Austin, TX — April 15, 2025 — DUPR is expanding the Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) program for 2025, adding new formats and new ways for players to compete and boost their pickleball ratings. The biggest change? A new team-based format called MiLP v3: Gendered 3v3 Team Pickleball, designed to bring even more structure and variety to the MiLP circuit.

This expansion creates a clear path for players of all skill levels to move from local team play to the national stage. The MiLP ecosystem now includes mixed 4-player teams, gendered 3v3 events, and gendered 4-player events under the MiLP v4 label. On top of that, State Pro Leagues will act as a direct pipeline into DUPR’s elite divisions: DUPR 22 and DUPR 20.

“MiLP started as a way to bring high-quality, team-based pickleball to more players across the country,” said Caroline Luelf, Director of Minor League Pickleball at DUPR. “This expansion takes it to the next level — offering more formats, more pathways, and a national championship worthy of the fastest-growing sport in America.”

Expanded Pathways for Team Competition

Minor League Pickleball will now offer the following event formats for amateur players:

• MiLP: 4-Player Mixed Teams
  
• MiLP v3: Gendered 3v3 Events (new for 2025)
  
• MiLP v4: 4-Player Gendered Events (part of the v3 pathway)
  
• State Pro Leagues: A direct pipeline to the elite DUPR 22 and DUPR 20 divisions

The season will finish with the biggest amateur team pickleball event ever held: the 2025 MiLP National Championship. The championship runs across five days, with 50+ divisions opening the week, the new MiLP v3 (3v3) Championship landing on Friday, and the traditional MiLP mixed team divisions closing out the weekend. 

The Friday event is open to any team that competed in a sanctioned 3v3 or 4v4 event during the 2025 season and registers in time. It’s designed to open the door for more players and give clubs a new event to host, while adding a fresh income stream for organizers.

The Minor League Pickleball National Championship will follow the following schedule:

• Wednesday/Thursday: 50+ Divisions
  
• Friday: MiLP v3 (3v3) Championship — a brand new single-day competition designed to create additional access and new registration opportunities. Players will be excited to play for additional prize money opportunities!
  
• Saturday/Sunday: Standard MiLP Divisions

How to Qualify for the MiLP v3 Championship

Players interested in competing on Friday must:

1. Compete in at least one MiLP v3 event during the 2025 season, or
   
2. Participate in any 4v4 event between January 1 – October 20, 2025, and
   
3. Register for the Friday Championship on a first-come, first-serve basis (must meet one of the above criteria).
   
4. Players who qualify to play at the MiLP National Championship will also qualify to play at the v3 National Championship.
   

Why This Expansion Matters

• New Growth Opportunity: MiLP’s new gendered team format widens the competitive landscape for clubs and players.
  
• New Revenue Stream: Friday’s dedicated 3v3 Championship creates fresh income opportunities for host venues and organizers to offer locally.
  
• Greater Competition: The 2025 National Championship will be the most inclusive and competitive team pickleball event ever hosted.
  

This update is about more than just new brackets. It creates more room for competitive growth, more chances for players to get ranked and improve their pickleball ratings, and more energy around team-based pickleball — which has become one of the sport’s fastest-growing formats. DUPR’s goal is simple: to give players clear pathways from local courts to national competition.

For details on how to join a MiLP event this season, head to https://www.dupr.com/minorleague.

Rules

MiLP v3 will follow the same format and rules as Minor League Pickleball 4-person mixed team events.

FORMAT: The Dink Minor League Pickleball v3 is a round-robin team competition with guaranteed matches.

Gendered teams of 3 players are broken into divisions (based on their combined DUPR rating) to compete against each other in three 21-point games. Top teams will face off in a bracket playoff.

Match Format: 3 games constitute a match:

Player 1 and Player 2 play the first game

Player 2 and Player 3 play the second game

Player 1 and Player 3 play the third game

The Minor League Pickleball Guarantee:

Predictable playing times (1-hour matches!) and reduced waiting periods between matches.

Guaranteed 6 played games with at least 3 matches each.

