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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.

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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.

The College Pickleball Tour heads to California for the first-ever California Super Regional, bringing together some of the top collegiate programs on the West Coast. With bids to Nationals on the line, this event will feature intense team competition, standout individual talent, and a growing pipeline of high school players stepping into the collegiate pickleball scene.

Here’s everything you need to know before the action begins.

Event Location & Facility

The HUB Silicon Valley will host the California Super Regional at its state-of-the-art facility in Campbell, located in the heart of Silicon Valley.

The HUB has quickly established itself as one of Northern California’s premier pickleball venues, providing a high-energy setting for competitive play and community events. With top-tier courts and a vibrant local pickleball community, it’s the perfect stage for a regional tournament of this scale.

Facility Address:
600 E Hamilton Ave #150 - Campbell, CA 95008

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Teams Competing

Thirteen collegiate programs will take part in this historic West Coast regional:

• Grand Canyon University (GCU)
  
  
• University of Hawaiʻi
  
  
• Loyola Marymount University
  
  
• University of Oregon
  
  
• San Diego State University (SDSU)
  
  
• San José State University (SJSU)
  
  
• Stanford University
  
  
• University of California, Berkeley
  
  
• University of California, Davis
  
  
• University of California, Irvine
  
  
• University of California, Santa Barbara
  
  
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  
  
• University of Southern California (USC)
  
  

In total, the event will feature 114 college players competing across the weekend.

What’s at Stake: College Nationals Qualification

Several teams enter the tournament already holding bids to Nationals, meaning their performance will focus on momentum and preparation for the championship stage.

Teams with a bid already secured:

• Stanford
  
  
• GCU
  
  
• USC
  
  
• UCLA
  
  

Meanwhile, several strong programs will be competing for a coveted Nationals bid:

• Hawaii
  
  
• Loyola Marymount
  
  
• Oregon
  
  
• SDSU
  
  
• UC Berkeley
  
  
• UC Irvine
  
  
• UC Santa Barbara
  
  

With limited bids available, expect aggressive matchups, strategic lineups, and tight team battles throughout the weekend.

Players to Watch

Some of the top-rated collegiate pickleball players in the region will take the court in Campbell.

Men

• Adam Jones (GCU) – 5.150
  
  
• Derik Hyndman (LMU) – 5.040
  
  
• Daniel Price (GCU) – 4.945
  
  

These players will likely play key roles for their teams in both doubles and mixed formats, where consistency and high-level shot selection often determine the outcome of tight matches.

Women

• Isabella Hoang (Stanford) – 5.051
  
  
• Megan Willcox (SDSU) – 4.897
  
  
• Mayu Omori (SDSU) – 4.804
  
  

The women’s field features several players capable of swinging team matchups with strong singles and doubles performances.

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A Growing West Coast Pickleball Scene

This event also marks an important milestone for the college pickleball ecosystem.

Five New Schools Debuting

Five programs will be making their first appearance at a Super Regional:

• Hawaii
  
  
• SJSU
  
  
• UC Irvine
  
  
• UC Davis
  
  
• UC Santa Barbara
  
  

Their participation highlights the rapid growth of collegiate pickleball across California and the West Coast.

Strong High School Presence

The California Super Regional will also feature a large high school contingent, with:

• 12 high school teams, 24 high school players
  
  

The presence of these younger competitors reflects the rapidly expanding pipeline of players entering the sport and preparing for future collegiate competition.

A Landmark Event for West Coast College Pickleball

As the first California Super Regional, this tournament represents a major step forward for collegiate pickleball in the region. With powerhouse programs, emerging teams, and top-tier individual players all competing under one roof, the weekend promises high-level competition and exciting matchups.

With Nationals on the horizon, the California Super Regional will play a critical role in shaping the final field.

To stay up to date with results, highlights, and future tour stops, follow DUPR and the College Pickleball Tour on social media!

We will be streaming Sunday live on our YouTube Channel - subscribe! 

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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 Lydia Hirt, a community builder growing pickleball in New York City and beyond. Since discovering the sport in 2021, she has made it her personal mission to expand access, connect players, foster community, and support women in the game.

From a Winter Escape to a New Obsession

Lydia first discovered pickleball during a family trip to Florida in 2021, where her cousin introduced her to the game at a local community court. At the time, she picked up a paddle with no expectations and little idea of how much the sport would come to mean to her.

