Search results

The Collegiate Pickleball Tour’s stop in Pennsylvania didn’t disappoint.
With 140 players from 14 schools, it became the sixth-largest Collegiate Super Regional ever and one of the most unpredictable.

Historic Firsts and Major Upsets

For the first time, a #1 seed from Group Play went down in the Quarterfinals, as JMU’s 1st Team was upset by Rutgers’ 1st Team.
Even more surprising, the Finals didn’t feature the #1 or #2 seed (JMU 1 or Delaware), a first in Super Regional history.

But the biggest story?
JMU 2  ( yes, the program’s second team)  took home the title.
It marks the first time a second team has won a Super Regional outside of Utah Tech.

UConn’s Dreambreaker Marathon

If any team defined the weekend by grit alone, it was UConn.
They battled through Dreambreakers in the Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals,  the first time that’s ever happened in Collegiate Pickleball history.

Every match came down to the final points, showing UConn’s composure and consistency under pressure.

Breakout Performances

While top seeds like JMU and Delaware held the spotlight coming in, several underdogs made noise:

• Towson 1, the third-lowest team by DUPR in the field, went 3–1 in group play.
  
• JMU 3, seeded in the bottom half of the field, also finished 3–1 in group play.
  
• Cornell 1 swept the consolation bracket without dropping a single game, a perfect rebound story.
  

Bids Secured

By Sunday night, JMU, UConn, and Delaware punched their tickets to April’s National Championship.
For JMU, the win solidifies their dominance on the east coast; for UConn and Delaware, it cements their programs among the top-tier collegiate contenders heading into spring.

Check Tournament Pictures

Relive the best moments from the Pennsylvania Super Regional!
From dreambreakers to championship points, our photographers captured it all: the energy, the rivalries, and the celebration.

👉 View the Full Tournament Photo Album Here

What’s Next

The Collegiate Pickleball season now shifts its focus to the next Super Regional in North Carolina, where more programs will battle for bids to Nationals and a shot at collegiate glory.
With the field getting deeper each event, the Pennsylvania Super Regional proved one thing: no seed is safe, and every point counts.

Join our Collegiate Pickleball News Channel for highlights, player stories, and updates as the road to Nationals continues.

DUPR is proud to be the official pickleball rating system of the MoneyBall Tour (MBT), a fast-growing national circuit launching this fall with 150+ tournaments across 48 venues in the United States. With 3–4 events every week, MBT offers amateur and open/pro divisions (men’s, women’s, mixed, and singles), and up to $8,000 in prize money per tournament.

The inaugural event lands in Miami on Nov. 1–2, 2025, with 400+ competitors expected and a full weekend atmosphere.

“We started the MoneyBall Tour with a strong team and a clear goal,” said Sophia Deaguero, MBT’s Operations Director. “If not by the caliber of players alone, we wanted to outshine others through scale and experience. More tournaments, better run.”

MBT evaluated options and ultimately chose DUPR as their tour’s official rating system so players’ matches would count where it matters most.

“Credibility was the deciding factor,” Sophia explained. “When you talk pickleball, the first question people ask is ‘What’s your DUPR?’ Players want their results reflected in DUPR and they care about improving that number.”

MBT will run DUPR Verified Events, where eligible, authenticated players compete and results carry greater weight in DUPR ratings.

“We felt DUPR Verified was the right fit for players who are serious about competition,” Sophia said. “It also unlocks collaboration on the DUPR side with targeted outreach and promotions that help the right players find the right events at the right time.”

What Are DUPR Verified Events?

DUPR Verified Events are tournaments that use a simple player-verification step to protect competitive integrity and make every result count more. Only verified entrants are eligible, and their match results carry higher weight in the DUPR system, producing ratings that are more accurate, trusted, and reflective of true performance. For players, that means fairer draws, meaningful wins and losses, and a clearer path to measuring progress across events and skill levels. Click here to apply to run DUPR Verified Events.

A Format Built for Players (Not Wait Times)

If you’ve ever spent a whole day sitting between matches, MBT’s structure is designed to fix that. Brackets are capped at 16 teams to keep things tight and moving.

