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 Caroline Luelf, the Director of The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) powered by DUPR. Caroline has transformed the way players experience team-based tournaments, blending competition with connection. Through her leadership, MiLP events emphasize fair, structured play while fostering teamwork, social interaction, and a sense of belonging for everyone on and off the court.

From Player to Leader

Caroline’s journey in pickleball began on the court. Traveling coast to coast for pickleball tournaments, she learned firsthand what players enjoy and what makes events truly memorable. Her background coordinating events also gave her insights into how to improve player satisfaction and create experiences that everyone enjoys.

The turning point came in 2022 when she launched DUPR Builder Events in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Starting with 2-hour round robins, the events quickly grew into mini-tournaments lasting 3-4 hours. In January 2023, Caroline was introduced to The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP), reconnecting with the team-centric energy she loved in her youth. Over the next few months, her involvement grew quickly, and by July of that year, she hosted the largest MiLP tournament ever in Oklahoma.

The success of that event and her ideas for improving the team format caught DUPR’s attention, and just a month later, she joined the team to help bring those ideas to life.

Behind the Scenes of Team-Based Pickleball

Running successful team events takes more than skill; it requires planning, communication, and patience. Caroline spends hours preparing, answering player questions, marketing, and ensuring fair, level-based play. She emphasizes that strong communication, calm conflict resolution, and creating a positive environment set the tone for the entire event.

“The team mindset invites guests, family, and friends to participate more fully during competition, turning an event into a shared experience that echoes beyond the players,” Caroline explains.

Changing the Player Experience

The MiLP team format offers players a sense of belonging and shared identity. Players contribute both on and off the court, through cheering, coaching, or offering tips, which adds a unique dynamic to pickleball tournaments. According to Caroline, this team approach fosters loyalty, connection, and joy, making MiLP events a memorable experience for all players.

Leadership with Vision and Discipline

As a woman leading a major competitive initiative, Caroline combines a clear vision with structured planning. She approaches leadership with confidence, supported by scalable frameworks and data-driven reasoning. She is willing to trial, pivot, and iterate, maintaining a positive attitude even when things don’t go as planned. 

Inspiring Growth and Connection

For Caroline, the ultimate reward is seeing players enjoy the sport together. From ages 10 to 80, participants experience the excitement of the Dink Minor League Pickleball tournaments. She hopes the league is remembered not just for competition, but for the relationships, growth, and opportunities it creates.

“MiLP offers players more than a day of competition: it’s a path to friendships, personal growth, and experiences that last long after the tournament ends,” she says.

‍

Ready to experience team-based pickleball like never before? Check out The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) and see how Caroline Luelf and her team are transforming pickleball tournaments into fun, competitive, and social events for players of all levels.