When she returned to New York City, she noticed the pickleball scene was much different from Florida, and nothing like it is today. There were no dedicated clubs, limited information about where to play, and few organized opportunities for pickleball tournaments. Finding games required effort, but there was a strong sense of community among those who showed up to play.

“I made it my personal goal to help grow pickleball access in NYC. I truly believe this game can change the world, and no better place to prove it than the greatest city on earth,” she mentioned.

Since then, the sport has continued to grow across the city. Beginning in 2023, more dedicated facilities added permanent courts in Manhattan, creating more opportunities for players to get involved. Despite this growth, the grassroots spirit remains. Paddle stacks still line park fences, and open play continues to bring together players of all levels, from beginners learning the rules to competitors refining their strategy and tracking their pickleball ratings.

Pickleball as a Lifestyle

Pickleball is more than a sport to Lydia; it’s a lifestyle that includes fitness, fashion, travel, and storytelling. Her content reflects how she experiences the game as a natural part of her daily life.

“It was never just a sport I played. It was a place I dressed for, socialized around, traveled to, and even built a career inside of,” she explained.

For her, the game is inherently social and opens doors to travel, friendships, and new experiences.

“Pickleball gave me the world. The least I could do was show all of it,” she says, capturing how the sport inspires not just play, but connection, creativity, and community.

A Cultural Shift for Women in Pickleball

Lydia has also observed a broader shift in how women are participating in sports and gaining visibility across the industry.

In pickleball, moments like Anna Leigh Waters signing with Nike signal how quickly the sport is evolving and how much opportunity exists for women in the game.

“Anna Leigh Waters becoming the first Nike-sponsored pickleball athlete isn't a footnote, it's a signal. Nike doesn't make those calls casually. That partnership says: this woman, this sport, this audience matters,” she said.

For Lydia, the momentum extends beyond professional competition. Women are increasingly shaping the future of the sport in many roles across the ecosystem. They are organizing pickleball tournaments, coaching players, leading business strategy, building media platforms, and helping create the pathways that guide how players compete, improve, and track their progress through pickleball ratings and competitive events.

Making the Path Clear

Looking ahead, Lydia is focused on making the path into pickleball easier and more accessible for new players.

“I want the next woman who falls in love with this game to find her people faster than I did.”

When Lydia first started playing in 2021, there was no clear roadmap. Finding courts, learning the game, and meeting other players often required persistence. Today, the sport offers more structure. Players can join organized leagues, enter pickleball tournaments, and track their progress through DUPR. These tools help players understand where they stand and how they can continue improving.

Lydia hopes the sport continues to see women competing at every level of the game. That includes elite professionals on the biggest stages, the 3.5 player signing up for her first pickleball tournament, and the beginner learning pickleball rules for the first time. 

Keep up with Lydia’s journey here

SEATTLE, WA - March 5, 2026 - The International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities (IAPPF) - the only global trade association for pickleball and padel facility owners, operators, and suppliers - today announced a new strategic partnership with DUPR Coach, the premier Coach-Assigned DUPR rating platform, supported by the world’s most accurate global rating system, DUPR. This partnership will provide facility owners, coaches, and players with transformative tools, programs, and revenue opportunities, creating a stronger, more connected pickleball ecosystem worldwide.

Through this collaboration, IAPPF members will receive exclusive tiered discounts on the DUPR Coach platform. Once enrolled as IAPPF DUPR Coach members, they will gain placement on the DUPR Coach Map, access to enhanced player rating and development pathways, guidance on implementing the DUPR system effectively, and a structured framework for Coach-Assigned DUPR Rating Sessions. In return, DUPR Coach members will enjoy exclusive IAPPF member discounts, access to industry resources, and networking opportunities designed to support facility growth and operational success. IAPPF DUPR Coach members will experience the full benefits of this partnership, including improved programming, player development, and community engagement.

“This partnership represents a true win-win-win for everyone in the pickleball industry,” said David Johnson, CEO of IAPPF. “By connecting our global network of facilities and operators with DUPR Coach, combined with our already strong relationship with DUPR, we are empowering members with the tools they need to enhance club and member experiences, improve court utilization, and drive sustainable growth. This collaboration exemplifies the IAPPF’s mission: bringing the community together to uplift our industry and the sports we love.”

DUPR Coach leverages the world’s most accurate, universal player rating system to train clubs and coaches on delivering DUPR programming and creating new revenue opportunities, including Coach-Assigned DUPR sessions and follow-up improvement sessions. Facilities and coaches learn the system from top to bottom, including how to introduce members to DUPR, implement rating sessions effectively, and guide players through their DUPR journey. This empowers facilities and coaches to develop programs that are both engaging and competitive, enhancing player experiences and driving overall club success.