• Round robin: one game to 11, win by 2
  
• Semifinal & Final: one game to 15, win by 2
  
• Run across eight courts, eight hours, two days to minimize downtime
  

“One of the biggest issues at traditional tournaments is the wait time,” Sophia said. “We cap brackets on purpose so players can get in, compete, and stay in a flow state. Most people will be in and out in one to two hours, and even winners wrap in around three.”

MBT’s regional tournament directors are trained to keep the schedule moving, so players spend more time competing and less time refreshing their phones.

Real Prize Money, Real Pros, Real Access

MBT’s Open divisions are open to anyone, including legitimate pros and ambitious amateurs who want to test themselves.

“We love the idea that a motivated 3.0 or 3.5 can share a court with top players,” Sophia said. “They might not win, but the experience is unforgettable, and it raises the standard for everyone.”

By running 13–14 total divisions, MBT is transforming the tournament scene, giving amateur players at every level the chance to compete for real prize money and face high-caliber opponents. For the first time, players can join their rated divisions, earn cash rewards, and raise their DUPR ratings in a competitive, inclusive, and exciting environment.

For many competitors in the skill brackets, the primary motivation is quality play and their DUPR rating, and now, with DUPR Verified, those results matter more.

What This Means for Players

• Your matches count more with DUPR Verified
  
• Less waiting, more playing with capped brackets and efficient scheduling
  
• Clear pathways across amateur and open play, with pros in the mix
  
• Nationwide access: 150+ tournaments, 48 venues, 3–4 events weekly
  

Whether you’re chasing prize money in the Open or building your rating in skill divisions, the Money Ball Tour partnered with  DUPR to give players  a fast, fair, and credible competitive experience.

Ready to Play?

• Check the MoneyBall Tour schedule (Miami kicks off Nov. 1–2, 2025)
  
• Get DUPR+ to compete in DUPR Verified brackets
  
• Follow updates from both MBT and DUPR as new venues go live
  
  

Register now for Money Ball’s first pickleball tournament before spots fill up

The collegiate pickleball season rolls into Pennsylvania this weekend for the second Collegiate Super Regional of 2025 and the first ever hosted in the state. With no teams pre-qualified, 27 teams from 14 schools are participating, seeking the three bids to April’s National Championship. No program arrives pre-qualified, so pool play and elimination rounds will matter from the first serve to the last.

Collegiate Teams Competing

Utah Tech took the last Super Regional, but the spotlight shifts to Pennsylvania with JMU entering as the favorite thanks in part to the 32-player contingent they’re bringing. The field is deep around them, with UConn, Penn State, Rutgers, Pitt, Delaware, Villanova, Maryland, Lehigh, George Mason (GMU), Cornell, Towson, West Virginia, and Stony Brook all in the mix.

JMU enters with teams ranked No. 1 and No. 3 in the field, which should bring a steady crowd and plenty of support courtside. UConn’s depth, Penn State’s home-state familiarity, and steady risers like Rutgers and Pitt give the bracket a good mix of favorites and spoilers.

Players to watch

A handful of athletes have already made names for themselves as forces on the collegiate scene and they’ll be key difference-makers this weekend.

Top Men

• Ryan Morneau (JMU) — DUPR 5.757 doubles
  
• Ethan Estatico (Pitt) — DUPR 5.115
  
• Mati Dawit (JMU) — DUPR 4.909
  
  

Top Women

• Kate Cooper (Villanova) — DUPR 4.572
  
• Michaela Pierznik (Rutgers) — DUPR 4.492
  
• Addie Soucek (JMU) — DUPR 4.354
  
  

Programs in the Spotlight

The preseason buzz has a few programs standing out as early frontrunners heading into Pennsylvania:

James Madison University (JMU):A program loaded with talent and energy. With 32 players making the trip and teams ranked #1 and #3 in the field, JMU arrives with both firepower and fan support.

UConn:  Deep, disciplined, and ready to challenge for the top spot after a strong fall showing.

