar made waves in collegiate pickleball with her disciplined playstyle and strategic shot-making. Her journey through the DUPR Collegiate Tour saw her take on some of the best players in the nation, solidifying her reputation as a force to be reckoned with. As her DUPR rating climbed, so did her visibility among professional teams, culminating in her well-deserved selection in the MLP draft.

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In our interview with her, Mehvish said:

“Everyone's really friendly at these college tournaments, and DUPR does a great job of creating a very organized environment and also an environment that's just fun and friendly. DUPR also takes very good care of the athletes too.”

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Her journey proves that:

• The DUPR Pickleball Rating System is a true measure of skill.
• College pickleball tournaments are now a direct pathway to professional pickleball leagues like MLP.
• DUPR is shaping the next generation of MLP players

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Her success underscores the importance of DUPR’s rating system, which ensures that talent does not go unnoticed. By competing in DUPR-sanctioned events, Mehvish demonstrated consistency and resilience, qualities that MLP teams look for in professional players.

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Ava Ignatowich: Rising Through the Ranks

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Ava Ignatowich, a name that has become synonymous with aggressive yet controlled play, also took full advantage of the opportunities provided by the DUPR Collegiate Tour. With a background in high-level college competition, Ava quickly adapted to the fast-paced nature of the tour, using it as a launchpad for her professional aspirations.

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Her progression showcased her ability to perform under pressure, making her an ideal candidate for MLP teams.  By competing in DUPR-rated pickleball tournaments, she gained national recognition, which played a critical role in her transition to the professional circuit, reinforcing the effectiveness of the collegiate tour as a talent incubator. 

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DUPR’s Role in Shaping the Future of Pickleball

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The success stories of Mehvish and Ava highlight the growing influence of the DUPR Collegiate Tour in shaping the next generation of professional pickleball players. As more college athletes engage with DUPR’s competitive framework, the transition from student-athlete to professional player will continue to become more seamless.

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DUPR’s transparent rating system, nationwide competitions, and commitment to elevating collegiate players have proven to be invaluable assets for aspiring pros. As the sport of pickleball grows, the DUPR Collegiate Tour is set to remain a crucial stepping stone for young athletes aiming to make their mark at the highest level.

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With Mehvish Safdar and Ava Ignatowich now stepping into the professional pickleball arena, their journey serves as an inspiration for all pickleball collegiate players who dream of reaching the pinnacle of the sport. 

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Thanks to DUPR, that dream is now more achievable than ever.

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Find out what it takes to become a DUPR Collegiate Ambassador here.

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Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport worldwide, but in Madagascar, it’s still an unknown game. However, thanks to the dedication of Hosea Randrianarivony, that is beginning to change.

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Hosea, a pastor originally from Madagascar, has taken it upon himself to introduce the sport to his home country. His journey is not just about sports—it’s about community, leadership, and providing opportunities for a nation eager to embrace something new.

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A Journey Rooted in Faith and Service

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Hosea’s journey to bringing pickleball to Madagascar began long before he even picked up a paddle. “I’m originally from Madagascar. So, that’s where I am from. I was born and raised there. About nine years ago is when I came to America mostly to get married because I’m a pastor,” he shared. His service extended beyond the church, as he and his wife worked with Mercy Ships, a hospital organization that provides free surgeries to underserved communities.

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Hosea’s work in Madagascar continued even after moving to the United States. He maintained his connection to his homeland by organizing annual pastor conferences. “For the past five years, we’ve been going to Madagascar every single year to do pastors’ conferences and teach pastors to be better leaders,” he said.

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Discovering Pickleball and Taking It Home

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It wasn’t until March 2023 that Hosea first discovered pickleball, but he quickly saw its potential for Madagascar. “Last year was the first time that I thought, why don’t I bring pickleball to Madagascar?” he recalled. So, he did just that. With the support of his church and community, he gathered nets, paddles, and balls to take back home. “Mostly, I’ve been given nets and paddles and balls to bring to Madagascar,” he explained. “right now in my studio, I possibly have up to 30 paddles.”

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His goal is to not only introduce the sport but also organize structured leagues and tournaments. “This year, I’m trying to bring medals and do a small league and a small tournament. I’m looking for 36 people for this year because I don’t have a lot of time in Madagascar. I’ll have six weeks, but during those six weeks, that’s what I’m aiming for,” he said.