“We have been partners with the IAPPF from its inception, and we’re so excited that IAPPF is partnering with DUPR Coach to bring DUPR, DUPR Coach, and Coach-Assigned DUPR to their members and facilities worldwide,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “This collaboration ensures that every IAPPF member has access to the tools and platforms needed to maximize programming value, improve player ratings and development, and create experiences that keep communities engaged.”

“DUPR Coach was designed to empower facilities and coaches to deliver consistent, accurate, and meaningful player experiences, helping them not just keep their doors open, but also generate meaningful revenue and create positive member experiences,” added Katie Nimitz, President of MyJourney Pickleball and creator of DUPR Coach. “Partnering with the IAPPF allows us to extend these benefits on a global scale, supporting facilities, helping players improve, and driving sustainable growth for the sport. This partnership creates a lasting impact for everyone in the community, from clubs and coaches to players and industry partners.”

With this partnership, IAPPF and DUPR Coach are establishing a comprehensive pathway for facility programming and success across the pickleball industry. By combining accurate ratings, coaching input, and access to exclusive resources, the collaboration empowers facilities, coaches, and players to achieve their goals while fostering sustainable growth, stronger communities, and a thriving, global pickleball ecosystem.

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About the IAPPF

The International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities is the only global trade association dedicated to the success of pickleball and padel facility owners, operators, and suppliers.  Founded and led by Pickleball Central co-founder David Johnson, the IAPPF provides myriad benefits to its members, including exclusive research and data, discounts and special service offerings, events, mentorship, and much more.  Facilities can join for free at https://iappf.org/.

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach is a program designed to empower pickleball coaches to launch Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings for the 34 million non-rated players worldwide. Powered by MyJourney Pickleball, DUPR Coach helps coaches provide valuable insights into players’ skill levels and supports the growth of pickleball through more competitive, enjoyable play. Coaches interested in becoming DUPR Coaches can visit duprcoach.com/coach-cert to sign up and learn more.

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. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments, and clubs around the world, including USA Pickleball, United Pickleball Association (UPA), Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and College Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

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Contacts:

Josh Kerns

Chief Marketing and Member Officer

IAPPF

josh@iappf.org

In the days leading up to International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting the women helping shape pickleball across every part of the sport, from players on the DUPR College Pickleball Tour and The Dink Minor League Pickleball to coaches and professionals competing on the game’s largest stages. 

Today, we’re highlighting Van Nguyen, a leader shaping the sport as a top coach. Van is the first, and currently only, woman in DUPR Coach Vanguard, an elite collective of the most dedicated and impactful DUPR Coaches worldwide.

Van is focused on building structure, fostering community, and driving long-term growth through coaching and leadership.

Leading with Purpose

Being part of the DUPR Coach Vanguard is an honor, as the program brings together coaches who uphold the highest standards of quality, integrity, and innovation. Members foster community engagement, run events, mentor new coaches, provide strategic guidance, and contribute across areas such as coach development, player engagement, social media, innovation, beta testing, AI training, and strategic partnerships. As the only woman currently in the group, she is proud to represent women in this endeavor and hopes to inspire more female leaders to get involved.

“It’s not about being the only one. It’s about visibility and responsibility. When women are visible in leadership, it becomes easier for others to see themselves there,” she shared.

For Van, leadership means creating space and taking initiative rather than waiting for opportunities to appear. This mindset led her to build the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective, a community designed to provide structure, support, and connection for women in the sport.

Through her work, she supports players at every level, from beginners learning pickleball rules to competitive athletes tracking their pickleball ratings through DUPR.

Coaching That Builds Community

Through her leadership, Van helps DUPR Coaches develop their skills, refines technique, and teaches strategy, while engaging players and supporting the global growth of pickleball, which also elevates coaching standards across the community.

“Competition is personal, but coaching is collective. When you invest in people, they begin investing in others,” she explained.

Beyond her work with DUPR Coaches, Van brings the same approach to her club, the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective. With nearly 400 players holding official pickleball ratings, the focus goes beyond match results. Van prioritizes creating a stable and supportive environment where athletes are encouraged, respected, and empowered to grow. Combined with clear development pathways, a solid understanding of pickleball rules, and consistent tracking through DUPR ratings, this structure and sense of community help players build confidence and develop their pickleball skills.