Penn State: Backed by home-state pride and a roster filled with grinders, Penn State is poised to make a statement.

Keep your eye on Rutgers and Pitt as potential dark horses ready to disrupt the favorites.

What to expect

• 27 teams, 14 schools: A dense field, but schedules are designed to move matches along without long waits.
  
• Three bids available:  with no teams pre-qualified for CNC, the quarterfinals and semifinals will feel win-or-go-home with thin margins and big momentum swings.
  
• Format: Doubles-heavy, round-robin into bracket play. Most teams will get a meaningful volume of matches before the cut.
  
• Atmosphere: Student sections, familiar rivalries, and a few first-time matchups that could produce upsets.

Livestream

Performance Pickleball will stream Sunday’s rounds with Jon Laaser, Lauralei Singsank, and David Bieger on commentary. Expect straightforward analysis, score context, and coverage that sticks with tight courts down the stretch.

Why this Super Regional matters

With Nationals bids still open, this stop helps set the tone for the spring. It’s also a useful measuring stick: programs see how their top pairs handle back-to-back pressure, how second pairs hold serve in pool play, and which lineups close on 8–8 points. For players tracking their DUPR, these are the kinds of matches that move the needle.

Follow Collegiate Pickleball on Instagram for scores, clips, and bracket updates throughout the weekend, and catch Sunday’s stream to see who books a spot for April.

‍

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., October 8, 2025 — DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the most accurate and widely adopted global pickleball rating system, today announced that PicklePalz, a leading mobile app for pickleball players, has adopted the DUPR platform to power players’ ratings and match-tracking features.

The integration enables PicklePalz users to seamlessly connect their DUPR accounts, record results from recreational or competitive play, and access official DUPR ratings directly within the app. By incorporating DUPR’s universal rating system, PicklePalz aims to create a more connected and data-driven experience for the pickleball community.

“DUPR’s mission is to unify the sport through a consistent and reliable rating system,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “Integrating with PicklePalz allows players to easily track their performance and find opponents at their level, enhancing fair play and engagement within the app.”

Founded to simplify how players organize matches and connect with others, PicklePalz offers features such as court discovery, match scheduling, and real-time stat tracking. Through the new integration, all recorded matches can now be linked to a player’s DUPR profile, ensuring every game contributes to their verified rating.

“PicklePalz was designed to make playing and connecting easier for pickleball enthusiasts,” said Adam Mendelsohn, Founder and CEO of PicklePalz. “By adopting DUPR, we are providing our users with access to the most trusted rating system in the sport and helping them measure progress over time.”

The collaboration reflects DUPR’s ongoing expansion across digital and club-based pickleball platforms, supporting a unified rating ecosystem for players of all ages and skill levels.

About PicklePalz

PicklePalz is a mobile application that helps pickleball players find nearby courts, connect with other players, schedule matches, and track their game statistics. With a user-friendly interface and community-focused design, PicklePalz brings the pickleball experience to players’ fingertips. Learn more at www.picklepalz.net

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. Its dynamic system evaluates players on a 2.000–8.000 scale across age, gender, and location. DUPR is the official rating system of the United Pickleball Association (UPA), 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 largest amateur circuits in the sport. For more information, visit www.dupr.com

‍

DUPR’s Media Contact:

‍Kyrill Hartog

VP Marketing & Communications

kyrill@mydupr.com

PicklePalz’ Media Contact:

mendelsohnllc@gmail.com

This fall, The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) is partnering with official Major League Pickleball (MLP) teams to bring more structure, recognition, and energy to the 2025 State Championships and Regional Showdowns. These events are part of MiLP’s path to Nationals and will now feature MLP branding, on-site activations, giveaways, and team representation for winning players. Every event awards Dream Tickets, and Regional Showdowns earn players double points in the national standings.

This partnership builds a stronger bridge between amateur and pro-level pickleball competition.

Texas State Championship – Hosted by the Texas Ranchers

The Texas State Championship takes place October 18–19 at The Picklr in Austin West. The tournament will be hosted in partnership with the Texas Ranchers. All registered players will receive an exclusive Ranchers swag bag, and the event will feature branding, community engagement, and visibility for one of Texas’s most recognized MLP teams. Registration is now open and will close on October 15.