A fair, level-based competitive experience - whatever your level of play

MiLP v3 DUPR Divisions:

DUPR 15 (The team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 15.30)

***No maximum individual player DUPR

DUPR 13 (The team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 13.30)

**Maximum individual player DUPR cannot exceed 4.600 to play in DUPR 13

DUPR 11 (The team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 11.30)

**Maximum individual player DUPR cannot exceed 4.100 to play in DUPR 11

DUPR 9 (The team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 9.30)

**Maximum individual player DUPR cannot exceed 3.600 to play in DUPR 9

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If you're serious about improving your DUPR pickleball rating and taking your pickleball game to the next level, you need a structured training plan that focuses on skill development, consistency, and strategy. Whether you're new to the game or looking to sharpen your skills, this guide will provide an easy-to-follow, realistic 4-week training plan to help you boost your pickleball ratings and become a more confident player.

4-Week Pickleball Training Plan

Improving your pickleball skills requires structured practice and competitive play. This 4-week training plan is designed to help amateur players build consistency, refine their shots, and develop a stronger overall game.

Each week introduces progressive training goals to challenge you while keeping improvements realistic and achievable.

✅ Week 1: Build Consistency → Focus on hitting a set number of shots in a row without mistakes.

✅ Week 2: Introduce Spin & Direction → Start adding topspin, slice, or variation in placement.

✅ Week 3: Increase Difficulty & Precision → Target specific areas of the court.

✅ Week 4: Develop Full Control → Spin, depth, and angles should now be intentional.

While training is essential, don’t forget that playing matches is the key to boosting your DUPR rating. The DUPR app allows you to track your rating and find DUPR-affiliated tournaments to compete against players at your level. 

The more you play, the more accurate your rating becomes, making it fair for everyone. Every player has a chance to improve their rating by overperforming — whether you're the favorite or the underdog.

How to Approach the Training Plan

📌 Set a Realistic Goal – Your target should challenge you but remain achievable. If 10 reps are too easy, aim for more; if it’s too tough, adjust accordingly. Consistency is key!

📌 Manage Your Mindset – Pickleball is as much mental as it is physical. Stay patient, manage frustration, and focus on playing under pressure.

📌 Enhance Physical Conditioning – Work on mobility, coordination, strength, and endurance to improve movement and shot execution.

📌 Practice with Purpose – Every shot in training should mimic match scenarios. Hit with intention, not just repetition.

📌 Play More Matches – Training helps, but matches determine your rating. Play official DUPR tournaments and focus on scoring as many points as you can while keeping your opponents’ score low. Every point counts!

Beyond the Basics: Key Areas to Focus On

Even though technical and strategic challenges are essential, there are other factors to consider:

1. Physical Conditioning & Strength Training

• Improve leg strength for quick lateral movement.
• Build core strength to enhance balance and shot control.
• Use agility drills to improve footwork and reaction speed.

2. Mobility & Stretching

• Always warm up before practice (arm circles, lunges, hip openers).
• Stretch post-practice to prevent injuries and increase flexibility.

3. On-Court Movement & Footwork

• Work on side-to-side agility to improve baseline and NVZ coverage.
• Fast split-step drills to react quicker at the net.
• Crossover step drills for efficient recovery between shots.

4. Mental Toughness & Strategic Play

When competing against players of similar skill, your mental toughness can be the deciding factor in securing the "W."

• Stay calm under pressure and minimize unforced errors.
• Play high-percentage shots and avoid unnecessary risks.
• Analyze opponents and adjust your strategy based on their weaknesses.

By following this 4-week training plan, you’ll develop consistency, control, and confidence on the court. But remember, practice alone won’t boost your DUPR rating — you need to compete and perform well in matches. Every point matters!

✅ Track your progress in the DUPR app, available on Google Play and in the Apple Store.

✅ Check the DUPR Events Dashboard for upcoming tournaments.

✅ Focus on playing your best every point — scoring more leads to greater rating gains.

The more you play, the more accurate your rating becomes—and every point helps shape it. So train hard, compete smart, and start leveling up your pickleball game today!

The fourth annual Collegiate National Championship brought the heat to Life Time Peachtree Corners in Atlanta, GA. With over 600 players from 64 schools, it was the largest collegiate pickleball event in history! A $40,000+ prize purse was on the line, and teams showed up ready to battle it out.

The Finals: Texas Showdown

The Championship match featured two Texas titans: Texas Christian University (TCU) with a team DUPR of 20.805 and The University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a team DUPR 20.902.