Advice for Women Considering Leadership in Pickleball

For women thinking about becoming coaches, organizers, or leaders in the pickleball community, Van offers good advice:

“You need curiosity, consistency, and care. Study the game, build relationships, support others, and be open to support in return.”

Understanding pickleball rules, learning how pickleball ratings work, and staying engaged in the community are all part of that growth. Leadership does not follow one formula; it can be collaborative, steady, and creative.

Building the Future of Pickleball

From local leagues to competitive pickleball tournaments, the sport continues to grow through structured development, coaching, and a strong understanding of pickleball ratings. Leaders like Van are helping create a player base that is confident, prepared, and ready to take their game to the next level.

She aims to see more representation for women in pickleball leadership, decision-making, and long-term direction. Her focus is not just on participation, but on creating opportunities for ownership and meaningful influence within the sport. By creating supportive spaces, fostering growth, and encouraging women to step into visible roles, she is helping build a stronger and more sustainable pickleball community.

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The DUPR Coach Program offers exclusive tools to transform your coaching business. For more information, click here. You can also learn more about Van’s work with the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective, a movement for women who want to play, grow, and lead together.

‍Top Pro & Junior Movers

February brought some significant movement across the DUPR rankings, with both established pros and rising juniors making strong early-season statements. As tournament play ramps up, we’re starting to see which players used the offseason wisely and who is beginning to translate close matches into meaningful breakthroughs.

This month’s Top Risers reflect a mix of steady progression and true breakout performances, the kind that don’t just move numbers, but signal potential shifts in the competitive landscape heading into the heart of the 2026 season.

Top Pro Doubles Risers

• Yuta Funemizu 

Funemizu has had an impressive start to the year. He recently made a quarterfinal run in Men’s Doubles at the PPA Cape Coral, in addition to wins over Riley Newman & Will MacKinnon and Tyson McGuffin & Max Freeman. He has climbed 18 spots this month and now holds a 6.221 DUPR. Despite that surge, he currently sits just outside the Top 50 at No. 51 in our Men’s Pro Doubles Rankings. With his recent results trending upward, I expect him to break into the Top 50 within the next two months.

• Zoey Weil 

Weil is in a similar position to Funemizu. She has climbed 17 spots over the past month and now sits at No. 52 in our Women’s Pro Doubles Rankings. To start the year, she has already earned three doubles medals at PPA Challenger events. She has also had numerous close matches at the top level on the PPA Tour, and the next step will be turning those tight battles into breakthrough wins. With that early-season momentum, I expect Weil to break into the Top 50 within the next couple of months.

Top Pro Singles Risers

• Luc Pham

You may recognize Luc Pham from the PPA Mesa, where he made an impressive Round of 16 run in singles. Along the way, he upset Dylan Frazier and Cason Campbell before falling in a close match to Jack Sock. It marks a significant breakthrough for Pham, who is originally from Vietnam. He now enters the Top 50 with a 6.001 DUPR, jumping 35 spots to No. 50 in our Men’s Pro Singles Rankings. Expect to see more consistent singles runs from this rising young player.

• Carlota Trevino

Trevino has been my dark horse in singles. Originally from Cabo, it was exciting to see her capture a well-deserved gold medal in singles at the PPA Houston Challenger this past month, highlighted by impressive wins over Zoey Weil and Jada Bui. She now enters our Top 50 with a 5.509 DUPR, jumping 28 spots to No. 30 in our Women’s Pro Singles Rankings. That breakthrough performance should serve as a major confidence boost as she kicks off the year inside the Top 50.

Top Junior Doubles Risers

• Ethan Bakalinsky

Bakalinsky claims the Top Riser spot in the Junior Boys’ Doubles Rankings after jumping 22 spots into the Top 25 at No. 20. He has been trending upward as a junior player, and his recent results continue to back that up. At the PPA Mesa this past month, he captured gold in the Junior Mixed Doubles U16 bracket, the Men’s Doubles 5.0 bracket, and the Moneyball event attached to the tournament. He also battled through qualifying to reach the Mixed Pro main draw, where he ultimately fell in a tight three-game match to Len Yang and Paula Rives. Another strong step forward for one of the rising names in the junior ranks.

Top Junior Singles Risers

• Emma Nelson

As mentioned in my previous Top Risers blogs, breaking into the Top 10 is a major accomplishment given how difficult it is to climb at the very top. Nelson did just that at the end of February, entering the Top 10 in the Junior Girls’ Singles Rankings after rising four spots to No. 7. At just 15 years old, she has already been competing in the Women’s Pro Singles main draws on the PPA Tour, earning first-round wins before running into top seeds. That level of match experience will be invaluable as she continues to progress and develop her singles game.