🔗 Register here

NYC State Championship – Hosted by the Brooklyn Pickleball Team

Also happening October 18–19, the New York Championship will be held at Life Time Penn & Sky and hosted by the Brooklyn Pickleball Team. Players can expect giveaways, on-site interaction with the team, and the chance to represent New York’s official MLP team on a broader stage. This tournament is ideal for Northeast-based MiLP players looking to punch their ticket to Nationals.
🔗 Register here

Southwest Regional Showdown – Presented with the Phoenix Flames

The Southwest Regional Showdown will take place on October 25 at Arizona Athletic Grounds and is being hosted by InPickle Nation in partnership with the Phoenix Flames. Players will receive Flames-branded merch, and anyone who registers with the code flames80 will get $20 off per player. Winners of this regional event will not only earn Dream Tickets but will go on to represent the Phoenix Flames at MiLP Nationals in full team uniforms. This event also includes the possibility of an on-site activation with Flames players or staff.
🔗 Register here

Southeast Regional Showdown – Featuring Multiple MLP Teams

The Southeast Regional Showdown is held on October 25 at GT Bray Park in Bradenton, FL. The event will be hosted by All Florida Pickleball and features three MLP teams: Florida Smash, the Miami Pickleball Club, and the Palm Beach Royals. On-site giveaways, MLP team activations, and potential team representation at Nationals are all part of the experience. Uniform plans for Nationals are still being finalized, and updates will be shared soon.
🔗 Register here

California State Championship – Hosted by the LA Mad Drops

The California State Championship is set for November 1–2 at Fountain Valley Tennis & Pickleball Center. This event is hosted by 40by30 Champions in partnership with the LA Mad Drops, one of MLP’s most well-known teams. Every player will receive Mad Drops swag, and on-site giveaways are planned throughout the weekend. All winning players who qualify for Nationals will represent the Mad Drops in full team uniforms. The event will also feature a watch party for the MLP Cup.
🔗 Register here

Florida State Championship – Hosted by the Orlando Squeeze

Closing out the schedule, the Florida State Championship will take place November 8–9 at The Picklr Orlando North. Hosted by All Florida Pickleball and partnered with the Orlando Squeeze, this event will provide giveaways for all players. Winners will advance to Nationals as official Orlando Squeeze MiLP teams and receive full team kits, including hats, tops, and bottoms.
🔗 Register here

This partnership between MiLP and MLP marks a new step forward for amateur competition. With stronger regional events, team partnerships, and expanded visibility, players across the country have more opportunities than ever to develop their game and earn their way to Nationals.

To learn more about The Dink Minor League Pickleball, visit this page.

‍

High school pickleball is taking off. Participation among 13–17-year-olds has more than doubled in just the past two years, according to an article published by JOOLA. And it’s not just kids hitting balls after gym class anymore ; it’s structured, competitive, and becoming a real part of school culture.

We’re seeing more schools adding pickleball lines to tennis courts, more student-led clubs forming on campus, and now, with DUPR’s high school program, more official tournaments that give players a real shot to compete and get noticed.

Why It’s Catching On

It’s easy to pick up

Pickleball has one of the lowest barriers to entry in any sport. A small court, slower ball, and a quick learning curve make it perfect for beginners, but the skill ceiling is high, and players who stick with it can level up fast.

Looking to improve your pickleball rating? This guide breaks down exactly how to do it.

Gen Z is loving it

This generation wants connection, competition, and community  and pickleball checks all the boxes. You can play with friends, compete at your level, and have fun doing it. It’s fast, social, and real.

Schools are on board

More and more athletic directors are adding pickleball lines to tennis courts, creating combo courts that work for both sports. It’s a simple, budget-friendly way to modernize facilities and it’s paying off in student engagement.

Interested in creating a DUPR pickleball club at your high school? Start here. 

Structure That Actually Matters

The DUPR High School Program is helping schools offer real competition with regional ranking and a national championship on the way.

