For the third consecutive year, we’ve recognized the top college pickleball talent in the country with the All-America Teams. The best of the best are selected to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Teams, with 8 players per team, 4 men and 4 women, totaling 24 standout athletes.

Each team is evenly split by region, with 4 players from the East and 4 from the West. The Mississippi River serves as the boundary between the two regions.

A Shot to Play at Major League Pickleball (MLP)

The stakes go far beyond bragging rights. This year, the All-America 1st Team winners earn a spot in the MLP Mid-Season Tournament this summer—one of the biggest opportunities for collegiate players to step onto the pro stage.

With Major League Pickleball continuing to grow, this pathway gives top college talent a direct shot at competing against some of the best players in the world.

2026 All-America First Team Selections

East

• Ryan Morneau – JMU
• Kallan Arledge – Ohio State
• Ava Cavataio – FAU
• Bella Nelson – FAU

West

• Liam Duffin – Utah Tech
• Clayton Boydston – Utah Tech
• Ella Boydston – Utah Tech
• Zoeya Khan – Texas

A Growing Rivalry

This marks the third year of the East vs. West Game, and the rivalry continues to build.

• Year 1: Team West took the win
• Year 2: Team East responded with a dominant 4–0 sweep, flipping the script after losing by the same margin the year before

2026 Match Recap: A Battle to the Finish

This year’s matchup delivered one of the most competitive showdowns yet, with both sides trading wins and pushing the match to the limit.

• Women’s Doubles: West wins 21–17
• Men’s Doubles: East wins 24–22
• Mixed Doubles 1: West wins 21–14
• Mixed Doubles 2: East wins 21–19

With the teams tied, it all came down to a Dreambreaker.

In a high-pressure finish, Team East pulled away with a 21–18 victory, securing the win and back-to-back titles.

What’s Next

With the victory, Team East earns the opportunity to compete in the MLP Mid-Season Tournament this summer—an exciting next step for these collegiate athletes as they continue to rise in the sport.

As the event continues to grow each year, the East vs. West Game is quickly becoming one of the most anticipated showcases in collegiate pickleball.

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