The final went down like this:

WD: TCU 21–15

MD: UT 21–18

MXD 1: UT 21–18

MXD 2: UT 21–12

UT took the crown, led by Natalie Liu, Eli Trumeter, Zoeya Kahn, and Jack Munro. This marks their first team tournament victory in program history!

Despite having pro player, Jack Munro on the roster for the 2023 Texas Super Regional, they had never clinched a Super Regional title. At the 2023 Nationals, UT went 1-4 in group play without Jack. Even with him back in the lineup, they fell to Utah Tech in the Round of 16 at the 2024 Nationals. The Universtiy of Texas at Austin and Utah Tech have now faced off in the playoff bracket at back-to-back Nationals—each time, the winner of that matchup has gone on to win the National Championship.

In their quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches, Texas followed the same pattern every time: they lost women’s doubles, then bounced back to win the next three doubles matches, clinching each victory before a DreamBreaker was needed.

Texas Christian University secured an impressive second-place finish. Newcomer Ellie Douglas, who had never competed in a pickleball tournament before this event, provided the boost TCU needed to reach the championship match. The team has shown strong consistency over the years, reaching the semifinals in 2022, the quarterfinals in 2023, and the Round of 16 in 2024, making this run to the finals a major step forward.

Semifinalists Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Grand Canyon University (GCU) both showcased the rising depth and competitiveness of the collegiate pickleball scene.

For FAU, it was another heartbreaking loss. Despite entering the bracket as the No. 1 seed by DUPR and f No. 1 team after group play, they fell short once again, losing in the semifinals in a DreamBreaker for the second straight tournament.

GCU, on the other hand, had their best Nationals performance to date. After going 1-2 in group play in 2022, improving to 3-2 in 2023, and suffering a Round of 32 exit in 2024, their run to the semifinals this time around marks a huge leap forward for the program.

Check out the full bracket to see the results of all teams from the tournament.

The Fall of the Blue Bloods

For the past three years, the National Championship was dominated by a trio of powerhouse programs—UNC, UVA, and Utah Tech—often referred to as the “Blue Bloods” of college pickleball. But 2025 marked a turning point. None of the three reached the semifinals, and only Utah Tech advanced as far as the quarterfinals.

UNC was knocked out in the Round of 32 by GCU and suffered their first-ever group play loss at Nationals—also to GCU. UVA fell to Samford in the Round of 16, while Utah Tech’s run ended against Texas in the quarters.

College vs. Pros

Because of their top finishes, UT and TCU have officially qualified for the Major League Pickleball (MLP) Mid-Season competition, marking the first time collegiate pickleball teams will go head-to-head with the pros in the Challenger Level bracket.

Get ready to see how college stacks up on the big stage.

All-America Teams & East vs. West Game

For the second year in a row, the Collegiate All-America Teams were announced, honoring the top 24 players across the country selected based on:

• DUPR
• Tournament Performance
• Tournament Participation

Each All-America Team features four players from the East and four from the West, split by the Mississippi River. On Friday night, the 1st Team East and 1st Team West battled in the East vs. West Game and this time, East flipped the script with a dominant 4–0 sweep after losing by the same margin last year.

• Team West: (Left to right) Liam Duffin, Jack Munro, Zoeya Kahn, and Megan Wilcox Morales
• Team East: (Left to right starting in the middle) Ava Ignatowich, Ava Cavataio, Ryan Morneau, and Carter Maris

Event Highlights

The atmosphere? Electric. Life Time Peachtree Corners gave us indoor and outdoor courts, championship-caliber vibes, and a full fan experience, especially on Championship court. 

Reign Storm was in the house with giveaways, ice-cold clean energy, and a DJ! Osaka brought the style with screenprint-your-own exclusive merch, and Frank Works delivered on-court comfort with their high-performance shoes. Also, a big thanks to our sponsor Six Zero for helping us Go Next Level with their great gear and paddles!

Clinic with the Pro Player, Parris Todd

Hundreds entered. Only 12 were chosen.

Before the tournament even kicked off, a lucky group of students got the opportunity to train with pro player Parris Todd. From technique breakdowns to intense drills, plus a photo op, it was a session they'll never forget.

Stay up to date with all future DUPR Collegiate events and highlights on our website at https://www.dupr.com/collegiate-league and follow along on the @duprpb and @collegiatepickleball instagram.