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The Challenge and the Opportunity

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One of the biggest obstacles to growing pickleball in Madagascar is the lack of resources. “I’m not sure if Madagascar is the poorest country in the world right now, but it is at least in the top five poorest countries in the world,” Hosea pointed out. “So I just tell them that Madagascar has been behind in most things, and there is this one opportunity in sports.”

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For Hosea, pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s an avenue for growth and development. “The people are so talented and smart, so I was like, there’s this opportunity that could help us to be equal or possibly be better at something with the world.”

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Another challenge is the infrastructure. Madagascar lacks dedicated pickleball courts, so Hosea has had to get creative. “Even at my church, we’ve been using painter’s tape for the lines. We went on a tennis court, which we do here in Arlington, and then we put the tapes on. That’s what I will be doing for now.” But he remains optimistic, believing that as interest grows, solutions will arise. “Madagascan people are very creative. They will be able to make something to be used as a net in Madagascar.”

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Building a Pickleball Community in Madagascar

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Hosea’s work in Madagascar extends beyond just sports. He is heavily involved in mentoring young people, particularly college students, through a group he helped create called It’s Time for Madagascar. “One of the things It’s Time for Madagascar does is just take the initiative to do something,” he explained. The group has engaged in community service projects such as teaching languages, cleaning beaches, and even visiting prisons. Now, it’s also pioneering the introduction of pickleball to the island.

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For Hosea, the key to pickleball’s success in Madagascar will be education and accessibility. “We may think getting a phone like this is easy”, he says pointing at his phone, “but it costs a fortune in Madagascar. Most people pay the exact same price as Americans pay, but it’s a year of salary for most people in Madagascar.” This makes organizing a structured league with digital tracking a challenge. His plan? Have organizers manually keep track of scores and ratings to ensure fair competition with DUPR.

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Looking to the Future

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Despite the challenges, Hosea remains hopeful and committed to growing the sport in Madagascar. “I started learning pickleball and I went mostly from zero to a hundred. I was not really interested in pickleball—I just wanted to be able to help the people that really love playing,” he said. But what started as a way to serve others has turned into a passion of its own.

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As he prepares for his upcoming trip, Hosea envisions a bright future for pickleball in Madagascar. With ongoing support from his church, the pickleball community, and donors, Hosea believes Madagascar can become a stronghold for the sport. “I believe once people see it and get used to the game, it’s going to be awesome, and during these upcoming 6 weeks, I will be able to grow it.”

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Through faith, perseverance, and a deep love for his home country, Hosea Randrianarivony is not just introducing a sport to Madagascar—he’s creating a movement. A movement of inclusivity, opportunity, and hope, one paddle at a time.

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New year, new MLP! With fresh rule changes, expanded rosters, and new talent, the 2025 season promises excitement. We’ve just concluded the Premier and Challenger Free Agency Draft picks, so new faces will soon emerge in the pro pickleball space.

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Let’s get into those updates.

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Major Rule Changes

• UPA Players Eligibility: Noncontracted UPA players are NOT eligible for the 2025 draft. Around 12 players (4 men, 8 women) from 2024 will not return.
• Expanded Premier Team Rosters: Teams now have 6 players (3 men, 3 women) instead of 4, with 5th & 6th picks as subs who can also be picked up by another team into their starting lineup during the four waiver periods.
• Scoring Change: No more rally scoring! Matches will now use side-out scoring, one game to 11.
• Mandatory Player Drop: Each team must drop one player from their 2024 roster.

Alright, that’s enough rules. There are more rule changes to this season, but I’d say those are your biggest ones. 

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MLP Roster Updates

Now for the fun part: I hope you were able to check in either March 2nd or 3rd for the Premier and Challenger draft picks because it was an interesting one! Of course I did because yes, pickleball is life. With the expansion of the roster sizes, we will be seeing new names. 

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To the best of my knowledge, the Premier and Challenger drafts introduced 34 new players (27 Premier, 7 Challenger) who didn’t play in MLP 2024. Some are returning from injury, some have been dominant in PPA tournaments, and others are new to pickleball.

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There is a great deal of talent at the 5th and 6th spot who could easily be a steal into a starting role within a Premier team. I am curious how they truly feel being in the 5th and 6th spot of a Premier team, where they could’ve easily played on a Challenger team and received playing time at every event. 