Here’s how it works:

• Super Regional Events: Up to 16 high school teams per location
  
• National Championship (April 2026): Open to any doubles team

Last weekend's high school tournament in Utah gave us a glimpse of what’s possible. Teams brought energy, talent, and a ton of competitive fire. If you missed it, don’t worry; you can still rewatch the action using Swish code Sv6X4 or read the recap here. 

A Way to Get Collegiate Scholarships

For many high school players, pickleball is a pathway to college.

Coaches across the country are starting to recruit from high school programs, using DUPR ratings and event performances to identify top talent. Schools like Drury University are already ahead of the curve, offering varsity pickleball with pickleball scholarships equal to NCAA sports.

That means standout players in high school tournaments today could be signing letters of intent tomorrow.

If you're a student-athlete looking to compete at the next level, high school pickleball is the place to start.

What’s Next?

The high school calendar is just heating up.
Here are the next stops on the DUPR High School tour:

• North Carolina Super Regional: Oct 18–19
  
• Texas High School Super Regional (Collegiate World Championship): Oct 31–Nov 2
  
• Arizona High School Super Regional: Nov 22–23
  

Most high school tournaments take place alongside collegiate events, so don’t be surprised if you're taken to a registration page that looks like it’s for college teams.

👉 Just select “High School” from the division dropdown.

This setup allows us to create a full weekend of competitive play and gives high school athletes the chance to be part of bigger, more exciting events.

We're building the future of the sport from the ground up and high school is where it all begins.

To stay up to date on high school pickleball news, follow @highschoolpickleball on Instagram

Pickleball is growing faster than ever, and the top clubs across the country are setting the standard by becoming DUPR Verified. Industry leaders like The Picklr, The Flying Pickle, and Performance Pickleball are already verified and it’s no coincidence. Verification is more than a badge; it’s a game-changer for clubs, players, and the sport itself.

What Does Being DUPR Verified Mean?

When a club becomes DUPR Verified, every event they run carries more weight on player ratings. That means results count more than unverified events, creating a higher level of credibility, competition, and accuracy in ratings.

In other words, every match matters more and players can trust their rating reflects real performance against peers at their level.

Why Top Clubs Are Becoming DUPR Verified

Clubs like The Picklr, The Flying Pickle, and Performance Pickleball aren’t just competing for memberships; they’re creating premium experiences for players. By becoming DUPR Verified, they can:

• Run Verified Events that elevate competition, attract more players, and drive stronger results.
  
• Differentiate themselves by offering higher-level programming that competitors can’t match.
  
• Add value to memberships by including DUPR+ access, giving players perks that extend far beyond the court.
  
  

What Players Get with DUPR+

When clubs bundle DUPR+ into membership packages, players unlock a full suite of benefits:

• Verified Event Access – Play in DUPR Verified Events without paying extra.
  
• Ad-Free Experience – A distraction-free app experience in the DUPR App.
  
• Premium Support – Faster help whenever players need it.
  
• Feature Unlocks – No restrictions, plus access to new features as they launch.
  
• Verified Profile – A badge that proves authenticity.
  
• Exclusive Discounts – Savings on DUPR Shop purchases.
  
  

Together, these benefits make DUPR+ more than just an upgrade; it’s the ultimate way to play, compete, and improve.

Ending the Era of Sandbagging

One of the biggest frustrations in competitive pickleball has been sandbagging, in which players intentionally compete below their true level, and the chaos of duplicate accounts skewing results. Tournament organizers have heard the complaints for years. By becoming DUPR Verified, clubs are taking a stand: Verified events and accounts make sandbagging harder, ratings more accurate, and competition fairer for everyone.

This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about protecting the integrity of the game.

Raising the Standard for Pickleball

With more clubs joining the Verified movement, the game is evolving. Players can expect fairer competition, stronger ratings integrity, and a better on-court experience. And for clubs, being DUPR Verified means standing out in an increasingly competitive market.

It’s clear why the biggest names in pickleball like The Picklr, The Flying Pickle, and Performance Pickleball are leading the way. They know that the future of pickleball is Verified.