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The Hidden Opponent: Poor Nutrition

You may think your pickleball game comes down to skill and strategy in the court–but your nutrition can be the deciding factor in your performance. A well-fueled body can sustain energy levels, maintain focus, and enhance recovery, while poor nutrition can lead to low energy and stamina, slower reaction times, and costly errors.

If you're struggling to close out tight matches or finding yourself fatigued late in the day, your diet could be the culprit. In fact, bad nutrition could be the main contributor to a loss, damaging your DUPR pickleball rating and holding you back from reaching your full potential on the court.

Here’s a guide to help you implement a strategic approach to nutrition–before, during, and after play so you always compete at your best. 

Pre-Match Nutrition: What to Eat Before a Pickleball Match?

Your pre-match meal plays a crucial role in preparing your body for the demands of competition. Eating the right balance of macronutrients will help ensure sustained energy levels and mental sharpness. Proper pre-match nutrition supports glycogen storage, muscle function, and hydration, all of which are critical for peak performance, which may lead to boosting your pickleball ratings.

60-90 Minutes Before Play:

• Carbohydrates: 1g/kg of body weight (provides energy for high-intensity movements and sustains endurance by preserving muscle glycogen stores)
• Protein: 0.3 - 0.55g/kg of body weight (supports muscle function, reduces muscle breakdown, and promotes neurotransmitter balance for mental sharpness)
• Fat & Fiber: Keep minimal to prevent digestive discomfort, as they slow gastric emptying and may lead to bloating or sluggishness

‍Ideal snacks pre-match:

• A banana with Greek yogurt and honey
• Oatmeal with a scoop of protein powder and low-fat milk
• A turkey wrap with some grapes
• Low-fat cottage cheese with pretzels 

In-Match Nutrition: Sustaining Energy Levels

During matches, your body continues to burn glycogen, and dehydration can set in quickly, leading to fatigue, slowed reaction time, and decreased cognitive function. Proper in-match nutrition helps sustain your endurance, power, and focus, ensuring you stay sharp until the final point.

What to Eat During A Pickleball Match?

Your goal for between-match nutrition is to maintain energy without causing digestive distress. Stick to easily digestible, familiar foods that won’t weigh you down but will keep you sharp and ready for your next pickleball tournament:

• Hydration: Aim for 4-8 ounces of water or an electrolyte drink every 15-20 minutes to maintain fluid balance and prevent dehydration.
• Carbohydrates for Energy: If matches extend beyond 60 minutes, consume 30-60g of carbohydrates per hour to prevent glycogen depletion.
• Electrolytes: Replenish sodium, potassium, and magnesium to reduce the risk of muscle cramps and maintain nerve function if sweating profusely.
• Quick Digesting Snacks: Stick to easily digestible, low-fiber foods to prevent gastrointestinal discomfort while providing quick energy.

‍Ideal Snacks Between Matches:

• Applesauce packets
• Rice cakes with honey
• Fresh watermelon or bananas
• Energy bars with simple ingredients
• A small peanut butter and jelly sandwich
• Electrolyte drinks to replenish lost fluids and minerals if sweating profusely

Ignoring in-match nutrition can lead to low energy levels and mental fatigue—both of which can cost you critical points that will affect your pickleball ratings, and, ultimately, the match.

Post-Match Recovery: Rebuilding for the Next Challenge

After each match, focus on replenishing energy stores and supporting muscle recovery. Proper recovery nutrition ensures that you maintain a high level of play throughout the tournament, rather than declining in later rounds.

Post-Match Nutrition Guidelines (unless playing back-to-back games):

• Carbohydrates: 0.5-1.0g/kg of body weight (replenishes glycogen stores and restores energy levels)
• Protein: 0.2-0.3g/kg of body weight (repairs muscle tissue, reduces soreness, and prevents breakdown)
• Fluids: Rehydrate with 16-24 ounces of water or an electrolyte beverage per pound of body weight lost during play.
  
