In the days leading up to International Women’s Day, 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.

Ava Cavataio, a college junior, is currently the #1 ranked women’s doubles college player. Ava is successfully balancing life as a student-athlete, leading the way on the DUPR College Tour, and even competes as a pro player on the PPA Tour.

Not only that, Ava recently signed with the Texas Ranchers and is set to make her Major League Pickleball debut this upcoming season, marking another exciting step in her journey from college standout to the professional stage.

From College Courts to Pro Competition

The jump from the DUPR college pickleball tour to the pro level is real. Ava Cavataio’s rise is a strong example of how the DUPR College Tour is creating a clear pathway from college to pro pickleball. She plays for the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Club and has been a big part of their success. FAU made history by winning back-to-back DUPR College Tour Florida Super Regional titles in 2023 and 2024, the first school to do so, and went on to place third at the 2025 Collegiate National Championships, showing how strong and consistent her team is.

With a 5.611 DUPR rating, Ava is one of the top college players while also competing at the pro level. 

“When I step on the court, I’m there to compete. I don’t focus on who’s across the net. Whether it’s college or pro, my goal is to execute my strategy, stay composed, and find a way to win,” Ava said.

That mindset helps top players succeed across different levels of competition.

What It Takes to Compete at the Highest Level

Being ranked at the top of women’s college players comes with high expectations. Ava’s biggest lesson from competing at this level is clear:

“If you want to be taken seriously, you have to show up prepared, confident, and ready to compete every single day.”

Success at the top of the DUPR College Pickleball Tour requires skill, consistency, focus, and showing up ready to give your best on every point. That means showing resilience, staying composed during momentum swings, and handling pressure in critical moments. It also means playing smart and following the basics of pickleball rules and strategy.

Women Shaping the Game

Female athletes competing at the collegiate level are playing a pivotal role in shaping pickleball’s future. Through structured college formats, official DUPR ratings, organized tournaments, and a tight-knit, competitive community, they’re elevating both the level of play and the visibility of the sport.

“I love competing just like all the other girls, but also love that we can compete hard and also have the same goals in wanting to see the game grow, ” Ava mentioned.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As a high-level competitor, Ava recognizes the responsibility that comes with representing women in the sport and helping set the standard for the next generation of players.

“I want young girls to watch all the female athletes and see that this is something they can pursue seriously, whether in college or professionally.” 

By competing on both collegiate and professional stages, she showcases the skill, discipline, and dedication required to succeed, giving younger players a clear picture of what’s possible and encouraging them to dream big. 

“It’s about inspiring younger girls and showing them they can pursue anything they want.”

To discover more rising stars in college pickleball, follow our Collegiate News Channel on Instagram here and keep up with Ava’s journey at the FAU Pickleball team this season!