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Pickleball with a Heart began as a tiny tournament to raise enough money to make 40 generous candy bags for underprivileged kids in our community.

Since that first event in October 2021, they hosted various fundraising tournaments and ladder leagues and raised over $10,000 for small local charities.

They became interested in DUPR because they wanted their events to be competitive and fair, encouraging new players to enter competitions and have a positive tournament experience.

Their club is "virtual," meaning they play at various local courts. Most events are played on six courts at the Greentree Sportsplex, though they have hosted events at Glen Creek Tennis Club, Peters Township Tennis Center, and South Park Tennis Courts.

Their club has grown to over 520 members! They are proud to be making a difference in these small charities with little to no dedicated fundraising volunteers and are thrilled that DUPR is a part of their journey.

To find out more about Pickleball with a Heart, visit their club page: HERE

_{Provided By: Laurie Lawrence, Founder of Pickleball with a Heart}

In a monumental stride for pickleball enthusiasts across Europe, the recent English Open witnessed the remarkable influence of DUPR. The event unfolded as a pivotal platform for pickleball's growth on the continent, and DUPR couldn't be prouder to be a part of it.

DUPR's presence at the English Open was a testament to its status as the world's most accurate rating system. With an unwavering commitment to user input, transparency and precision, DUPR showcased its undeniable role in shaping the global future of the sport.

Not only did it educate existing players and clubs about the nuances of its rating system, but it also warmly embraced newcomers to the pickleball community, introducing them to the intricacies of accurate player ratings.

Alvaro Menendez, Senior Product Manager of DUPR, describes the event as the "Best European pickleball event so far!"

The English Open brought into focus the pivotal role that rating systems play in fostering fair competition and enhancing player experience. The event marked a watershed moment for both the sport and DUPR, by highlighting the importance of relying on an accurate rating system for the broader growth of pickleball on a worldwide scale.

"I was thrilled to see the massive number of athletes playing at such an elevated level at the English Open in Telford. Even more exciting was confirming that what we largely consider 4.5 DUPR level of play in The United States was right on par with 4.5 level play in Britain," said Dave McCune, Director of Activation.  

As the crowd's cheers during the English Open continue to reverberate, it is abundantly clear that DUPR's positive influence has left its mark on the pickleball landscape in Europe. The event represents a gateway to an exciting future - one where precision, transparency, and the passion for pickleball converge to elevate the sport to new heights.

_{Recap provided by: Ryan Maher, Head of Commercial at DUPR}

“Pickleball changed my life. It gave me the chance to compete again at the highest level of the sport.”

It’s not every day that a qualifier makes it to a pro singles final, whether it’s in pickleball or any other sport — and yet that’s exactly what 23-year-old Collin Shick managed to pull off at the PPA’s Red Clay Hot Sauce Florida Open earlier this year.

Yet meteoric as his rise may appear, it didn’t come completely out of the blue. Shick is a former collegiate tennis player specialized in doubles who considers Rafael Nadal his role model. Suffice it to say he’s no stranger to racquet sports.

After deciding against a pro tennis career, Collin started playing pickleball for the same reason all of us do — for fun. Yet what started as a fun pastime quickly evolved into an obsession. Ultimately, it was the team spirit that drew him to pickleball the most.

“In my experience with college tennis, team events have always been my favorite thing,” says Collin. “Whether it was juniors or college, I love playing for a team and having your teammates grinding with you day in and day out."

A med student at the University of North Carolina, Collin was playing pickleball at a local park with a friend one day when the UNC Pickleball Club president walked up and encouraged him to join the club.

That’s when Collin discovered DUPR Collegiate tournaments. “My favorite memory is winning the first-ever DUPR Collegiate National Championship,” he says. “That was pretty special, it was the first real professional pickleball event I ever played in.”

After a little over a year of perfecting his pickleball skills, Collin decided to go pro in 2023, with a sponsorship from Selkirk and joined DUPR as a DUPR athlete in July 2023.

After reaching the quarterfinals in the Boca Masters in January, Collin went on to compete in PPA’s Florida Open in Daytona, where he barely lost to Ben Johns in the finals.

Wondering how Collin manages to juggle med school, pro pickleball, and being a college athlete all at the same time?

“I like to stay busy. I can’t study all day, every day in medical school. I love getting out there, getting some exercise, and getting to be competitive again. Also, working on something new, that’s how I stay motivated.”

Clearly the future is looking bright for Collin. Here’s to his success and to many more matches where he keeps us at the edge of our seats!

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DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is thrilled to announce its expansion into China with the launch of its new club – DUPR China. This strategic move aims to standardize ratings in pickleball competitions across the country and promote the rapid growth of the sport among Chinese players. DUPR China will be led in collaboration with Yui See Lau, Co-Founder of the Canadian National Pickleball League.

