Browsing: Pickleball News

The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) continued its 2024 tour with the Veolia Houston Open, hosted by Life Time Fitness at the Kingwood location in Houston’s upper northeast suburbs. As the second stop in four weekends, this event was a marked change from last weekend’s rainy North Carolina event to sunny skies in Houston. The Houston Open, a 1000-level PPA event, witnessed a slightly thinned draw due to this month’s packed schedule. Notably, the absence of top-ranked female players Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau left the Women’s and Mixed draws wide open. Women’s Pro Singles In the absence of top-ranked…

After nearly 27 years since his selection in Round 4 of the 1997 NFL Draft, Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel found himself again waiting to hear which team would choose him yesterday. “I Got Hooked” However, this time around, it’s a pickleball draft he will be a part of. It’s the culmination of four years of dedication, steady progress, and a genuine passion for the competitive side of his newfound sporting love. “I got hooked, like so many others,” Wuerffel remarked, reflecting on his journey. The milestone of a 50th birthday in May coincides with the onset of the second…

The Utah Black Diamonds have announced they will develop the premier pickleball facility in Utah. They will be the first MLP team to have their own court facility. First-Ever Home Base This $25 million state-of-the-art facility, located in South Jordan, Utah, will be the first-ever home base for a professional pickleball team and a premier club for member players of all levels. The public will be able to enjoy the facility and play where the pros play. The Club Features: – 36 pickleball courts – 1,500-seat Championship Court with VIP Box Seating – Two Grandstand Courts – Full gym and…

The Women’s POWER Pickleball League of Palm Beach County recently demonstrated their commitment both on and off the court by hosting a fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida at The Addison in Boca Raton. A Passion For Pickleball Comprising women aged 55 and older who share a passion for pickleball, the league not only focuses on skill enhancement and camaraderie but also on giving back to the community. Last September, they organized a tournament fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, and they have been involved in regular charitable efforts throughout 2024. Catherine Barton, CEO and founder of Women’s POWER Pickleball discussed their…

As we know, pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America for three years straight, according to the 2024 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Topline Participation Report. It now boasts 13.6 million players and shows no sign of slowing down. Ample Opportunity In the realm of entrepreneurship, it’s also widely acknowledged that where there’s a significant amount of passion, there’s also ample opportunity. Across various pickleball sectors, from apparel to training camps to equipment, the industry is witnessing a surge in products and services aimed at enhancing the sport. The Californian paddle innovation company Veloz is among the frontrunners.…

The Veolia Houston Open Presented by Just Courts promises to be an exhilarating display of pickleball prowess as players gear up for the latest PPA showdown. The tournament is the second of four to be played over consecutive weekends, and here’s a sneak peek at the event’s highlights, potential matchups, and players to watch out for. Leading The Pack Leading the pack is none other than Ben Johns, fresh off his triumphant triple crown victory in NC. The burning question on everyone’s mind is: Can Johns replicate his stellar performance and clinch back-to-back wins? Meanwhile, Teenage Centurion Anna Leigh Waters…

Larry Seekins has been a significant reason pickleball has been so so popular in Billings, Montana, over the last two decades. The “Father Of Pickleball” Credited as the pioneer who introduced pickleball to Billings in 2003, Seekins affectionately refers to himself as the “father of pickleball” in the Magic City. Reflecting on its inception, he fondly recalls, “Well, if I’m the father, then my wife is the mother. My wife saw an article in the paper that said they are teaching pickleball a block away from our house at a school, and we went.” For Seekins, pickleball swiftly evolved into…

As we’ve featured in several recent articles, pickleball and golf are becoming increasingly connected. Our favorite sport has attracted the attention of some top-tier golfers who have become almost unofficial ambassadors.  Scottie Scheffler Among them is Scottie Scheffler, regarded as the best golfer around at the moment. Scheffler’s endorsement of the game is evident as he has invested in the Texas Ranchers, his state’s professional pickleball team and last autumn, Scheffler joined former NBA luminaries Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd in the Carvana Celebrity Pickleball Showdown held in Dallas. His performance was notable for the way he won a point…

Player power prevailed at the Norwalk Senior Center in Norwalk, Connecticut, when the proposed introduction of a $60 monthly charge to use the pickleball court was canceled after participants protested. Taken Aback On March 20, members of the centre’s pickleball community were taken aback by a notice proclaiming that commencing April 1st, a fee would be required to utilize the court facilities at 11 Allen Road, Norwalk, situated about 55 miles southwest of Hartford. Bill Wrenn, a dedicated pickleball enthusiast, expressed the sentiment of many players during a meeting at NSC, stating, “You can see we have a lot of…

Anna Leigh Waters won a Triple Crown at the Fanatics Sportsbook North Carolina Cup presented by CIBC this weekend. You might say that was nothing out of the ordinary; in fact, you could even say it was business as usual. However, her latest triple triumph was a particularly landmark moment as the sold-out crowd at Cary also witnessed her 100th career win. A Particularly Poignant Place It was a particularly poignant place to reach that figure in front of friends and family, as Cary was where she spent nearly half of her childhood. Waters is unquestionably the most dominant pickleball…