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What stands out about this month’s risers is not just the jump in ranking positions, but the quality of wins behind those climbs. Whether it’s established pros knocking off higher seeds or juniors proving they can compete beyond their age brackets, these players are building momentum in meaningful ways.

As we move deeper into the spring schedule, consistency will be the key. The early gains are there; now the next step is sustaining them. If February is any indication, several of these names won’t just be Top Risers for long; they’ll be firmly planted inside the Top 50 (and beyond) before we know it.

February 27, 2026 — DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) today announced plans to develop a new wheelchair pickleball rating system, a groundbreaking initiative designed to expand inclusion and competitive fairness in the sport. The new system will integrate seamlessly into DUPR’s existing platform, ensuring adaptive athletes benefit from the same unified rating structure that powers pickleball globally.

Developed in partnership with wheelchair athletes, tournament organizers, and the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, which features a dedicated wheelchair division, this initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing adaptive competition. With the Franklin US Open celebrating its 10th anniversary in Naples, Florida, the collaboration underscores a powerful moment to elevate visibility, access, and competitive integrity for wheelchair pickleball on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

“Inclusion is at the heart of pickleball’s growth, and this rating system is a critical step forward,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “We’re proud to work alongside leaders like the US Open Pickleball Championships team to create a system that reflects the true diversity of our sport. While we finalize the technology, we’re excited to share more details soon.”

“This is exactly the kind of progress our sport needs, measurable, meaningful, and built with athletes at the center,” said Ben Weinberger. “At the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, we’re proud of our inclusivity mission and the role our wheelchair division plays in welcoming and celebrating adaptive competition. There is no better place to spotlight and launch this initiative than our 10th anniversary, in front of a global pickleball community that believes everyone deserves a fair and competitive playing field.”

The new rating category will enable tournaments, clubs, and players to create more balanced matchups, refine seeding accuracy, and track player progression with greater precision. By aligning with DUPR’s global ecosystem, wheelchair athletes will gain the same opportunities for competitive development as their peers.

“This partnership with DUPR is a milestone for adaptive athletes,” said Ryan Anthony, wheelchair pickleball athlete and advocate. “Having a rating system that recognizes our skill level and progression means we can compete with confidence and continue growing the sport we love.”

As development progresses, DUPR and its partners, including the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, will share updates on the system’s availability and features. The collaboration reinforces a collective vision for a more inclusive future in pickleball, where every athlete can compete, improve, and be recognized with the same standard of excellence.

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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. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments, and clubs around the world, including USA Pickleball, United Pickleball Association (UPA), Professional Pickleball Association (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 biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

About the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships

‍Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, the Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships is the sport’s signature destination event and home of The Biggest Pickleball Party in the World™. Founded in 2016 and held annually in Naples, Florida, at the USOP National Pickleball Center at East Naples Community Park, the event welcomes athletes and fans from around the globe for a week of competition across professional, senior professional, amateur, junior, and wheelchair divisions, plus entertainment and onsite activations. The US Open Pickleball Championships is owned by Spirit Promotions LLC, a Pickle4 Company. For more information, visit www.usopenpickleball.com or follow The Open on Instagram @usopenpickleball, Facebook, and X @usopenpicklebal.

One of the biggest questions I get is: “Should I pursue professional pickleball?”

It’s a tough one to answer.

I’m not someone who will ever tell a person not to chase their passion or their goals. But there’s an important piece of the conversation that often gets overlooked, and that’s the financial reality of it all. 

I’ve seen players give themselves one year to try it out. Some have made a name for themselves through results. Others have built meaningful connections and discovered a passion for growing the sport off the court. And some have stepped away, at least temporarily, because of how expensive it’s become to compete full-time.

That’s why I want to share a transparent breakdown of my expenses as a full-time professional pickleball player to give emerging pros a realistic picture of what this path can look like.

Life on Tour: Year Four

2025 marked my fourth year on tour. I’m no longer starting from scratch. So now I’m in a different position than many players considering jumping into this full-time. Over four years, I’ve built relationships on and off the court, developed partnerships, and proven my capabilities through results. That foundation matters.

In 2025, I competed in: 11 APP Tour events, 1 PPA Tour event, 4 local Moneyball tournaments, 5 independent events (including the US Open, USA Nationals, LifeTime Singles Open, Global Sports Pro League & Tournament, and a Cayman Islands event). 