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Sure, it’s nice to be considered on a team with your Ben Johns and Anna Brights, but wouldn’t you just rather play instead? 

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I know I would rather play, but I guess it’s a matter of preference — and you really don't have a choice to say no if a team were to pick you up.

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Key New Players in Starting Lineups

• Atlanta Bouncers: Victoria Di Muzio – A rising talent from Canada, but still needs time to prove herself.
• Chicago Slice: Max Freeman – PPA tour standout, strong addition.
• Miami Pickleball Club: Mya Bui – Former D1 tennis player with a competitive edge.
• NY Hustlers: Helena Spiridis, Dominique Schaefer, Zane Ford – Singles specialists working hard on doubles.
• SoCal Hard Eights: Ivan Jakovljevic – A well-trained competitor from Dallas.
• Utah Black Diamonds: Mehvish Safdar – Another D1 tennis standout and similar to Mya coming in. Both are potential dark horses here.

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Notable Challenger Teams to Watch

• Brooklyn Aces vs. Las Vegas Night Owls: Expect tight dreambreakers – slight edge to the Night Owls due to singles talent.
• Nashville Chefs: Strong pickups in the draft with Scarpa and Brown and a steal of an experienced player in Esquival to pair well with Radzikowska.
• Bay Area Breakers: Wyatt Stone subbed in for the Chicago Slice in the MLP Finals last year. He's underrated, but dangerous.

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Full Premier Team Rosters

(Sub/Bench Players in Italics; New 2025 Players in Bold)

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Challenger Teams

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‍Final Thoughts

With new faces, bigger rosters, and fresh rules, 2025 is set to be an unpredictable season. Will the new players shine or struggle under pressure? 

Time will tell. Stay tuned!‍

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March 2025 “Reporter on the Ground” - by Bobbi Oshiro

Collegiate pickleball players, Reign Storm is fully funding one team’s trip to the College National Championship (CNC)! If your team has secured a bid, this is your shot at having your CNC experience completely funded—thanks to Reign Storm.

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What’s Covered

The winning team (2 men + 2 women) will receive:

• Up to 4 nights of hotel stay
• Flights
• Meals
• Entry

And because Reign Storm fuels champions, every team that enters will receive a FREE case of Reign Storm! 

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How to Enter

Eligible teams (any team with a bid to CNC) can enter by filling out this form and submitting the following:

• A team photo 
• A short video testimonial
  
  • Tell us why your team is excited to compete at CNC and how you earned your spot.
• BONUS – When you get your Reign Storm case, create a fun, high-energy video with your team featuring the Reign Storm! 
  
  • (Examples: Choreographed dance with Reign Storm, Passing the Reign Storm to a player who always shows up late series, etc.)

Submissions close on Sunday, March 16.

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The best entries will be featured on DUPR’s Instagram, where the community will vote for their favorite team in the comments from March 18-23. The winner will be announced on Monday, March 24, exactly three weeks before CNC!

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Your Path to CNC

CNC is the biggest stage in collegiate pickleball, and Reign Storm is fueling your journey by funding one team to compete.

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Enter Now!

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Official Rules:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. This Giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or any other social media platform. Open to teams that have secured a bid to the 2025 Collegiate National Championship (CNC). Each team must consist of currently enrolled collegiate pickleball players.

Participants must be 18 years or older or have parental/guardian consent. Giveaway is open to legal residents of the United States. Giveaway begins [Start Date] and ends Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST ("Entry Period"). Entries submitted after the Entry Period will not be eligible. Prize details include: One (1) winning team (consisting of 4 player (2 men + 2 women)) will receive a funded trip to CNC 2025, which includes: Round-trip airfare from school to the event (or equivalent travel reimbursement), Hotel accommodations at the for 4 days of CNC at the CNC preferred hotel, Tournament entry fees, and 3 meals a day Friday to Sunday (9 meals per player) of $15 a meal. 

Approximate retail value (ARV) of the prize: $16,600. Prize is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Winner is responsible for any applicable taxes or additional expenses not specified.

The winner will be notified via email and/or social media direct message within five (5) days of the voting closing. If a winner does not respond within 48 hours, a new winner may be selected.

Winner must provide valid proof of identity upon request to claim the prize. By entering, participants grant Sponsor and its partners the right to use submitted content (photos/videos) for promotional purposes without additional compensation.