  • Weigh yourself before and after to estimate fluid loss

‍Ideal snacks post-match:

• A protein smoothie with banana and almond milk
• Chocolate milk and a handful of pretzels
• A turkey sandwich on whole-grain bread
• Low-fat cottage cheese and toast

Optimizing Long-Term Nutrition for Pickleball

Beyond match-day nutrition, your daily intake can have a significant impact on performance, endurance, and recovery. ​Optimizing your long-term nutrition is crucial for enhancing pickleball performance, improving your pickleball ratings, supporting recovery, and maintaining overall health. Incorporating evidence-based dietary strategies can help you meet the physical demands of the sport and achieve your performance goals.

‍Carbohydrate Recommendations for Training Levels:

• Low Activity (Recreational Play): 3-5g/kg/day
• Moderate Training (1h/day): 5-7g/kg/day
• High Training (2-3h/day): 6-10g/kg/day

Protein Intake for Muscle Maintenance and Recovery

• General Needs: 1.2-1.6g/kg/day

Hydration for Performance and Everyday Health

• Hydration is critical for maintaining endurance, cognitive function, and recovery. Even a slight level of dehydration can impair performance and increase the risk of muscle cramps.

‍Daily Fluid Recommendations

• Men: ~3.7L (15.5 cups) per day
• Women: ~2.7L (11.5 cups) per day

Electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium, should be replenished through sports drinks or salty snacks if you're sweating excessively.

The Bottom Line: Nutrition Wins Matches

If you're serious about improving your DUPR rating and competing at the highest level, your nutrition needs to be a priority in tandem with your training. If you struggle in long matches or fade late in tournaments, optimizing your nutrition before, during, and after play can help you compete at your highest level.

A bad diet can be the reason you lose a match you should have won.  By consistently applying proper nutrition strategies, you can enhance your endurance, sharpen cognitive function, and accelerate recovery, giving you the best shot at success every time you step onto the court.

‍AIM7 app’s innovative technology allows you to:

• Track your workouts with precision
• Monitor your intensity levels to understand nutrition needs
• Customize fitness and recovery programs based on your fitness level
• Track your progress and celebrate your achievements

Take the first step to a healthier, stronger you. Download the AIM7 app today, it’s FREE, and start your journey to better health and fitness. 

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‍La RFET y DUPR: Una Alianza Innovadora para la Clasificación Global del Pickleball Español Federado

La Real Federación Española de Tenis (RFET) y Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) han alcanzado un acuerdo histórico que posiciona al Pickleball como un deporte de referencia en España. Este acuerdo introduce el sistema de clasificación de DUPR, reconocido mundialmente por su precisión en evaluar el nivel de habilidad de los jugadores de Pickleball a través de una escala global de 2.000 a 8.000.

Este sistema no solo facilita la participación en competiciones nacionales e internacionales, sino que también permite a los jugadores monitorear su evolución y encontrar oponentes adecuados para mejorar su juego. La precisión del Pickleball Rating de DUPR se incrementa con cada partido registrado, reflejándose en un aumento del 'reliability score' o índice de confiabilidad—una métrica que evalúa la consistencia y exactitud de los datos de los partidos ingresados a la plataforma, garantizando que las clasificaciones reflejen fielmente el verdadero nivel de habilidad de cada jugador.

Yasin Harrús, presidente del Comité Nacional RFET-Pickleball, expresó:

“Con la firma del presente acuerdo con DUPR, intentamos dar un impulso exponencial a nivel nacional e internacional a la competición oficial y reglada, otorgando un aliciente más a las competiciones federadas organizadas desde la estructura organizativa de la RFET y el conjunto de sus territoriales. Un acuerdo para dar un valor añadido a la licencia federativa y sus competiciones”.

César Clemente García, vicepresidente de DUPR, expresó:

"En España, donde la pasión por los deportes de raqueta es intensa, el acuerdo con RFET es un paso significativo para elevar el nivel de Pickleball a nivel global, permitiendo a los jugadores españoles integrarse plenamente en la comunidad internacional y competir bajo el sistema de clasificación más preciso que existe”.

Además, la implementación del sistema de DUPR facilita a los directores de torneos y jueces la organización de eventos, optimizando la experiencia competitiva. Tanto los partidos oficiales de la RFET, de todas sus territoriales, recreativos en clubes, como los oficiales en torneos de DUPR contribuyen a mejorar la clasificación de los jugadores. Aunque los torneos oficiales tienen un mayor impacto en el algoritmo Elo utilizado por el sistema de DUPR, cada victoria en partidos recreacionales también suma, mejorando el pickleball rating de los jugadores y acercándolos a sus objetivos deportivo.