Breaking Down My Expenses

Below is a breakdown of my total expenses across APP, PPA, and independent tournaments (excluding local Moneyballs):

Flights - $3,550 

Five of the tournaments were held in Florida, so I was able to drive to those events. For two tournaments, my flights were covered, including the Global Sports League event in India and the PPA Asia tournament in Malaysia.

Lodging - $2,194‍

I was fortunate to stay with hosts for most of my tournaments, people I’ve met through connections, friends, and former colleagues. Honestly, this became one of my favorite parts of traveling. I had the opportunity to meet incredible individuals and families who were welcoming, generous, and deeply passionate about pickleball. On one occasion, it even sparked a new friendship with someone I hadn’t seen since high school! On a few occasions, I shared an Airbnb or hotel with other players, which also helped keep costs down.

‍Rental Car / Transportation - $2,017 

Gas - $262.27

Meals - $3,252

Lunch was provided for the players at all APP Tour stops so that helped with some of our meal expenses

Trainer - $3,165 

This is my own personal trainer. The on-site trainer at tournaments is free to use for players. 

Registration Fees - $1,877

If you’re ranked in the Top 10 of the APP standings for a given quarter, your entry fees are waived for that quarter. However, you must maintain a Top 10 ranking to continue receiving that benefit in subsequent quarters. Because of that, I only paid registration fees for the independent tournaments, including the US Open and USA Nationals, as well as one PPA event (PPA Cape Coral), since I’m a non-contracted player.

To put it in perspective: entry fees can average around $600 to compete in three events at a single tournament (singles, mixed, and gender). If you multiply that by 10 tournaments over the course of a year, you’re looking at approximately $6,000 in registration fees alone.

Total Expenses (4th Year on Tour, 2025): $19,000 - $20,000

Fun fact: the most I spent at a single tournament in 2025 was at APP Newport Beach — $2,363.

There are three main reasons I was able to keep my overall expenses relatively low this year:

1. Staying with host families.
This made a huge difference. I was typically arriving Tuesday night or Wednesday morning and leaving Sunday night or Monday morning, meaning I was on the road for five to six nights at a time. Not having to cover hotel costs for nearly a week per tournament adds up quickly. Beyond the financial benefit, it also created meaningful relationships and experiences I wouldn’t trade.

2. Waived entry fees.
Because of my ranking, I didn’t have to pay entry fees for APP events. As mentioned earlier, registration alone can total around $6,000 over the course of a season. That’s a significant expense many players do have to factor in.

3. Living in South Florida.
Five of the tournaments were already in Florida and within driving distance, so I avoided paying for multiple round-trip flights. On top of that, living in South Florida means being in one of the hubs of professional pickleball. You never run out of players to drill and compete with, and you’re surrounded by athletes who treat this as a full-time pursuit. When you’re in that kind of environment, the standard is high and it becomes easier to want more for yourself.

Breaking Down The Expenses of An Emerging Pro

I’ll share the experience of another pro pickleball player who decided to commit to a full-time pickleball schedule in 2025, being his first year on tour. Here’s the breakdown of his top expense categories. As you can see, along with basic expenses of flights, lodging, and transportation, you run into different expenses versus a player that has been playing longer on tour, and this includes registration fees and equipment costs (due to not having a sponsor…yet!). 

Flights - $3,850

Five of the tournaments were held in Florida, allowing the player to drive to those events. For two others, flights were covered, including the Global Sports League in India and the PPA Asia tournament in Malaysia.

Lodging - $2,300‍

The player stayed with hosts when possible.

Rental Car / Transportation - $1,825

Gas - $160

Meals - $1,575

Registration Fees - $2,650

The player received some funding support, but most events were paid out-of-pocket until reaching Top 10 (which waives fees the following quarter).

Equipment - $1,850

The player spent on equipment expenses, including paddles, shoes, and clothes needed for competition.

Total Expenses (First Year on Tour, 2025): $14,210

At first glance, you might think: “Wait… the emerging pro spent less?” But in this case,I believe a little more context matters. 

• Different revenue streams and therefore flexibility on spending habits
• No personal trainer
• Lower food spending
• Still building schedule and ranking

It’s important to consider if you can afford this investment period. There really is no secret magic or correct path. But it’s making sure you understand the numbers and the sacrifices that come with being a professional athlete. 

For more insight into life as a professional pickleball player, check out our article, “How to Go Pro in Pickleball.”