Winner agrees to participate in any promotional activities related to the Giveaway. Winner and team members may be required to sign a travel liability waiver before receiving the prize.

DUPR and Reign Storm are not responsible for cancellations, travel disruptions, injuries, or other unforeseen circumstances related to the trip.

DUPR reserves the right to disqualify any entry that does not comply with the rules or appears fraudulent. DUPR reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the Giveaway in the event of unforeseen circumstances. By participating, entrants agree to release DUPR, its affiliates, and partners from any liability arising from participation or prize use. By entering, you agree to these Official Rules.By entering the Giveaway, participants acknowledge and agree to the collection, use, and processing of their personal information (such as name, email address, and any other required data) by DUPR and Reign Storm for the purposes of administering the Giveaway, notifying the winner, and providing the prize.

Participants' personal data will not be shared with third parties except as necessary to fulfill the prize (e.g., for travel arrangements or other prize-related services).By entering, participants agree to the collection and use of their personal data as outlined in the privacy policy and these Official Rules.

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Exciting news for Canada’s aspiring pro pickleball players! The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) Canada is now the official pathway to the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL).

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Starting with the 2026 CNPL Draft, a player’s MiLP Canada participation will be a key factor in draft consideration, giving amateur players a clear route to the pro ranks. This partnership strengthens the connection between amateur and professional pickleball, ensuring that top talent has the opportunity to rise through the ranks. 

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MiLP Canada Integration at CNPL III Showdowns

The upcoming CNPL III Showdowns in March will feature MiLP Canada integration, adding even more excitement for participants: 

• Earn MiLP Canada Points – Players will accumulate points that contribute to their overall MiLP Canada ranking. 
• DUPR Rating Impact – Matches will count toward players’ DUPR ratings, allowing for accurate skill assessment. 
• Exclusive MiLP Swag & Medals – Competitors in each division will have the chance to take home MiLP-branded medals and gear. 

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This integration ensures that every match played at CNPL III Showdowns carries real implications for players looking to advance in their competitive pickleball journey. 

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More MiLP Canada Pathways

Beyond the CNPL Draft, competing in MiLP Canada opens doors to even more major pickleball opportunities, including: 

• Qualifying for Team Canada at the Pickleball World Cup, representing the nation on the global stage. 
• Competing in the MiLP US Finals, where players can battle for a USD $100,000 prize pool. 

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These pathways give players multiple ways to level up their game, gain recognition, and compete against top talent worldwide. 

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Get Involved: Sponsorship & Event Hosting Opportunities

With MiLP Canada’s rapid growth and official alignment with the CNPL, now is the perfect time for sponsors and event hosts to get involved. If your brand or venue is interested in partnering with one of Canada’s fastest-growing sports, reach out today. 

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 Contact MiLP Canada operators Full Send Pickleball at info@fullsendpickleball.com to explore sponsorship and event hosting opportunities.

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The future of Canadian pickleball has never been brighter—are you ready to be part of it?

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Feb. 19, 2025 — Six Zero Pickleball, a leading innovator in pickleball equipment, has partnered up with Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), the premier global rating system for pickleball. As part of this collaboration, Six Zero has been named the Official Paddle Sponsor of DUPR’s Collegiate and High School Verticals, solidifying its commitment to fostering the growth of pickleball at all levels of play.

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DUPR, recognized as the gold standard in pickleball ratings, provides an accurate and comprehensive system to evaluate player skill levels. With over 1 million players rated worldwide, DUPR is trusted by top pickleball tours, professional athletes, and clubs across the globe. This partnership underscores Six Zero’s dedication to supporting the next generation of pickleball talent by providing high-quality equipment and resources to collegiate and high school athletes.

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Expanding the Collegiate and High School Pickleball Landscape

As part of this partnership, Six Zero will be prominently featured in DUPR’s 2025 Collegiate and High School pickleball events, including:

• Collegiate Tournaments: Six Zero will be the Official Paddle of ten DUPR Collegiate Events, including eight Super Regionals and the National Championships. Collegiate athletes will have the opportunity to compete using Six Zero’s top-tier paddles, designed to enhance performance on the court.
• High School Tournaments: Six Zero will serve as the Title Sponsor and Official Paddle for DUPR’s High School Vertical, participating in sixteen events, including fifteen Super Regionals and the National Championships. This initiative aims to elevate the high school pickleball experience and provide young athletes with the tools they need to succeed.
• Minor League Events: In addition to collegiate and high school tournaments, Six Zero will also be present at various DUPR Minor League events, from local competitions to regional and national championships. This broad presence ensures that players at all levels have access to Six Zero’s premium equipment.