China's deep-rooted passion for racquet sports has laid a solid foundation for the introduction and development of pickleball. With its unique blend of strategy, skill, and fun, pickleball promises to captivate Chinese tennis, badminton, and ping pong athletes and provide them with an exciting new opportunity to delve into the world’s fastest-growing sport.

DUPR China will revolutionize the pickleball landscape in China by implementing a standardized ranking system, ensuring fair and accurate evaluations of players' skills and achievements. By introducing consistent ratings, DUPR China will offer players a clear path to track their progress and compete against opponents of similar abilities. This initiative aims to foster healthy competition, inspire new players, and elevate the overall level of play in China's pickleball community.

Yui See Lau, Co-Founder of the Canadian National Pickleball League, will be partnering with DUPR to lead the charge in China. Yui See’s understanding of the industry’s dynamics combined with his passion for promoting pickleball make him an invaluable addition to the DUPR China team. Together, DUPR and Yui See will work to ensure the sport thrives and pickleball becomes a household name in China, enlisting the help of Full Send (Fu Xin) Pickleball’s Juan (Yuki) Chen and Han (Kevin) Chenas their liaisons in China to connect with the multitude of pickleball clubs that have started appearing and gaining momentum in the Guangdong Province in cities such as Hengqin, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, as well as in Beijing and Shanghai.

DUPR China is committed to supporting pickleball enthusiasts, players, and clubs across the country. By providing a standardized ranking system and fostering a sense of community, DUPR China aims to accelerate the sport's growth and build a vibrant pickleball ecosystem throughout China.

DUPR China invites all pickleball enthusiasts, players, and organizations to join them on this exciting journey. With the combined efforts of DUPR, Yui See Lau, and the pickleball community in China, this initiative is set to revolutionize the sport and create a legacy for future generations of Chinese pickleball players.

THE '23 DUPR CHINA SERIES TOUR

August 12 (Guangdong Province — Hengqin)

Our first stop takes us to Hengqin, located in the southern part of Zhuhai City and separated from Macao by a bridge, is a major platform for promoting the diversified development of Macao's economy.

August 19 (Shanghai)

Our second tournament of the series will be in Shanghai. Shanghai is the Oriental Fashion Capital, a city that is constantly being put in industry lights with Milan, Paris, London, New York and Tokyo. As Shanghai was opened as a commercial port in 1843, it became one of the first Chinese cities exposed to Western culture and customs.

August 26 (Beijing)

Beijing will play host to our third tournament. Beijing is a metropolis in northern China and the capital of the People's Republic of China (PRC). It is also known in English as Peking. Beijing is also one of the four municipalities of the PRC, which are equivalent to provinces in China's administrative structure and is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China.

August 27 (Chongqing)

Our fourth stop, Chongqing, is one of the four municipalities of the PRC, one of China's five major cities, and constitutes another metropolis made from a large city (Chongqing Downtown), and six regional central cities with populations of over one million each, and 25 other counties. The world map hanging in the halls of the United Nations marks only the names of four cities in China, one of which is Chongqing.

September 3 (Guangdong Province — Hengqin)

For the championship we come back to Hengqin (our first stop) where we will be inviting the top 3 teams/players from each city that participated in the series tournaments and divide them into two big group by age, 50+/50-, to compete in a final showdown for a high-stakes, winner-takes-all tournament!

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Yui See Lau, DUPR China Club Director

DUPR is proud to announce its partnership with Total Pickleball, who will  be the official retail partner of DUPR. Total Pickleball is a leading provider of pickleball equipment and accessories. This collaboration brings together two industry leaders committed to promoting the growth and development of pickleball worldwide.

"We are thrilled to join forces with DUPR as their official retail partner," said Rick Kerpsack, President of Total Pickleball. "Both Total Pickleball and DUPR share a common goal of enhancing the pickleball experience for players worldwide. By offering a comprehensive range of high-quality products, we aim to empower players to reach their full potential and enjoy the sport they love."

As the official retail partner of DUPR, Total Pickleball will offer a wide range of products that cater to the needs of pickleball enthusiasts at every skill level. With a shared passion for the sport and a commitment to excellence, this partnership will enhance the overall pickleball experience for players around the globe.

"This partnership with Total Pickleball has laid the foundation for an extraordinary alliance that will propel us to new heights," said Tito Machado, Head of DUPR. "This strategic collaboration combines our shared vision, experience, and passion for the sport of pickleball."

DUPR has gained recognition as the most accurate global rating system in the pickleball community. By utilizing advanced algorithms and data-driven analytics, DUPR provides players with precise skill ratings, ensuring fair competition and facilitating player matchmaking. With Total Pickleball's dedication to offering top-notch equipment and accessories, players can now access everything they need to elevate their game to new heights.