Sobre DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) es el sistema de clasificación de pickleball y plataforma tecnológica líder a nivel global, confiado por los principales clubes, torneos y ligas del mundo. Su sistema dinámico unifica el Pickleball en términos de edad, género y ubicación geográfica mediante el análisis de resultados de partidos, evaluando con precisión a todos los jugadores en una escala de 2.000 a 8.000. DUPR es el sistema oficial de clasificación de la United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League y la National Pickleball League, además de ser propietario y operador de las ligas Minor League Pickleball y Collegiate Pickleball. Los jugadores y operadores pueden visitar www.dupr.com para registrarse y obtener más información.

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April 2025 Recap & Nationals - Collegiate Pickleball Tour

We’ve had 19 events give out bids to the 2025 Collegiate National Championship, which is remarkable due to the short duration of the season! Between those 19 events, we’ve had 118 unique schools participate, and 1,895 total players. As we prepare for the largest tournament in collegiate pickleball history, we look back on how the 2025 season went, and what to know for Nationals.

Super Regionals

Georgia Super Regional

270 players from 25 different schools competed in the 3rd largest collegiate pickleball event (to date) in Atlanta, GA on March 1st-2nd. Hundreds of spectators came to watch the competition unfold on Saturday and Sunday. In the Finals, the defending Georgia Super Regional champions (Florida) went up 2-0 in the best of 5 series against UNC. However, UNC took the victory from the jaws of defeat and won the last 3 games to upset Florida.

• Champion: UNC
• Bid Winners: UCF, UGA, Kennesaw St., UNF 
• Results Link
• Recording Link

Ohio Super Regional

It was a battle for bids in the Midwest, as only 3 of the 11 schools attending had one at the time of the tournament. Ohio State and Wisconsin were the #1 and #2 teams by DUPR going into the tournament, and they met in the finals with Ohio State prevailing. With 150 players, this is the 5th largest DUPR Collegiate super regional. Largest DUPR collegiate super regional not in the states of VA and GA.

• Champion: Ohio State
• Bid Winners: Ohio State, Wisconsin, Miami (OH), Michigan State
• Results Link
• Recording Link

New Jersey Super Regional

Virginia Tech won their first Super Regional, and only dropped 1 game the entire tournament! Between Cornell winning a bid, and Princeton winning the challenger bracket, it was a good tournament for Ivy League schools. There was an exciting dreambreaker in the semifinals between Delaware and UNCC to determine who plays Virginia Tech, with Delaware prevailing.

• Champion: Virginia Tech
• Bid Winners: Delaware, Pitt, UNCC, Cornell
• Results Link
• Recording Link

Arizona Super Regional

USC dominates, only dropping one game during the tournament, which was in their 3-1 victory over SDSU in the finals. GCU had two teams that lost in the semifinals, spoiling the possibility of an all-GCU finals. USC, GCU, and Arizona State all brought 3 teams to the event, raising the energy level in all of their matches.

• Champion: USC
• Bid Winners: SDSU, Arizona, Arizona State, Loyola Marymount University
• Results Link
• Recording Link

2025 Collegiate National Championship

‍Format

There will be 1st Team, 2nd Team, and Challenger brackets, with the 1st Team Bracket crowing the champion of the 2025 season. It’ll be group play on Friday, with playoffs on Saturday and Sunday. 

Schedule

History and Prize Money

This is the 4th annual Collegiate National Championship! Here are the past winners and results:

• 2022
  
  • Champion: UNC
  • Results Link
  • Recording Link
• 2023 
  
  • Champion: UVA
  • Results Link
  • Recording Link
• 2024
  
  • Champion: Utah Tech
  • Results Link
  • Recording Link

Over $40,000 will be given out at this event, with $15,000 for the winning team!

You can follow along the action at home with games being livestreamed to the DUPR YouTube channel this weekend. We will also have a prediction bracket contest, stay tuned to the DUPR Instagram account for when that is live on Friday night. 

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The energy in St. George is different this week—and for good reason. Utah Tech's pickleball team, the reigning Collegiate National Champions, is gearing up for another shot at glory. As the Trailblazers prepare to defend their title, there’s one thing that’s clear: this squad isn’t just resting on last year’s success—they’re building on it.