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On-Site Engagement and Community Building

At each event, Six Zero will host a dedicated booth where players, fans, and enthusiasts can explore the latest products, participate in interactive activities, and win exclusive prizes. This on-site presence will provide a unique opportunity for the pickleball community to connect with the brand and experience the quality of Six Zero’s equipment firsthand.

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A Shared Vision for the Future of Pickleball

“DUPR is proud to welcome Six Zero as the Official Paddle Sponsor of our Collegiate and High School Verticals,” said Ben van Hout, Head of Sponsorship & Partnership at DUPR. “Six Zero’s dedication to innovation and quality makes them the ideal partner to support young athletes as they compete and grow in the sport. We look forward to working together to expand the reach of pickleball and provide players with unparalleled opportunities to showcase their skills.”

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“We are thrilled to partner with DUPR to support the growth of pickleball at the collegiate and high school levels,” said Dale Young, CEO of Six Zero Pickleball. “DUPR’s commitment to accurately rating players and fostering competitive play aligns perfectly with our mission to provide athletes with the best equipment to enhance their performance. Together, we are excited to elevate the sport and inspire the next generation of pickleball stars.”

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Join the Movement

This partnership between Six Zero and DUPR represents a shared commitment to advancing the sport of pickleball and providing athletes with the resources they need to excel. Whether you’re a high school player aiming for the nationals, a college athlete competing in super regionals, or a Minor League hopeful, Six Zero and DUPR are here to support your journey.

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For more information about Six Zero Pickleball, visit www.sixzeropickleball.com. To learn more about DUPR and its rating system, visit www.dupr.com

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About Six Zero Pickleball

Six Zero Pickleball is a leading manufacturer of high-performance pickleball paddles and gear, designed to meet the needs of players at all skill levels. With a focus on innovation, quality, and player satisfaction, Six Zero is dedicated to enhancing the pickleball experience for athletes worldwide.

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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. 

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DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), 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.

AUSTIN, TX – Austin Pickle Ranch proudly announces its designation as the first official DUPR Assessment Center in Texas. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation, Austin Pickle Ranch continues to set the standard for skill-based pickleball play, both in Texas and beyond.

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In partnership with My DUPR Coach, DUPR Coach, and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating)—the world’s most accurate global pickleball rating system—Austin Pickle Ranch is advancing its mission to offer players of all levels the opportunity for both challenging and rewarding play. This collaboration ensures players, whether new or seasoned, can track their progress with a globally recognized rating, laying the foundation for fair and competitive play at all levels.

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DUPR is a dynamic rating system designed to help pickleball players better understand their skill level and create more competitive matches in a social play setting. Competitive play isn’t just more fun—it’s also an essential part of improving skills and building community. By offering players an accurate and globally recognized rating, DUPR enhances the quality of play and allows for level-appropriate competition. This approach helps players grow, not only in skill but also in the sense of camaraderie and community within the sport.

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At the heart of Austin Pickle Ranch’s success is its coaching team, led by Jeff Rausch, Director of Pickleball at Austin Pickle Ranch. A highly respected figure in the pickleball coaching community, Jeff has assembled an elite team of credentialed DUPR coaches. Together, they are committed to providing accurate, globally recognized ratings, with Austin Pickle Ranch proudly boasting the largest concentration of DUPR Coaches in Texas. The facility’s unrivaled approach to coaching, combined with its unwavering dedication to delivering personalized, top-tier experiences for every player, distinguishes Austin Pickle Ranch as a leader in the sport.

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Austin Pickle Ranch’s dedication to programming excellence is evident in its meticulous approach to coaching. Every assessment is conducted by multiple certified DUPR coaches to ensure consistency and accuracy while also providing players with the insights they need to improve. 

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"As one of the hottest pickleball markets in the country, Austin is primed for continued growth in the sport, and Austin Pickle Ranch’s focus on elite coaching and high-quality programming will be a game-changer for players at every level," said Ryan Maher, DUPR’s Vice-President of Partnerships and Programs. "Their commitment to providing non-rated players with Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings and giving rated players access to world-class coaches is set to elevate the Austin pickleball scene, creating an unmatched player experience." 