To become a DUPR Verified Club, apply here. 

‍

Pickleball is considered one of the most inclusive sports in the world thanks to its easy-to-learn nature, low barrier to entry, small court size, and ability to welcome players of all ages and abilities. In the last few years, the sport has exploded in the United States and Asia, and now that same momentum is reaching Hispanic countries.

The #1 player in the world is Argentinian, Federico Staksrud, but let’s be real: being a pro is only part of the story. What makes pickleball special isn’t just the medals and sponsorships, it’s sharing a game with your family, your friends, your community, without excessive costs or complicated gear.

It’s landing in a new country, stepping onto a court, and breaking the ice with a simple question: “What’s your DUPR?”

This month, as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting how pickleball is making an impact across Spain and Latin America. According to Grand View Horizon’s Research, the pickleball equipment market in South America alone is projected to reach $76.6 million by 2030. Countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are leading the way, building clubs, hosting tournaments, and opening the doors for thousands of new players.

And behind the numbers are real people whose lives have been transformed by the game.

Maria Fernandez Costantino — Spain

“Pickleball has changed my life by giving me a fun way to stay active, meet amazing people, and feel part of a welcoming community.”

Maria discovered what so many players around the world feel: the community is just as powerful as the competition. Looking ahead, she believes the key to growing pickleball in Spain is simple: open clinics, programs in schools and clubs, and more visibility on social media. The recipe is clear: make pickleball accessible, and the growth will follow.

Interested in opening a pickleball club?

Apply to become a DUPR Club; it’s completely free. You’ll be paired with a dedicated account manager who will guide you every step of the way, offering expert support and proven programming recommendations to help you build and run a thriving pickleball community.

Pierina Imparato — Venezuela

“Pickleball has honestly been life-changing for me. It keeps my competitive spirit alive, but what I love most is the people.”

Pierina embodies the heart of pickleball. She’s built friendships across generations, traveled the country, and found joy in every match. For her, the future of pickleball in Venezuela starts with accessibility: affordable gear, open courts, and Spanish-language resources like videos and clinics. And if kids and families discover the sport early through schools or community programs, she’s confident they’ll fall in love with it too.

Want up to 40% off pickleball gear and equipment?

Explore the DUPR Shop today and grab some of the best deals in the game.

Tony Ottamendi — Venezuela

“Pickleball changed my life thanks to the fact that since I started practicing this sport step by step I was able to fulfill several dreams and goals, such as playing professionally, getting sponsorships, and traveling to other countries to compete.”

Tony’s journey shows how pickleball can open doors to competition and opportunity. But he also knows there’s still more to do. For him, the next step is promotion through tournaments, clinics, and events at every level. The more opportunities players have, the faster the sport will grow.

Want to find pickleball tournaments near you?

Download the DUPR App and tap the Events tab. It instantly shows players, clubs, and tournaments happening in your area.

Bruno Faletto — Chile

With a professional and collegiate tennis background, Bruno found in pickleball a way to stay competitive while balancing life after college.

“Because of pickleball, I continue to take care of my body, eat healthy, exercise, train, and have goals as an athlete—one of them to be able to represent and play for Chile in hopefully soon-to-be added Olympic Games.”

For Bruno, Chile’s pickleball scene is still in its early stages. To accelerate growth, he points to the need for official amateur tournaments powered by DUPR or pro leagues, as well as clinics led by Chilean and South American pros to inspire new players.

One Community, Many Stories

From Spain to Venezuela to Chile, the message is clear: pickleball is changing lives. Whether it’s Maria building community, Pierina creating connections, Tony chasing professional dreams, or Bruno raising the bar in Chile, the common thread is inclusion and opportunity.

And the momentum isn’t slowing down. This November, the Pickleball World Cup will showcase teams from across the globe, including many Hispanic countries featured here. It’s another step in showing how far the sport has come, and how bright the future looks.

Stay tuned for updates and highlights by following us on Instagram @duprpb.

Because wherever pickleball travels, the community follows.