Business as Usual—But With a Championship Mindset

Ask any of the players, and they'll tell you the same thing: the foundation of their success hasn’t changed much. "We’re all competitive and goal-driven when it comes to our personal development," one team member shared. "We’re also really close off the court, and that chemistry shows when we’re playing and training together."

That tight-knit bond, paired with relentless work ethic, continues to define Utah Tech’s approach. The team spends countless hours training together, pushing each other, and keeping the standard high—because they know that staying at the top is even harder than getting there.

Fine-Tuning the Formula: Consistency & Composure

Heading into this year’s tournament, the Trailblazers are sharpening their edge. “Consistency is everything,” says the team. One key area of focus has been high-percentage shots—minimizing errors and maximizing scoring opportunities. But it’s not just physical preparation that matters.

“We’ve also been working on the mental side of things. DUPR Nationals get crazy—every school is watching, cheering, sometimes heckling. We’re training ourselves to stay locked in, stay composed, and block out the noise.”

Confidence Meets Pressure

Being the defending champs brings a mix of swagger and scrutiny. “We’re definitely confident—we know what we’re capable of,” a player admitted. “But there’s pressure, too. Everyone wants to see the champs fall. We’re using that as fuel. We want to go back-to-back.”

This mix of high confidence and grounded awareness could be exactly what gives the Trailblazers their edge. They know what it takes to win—and they’re ready to rise to the occasion once again.

Lessons From the Top

Looking back at last year’s championship run, the players credit their victory to a few essential ingredients: rock-solid consistency, excellent coaching, team-first mentality, and focused practice sessions that mimic the intensity and unpredictability of tournament play.

That experience gave them more than just a trophy—it reshaped their mindset. “We’re determined. We know how to win. And we love to have fun doing it. That balance of competitiveness and joy is what makes us great, both as a team and as individual players.”

Eyes on the Prize

As the Trailblazers head into this year’s Collegiate National Championship, one thing is certain: they’re not just defending a title—they’re chasing another one. So whether you're cheering from the stands or watching from afar, get ready. Utah Tech is coming in hot, and they’ve got every intention of blazing the trail all the way to another championship win.

Make sure to follow all the action from Collegiate Nationals on Instagram at @duprpb and @collegiateickleball for the latest scores, highlights, and behind-the-scenes coverage.

Looking to build more consistency in your shots? Drilling is key—but not just any drilling. Drilling with intention and using realistic setups can elevate your game in ways casual hitting never will. One of the most effective and engaging ways to do this? Three-player drills. Listen to these tips from Pro player Bobbi Oshiro.

Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just getting serious about improving, incorporating multi-player drills will challenge your decision-making, timing, and court awareness.

2-on-1 at the Kitchen Line: A Realistic Challenge

This is one of my favorite drills for developing consistency under pressure. It replicates real-game scenarios and keeps all three players actively working on key skills.

Drill Setup:

• Player A is alone on one side of the net at the non-volley zone (NVZ)
  
• Players B and C are on the opposite side, also at the NVZ.
  

How It Works:

• Player A is on offense, looking for moments to speed up the ball—ideally down the line to a specific target.
  
• Players B and C are working together on soft dinks, keeping Player A on the move.
  
• B and C must communicate effectively to determine who takes each ball and adjust positioning as the rally evolves.
  
• Player B focuses on anticipating the speed-up and countering quickly.
  
• Player C is responsible for covering the middle, a crucial zone during fast-paced exchanges.
  

Why This Drill Works

This isn’t just about hitting balls back and forth—it’s about game-like repetition.

• For Player A: It’s an opportunity to practice patience, pick smart speed-up moments, and work on precision targeting under pressure.
  
• For Players B and C: It builds chemistry, footwork, and communication, all while refining dink control and defensive positioning.
  

By drilling with three players, you introduce more movement, more strategy, and more realism. And that’s what translates to better performance in real matches.

Final Tip:

‍Don’t just drill to get reps—drill with purpose. Pick a focus for each session and push yourself (and your drilling partners) to replicate match situations as closely as possible.

Ready to level up your consistency? Grab two friends, hit the courts, and try this 2-on-1 drill next time you train.

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