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This new initiative further reinforces Austin Pickle Ranch’s mission to foster a welcoming, skill-focused environment where players of all abilities can thrive. With a robust calendar of DUPR Assessments already underway, players now have the opportunity to receive a globally recognized rating that helps them find level-appropriate competition, whether at the Ranch or in regional tournaments.

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“Being the first official DUPR Assessment Center in Texas is a huge honor, and we’re thrilled to be part of the ongoing growth of pickleball in our community,” said Tim Klitch, co-founder of Austin Pickle Ranch. “We’ve always strived to offer world-class facilities and the highest-quality coaching, and our new partnership with DUPR further solidifies our commitment. Our goal is to equip every player with the tools they need to succeed and elevate their game.”

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Katie Nimitz, President of MyJourney Pickleball, praised Austin Pickle Ranch’s efforts, saying, “Winners win—and Jeff Rausch is a winner. With him at the helm, this team of credentialed DUPR coaches is transforming the pickleball scene in Austin. The caliber of their programming and coaching is unmatched. Whether you’re a player, coach, or club member, what Jeff and the Ranch are doing is impossible to overlook. They’re setting a new benchmark for pickleball development in Austin, and their influence will be felt for years to come.”

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How to Get Your Coach-Assigned DUPR Rating

Austin Pickle Ranch is now offering Coach-Assigned DUPR Assessments, where players can work with credentialed DUPR coaches to evaluate their skills and receive a globally recognized rating. These assessments are ideal for players looking to join level-appropriate games, participate in competitive events, or simply gain a clearer understanding of their pickleball abilities.

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To schedule your Coach-Assigned DUPR assessment or learn more, visit https://austinpickleranch.podplay.app/community/events?tag=DUPR+Assessment. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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About Austin Pickle Ranch

Located in Austin, Texas, and co-founded by Tim Klitch and Dan Keelan, Austin Pickle Ranch keeps Austin weird, one pickleball match at a time! Home to Austin’s largest network of indoor courts, Austin Pickle Ranch prides itself on offering an inclusive environment for all players. Whether a player seeks professional instruction or a relaxed game, Austin Pickle Ranch’s facility is designed to accommodate players of all skill levels. The North Austin location can be found at 11000 Middle Fiskville Rd., Building B, Austin, TX 78753, and it houses 16 indoor courts. In addition to open play, Austin Pickle Ranch offers first-time player introduction classes, lessons, clinics, and more. For more information on Austin Pickle Ranch, please visit austinpickleranch.com and follow along on social media — Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

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Exciting news for coaches and players looking to elevate their pickleball expertise—our first DUPR X RPPk X Tyson McGuffin Accelerated Course (Level 1+2) of 2025 is set for February 27th and 28th at CityPickle Long Island City in Queens, NY!

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This immersive, two-day certification course will provide participants with high-level instruction, on-court drills, and classroom learning, ensuring a well-rounded experience in coaching and competitive play. 

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Course Details:

• Dates: February 27-28, 2025
• Time: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (both days)
• Location: CityPickle Long Island City
• Address: 9-03 44th Rd, Queens, NY 11101

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Spots are limited to the first 10 registrants, so don’t wait! Secure your spot and get ready to take your pickleball coaching to the next level.

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Register Now

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Meet Derek – DUPR’s New Head Coach

We’re thrilled to introduce Derek, who has recently joined the DUPR team as Head Coach. In his new role, Derek will be spearheading certification courses, traveling to run them, and expanding our network of high-quality pickleball coaches. 

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Derek’s expertise and passion for the game will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of DUPR-certified coaches.

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Upcoming Courses and International Growth

As DUPR continues to expand, so does our certification program. In addition to our upcoming course in New York, we are thrilled to bring our training to new locations worldwide. 

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This year, we will be hosting certification courses at PickleCon, as well as launching international programs in Vietnam and Malaysia. These global expansions will provide more coaches with the opportunity to refine their skills and bring high-quality instruction to their communities.

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Take Your Coaching to the Next Level With DUPR X RPPk X Tyson McGuffin

If you’re ready to enhance your coaching skills and be part of this incredible learning experience, register today for our DUPR X RPPk X Tyson McGuffin Accelerated Course (Level 1+2) in New York. 

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