Through this partnership, Total Pickleball will also actively collaborate with DUPR to promote events, tournaments, and initiatives that foster community engagement and player development. Together, they will work toward creating a more inclusive and accessible pickleball landscape, encouraging players of all ages and skill levels to embrace the game.

About Total Pickleball

Total Pickleball is a leading provider of premium pickleball equipment and accessories. With a wide selection of paddles, balls, bags, apparel, and more, Total Pickleball is committed to serving the needs of pickleball enthusiasts at every level of the game. With a focus on quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Total Pickleball is dedicated to providing an exceptional pickleball experience for players worldwide.

Total Pickleball Media Contact:

Grace Oeser, Partnerships Manager Total Pickleball grace@warehousesports.com

About DUPR

DUPR is the gold standard in Pickleball ratings and event management, and is the official ratings system for MLP and PPA. In November of 2022, DUPR successfully launched a collegiate Pickleball national championship in which 16 co-ed teams participated using the same unique team format used in MLP.

For more information on DUPR, visit the official website and follow DUPR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

DUPR Media Contact:

Kevin Brown, Marketing Operations Manager kevin@mydupr.com

On April 14-16, 2023 DUPR held their Collegiate Individual National Championship at the Life Time Fort Worth-Alliance facility in Fort Worth, Texas. In total, there were 73 players and 20 universities represented during the event that competed for $22,000 in scholarship money.
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The University of Virginia brought the highest number of participants with 18 students representing the University's Cavaliers.

The purpose for DUPR starting the Collegiate Individual National Championship this year was to recognize the most talented college players in pickleball, regardless of the university they attend. Any college student taking a minimum of 6 college credits is eligible to participate in this league. For players, the goal is to secure a spot for themselves in the Collegiate Team National Championship which will take place in November later this year.

Throughout the weekend, some of pickleball’s most talented up and coming players competed in Gender Doubles, Mixed Doubles, and Men and Womens Singles. The Collegiate Individual Nationship Championship league is the only tournament through DUPR with a singles event.

Each player is guaranteed 5 matches per event, utilizing the rally scoring format. For each perspective event, the scholarship payouts were as followed:

$2,000 Winner

$800 Runner-Up

$400 Semifinalists

$200 Quarterfinalists

In addition to this, the winner(s) of each event earned a bid for their school to compete in the year-end championship in November.

Recent PPA Pro Singles Silver Medalist and University of North Carolina student, Collin Shick had all eyes on him this weekend, and rightfully so, pulling off a 27-0 record for the weekend and earning him the triple crown in all three events. Dylan Ciampini, another rising star in pickleball hailing from Utah Tech University, won women’s singles and doubles.

Below are the results for the finals of each event:

Men’s Singles

Winner: Collin Shick (University of North Carolina)

Runner-Up: Martin Michelsen (University of Florida)

Women’s Singles

Winner: Dylan Ciampini (Utah Tech University)

Runner-Up: Caitlin Lewis (University of North Carolina)

Men’s Doubles

Winner: Collin Shick & Hunter Boyd (University of North Carolina)

Runner-Up: Christopher Crouch & Django Chassang (University of Flordia)

Women’s Doubles

Winner: Dylan Ciampini & Katelyn Nadauld (Utah Tech University)

Runner-Up: Taylor Crabtree & Lillian Vandixhorn (Texas Christian University)

Mixed Doubles

Winner: Collin Shick & Sarah Carpenter (University of North Carolina)

Runner-Up: Jared Brungard & Dylan Ciampini (Utah Tech University)

The following Universities were represented during the event with the amount of players representing the colleges and universities in parenthesis:

• Boise State University (2)
• Carnegie Mellon University (1)
• Collin College (2)
• University of Colorado at Boulder (3)
• Florida State University (1)
• Grand Canyon University (2)
• University of Oklahoma (2)
• Ohio State University (2)
• Tarrant County College (1)
• Texas Christian University (6)
• Texas Woman's University (2)
• University of Florida (8)
• University of North Carolina (4)
• Utah State University (2)
• Utah Tech University (7)
• University of Virginia (18)
• University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (4)
• Virginia Tech University (4)
• University of Washington (1)

We would like to thank our event sponsors: Gamma Pickleball, OOFOS, and Cirkul who provided our players with bucket hats and water bottles. Additionally, we’d also like to thank the LifeTime Fort-Worth Star Alliance facility for hosting the event and providing an excellent experience for all participants.

If you are interested in getting involved with DUPR Collegiate Pickleball, please e-mail us at college@mydupr.com.

Be sure to follow us on social media as well to stay up-to-date for all future Collegiate events.

Written By: Sydney Steinaker - Executive Assistant

Edited By: Kevin Brown - Marketing Operations Manager

Contact: Marketing@mydupr.com

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