Good morning pickleballers!
Apologies for the lack of PKLBulletins over the last few days - running two festival days at Pure Pickleball in Cheshire then commentating on the Franklin Premier Pickleball League on Saturday (involving a lovely 5am start to drive south) meant I was unable to get to it.
But fear not, today's PKLBulletin will ensure you miss nothing.
We'd better crack on with it.
North London Storm to Franklin Premier Pickleball League Title
North London Storm were crowned Franklin Premier Pickleball League Champions for Season Two at the Hampshire Court Hotel, Basingstoke, England. Led by James Chaudry, they took the final in a dream breaker. Vice-captain Sara Tsukamoto, Emerson Gregory, Rhodri Oliver, Val Vladea and Emma Wrixon all played big parts over the weekend - hopefully, more information to follow in the coming days!
Mesa Cup Meltdown: Upsets, Comebacks, and Rising Stars Dominate the Desert!
The PPA Tour Mesa Cup in Arizona was nothing short of electrifying, showcasing fierce competition and unexpected outcomes across all divisions. The women's doubles final saw Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau clinch the gold in a thrilling five-game match against Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher. Despite Bright and Rohrabacher's strong challenge, Waters and Parenteau rallied to secure their fourth straight victory against them.
In men's doubles, Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu continued their dominant streak, seizing their second consecutive title by defeating Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio. Alshon and Daescu overcame a comeback attempt from Johns/Tardio, ultimately winning in five games.
Adding to the upsets, Anna Bright and Dekel Bar stunned the pickleball world by defeating Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters in the mixed doubles semifinals. However, they fell short in the finals against Jorja Johnson and JW Johnson.
Controversy erupted during the men’s singles semifinal between Hunter Johnson and Federico Staksrud, where a disputed line call and subsequent penalties against Staksrud led to heated exchanges with the referees. Despite the drama, Johns showcased his singles prowess, defeating Hunter Johnson in the final.
Alshon and Daescu Double Down, Clinch Back-to-Back PPA Tour Titles
Christian Alshon and Andrei Daescu have cemented their status as a top men's doubles team by capturing their second consecutive title on the PPA Tour, overcoming Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio in a thrilling final. The duo's victory at the Carvana Mesa Cup underscores their growing dominance in the division.
The final was a rollercoaster, with Alshon and Daescu initially taking a commanding lead before Johns and Tardio mounted a comeback. Despite having a match point in the third game, Alshon and Daescu had to battle through five games to secure the win. Alshon and Daescu ultimately prevailed with an 11-5, 11-1, 10-12, 5-11, 11-7 victory.
Alshon credited a shift in mindset for his ability to stay composed during the intense match. He emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective and not placing excessive pressure on himself.
Alshon noted that he felt that Alshon/Daescu stuck to their game plan of driving their thirds and using their length to attack suspect fourth-shot volleys to eventually overcome a 2-5 deficit in the deciding game.
Tardio mentioned that he struggled with their drives.
Their consistent performance and ability to perform under pressure have established them as a formidable force in men's doubles.
Waters and Parenteau Weather the Storm, Outlast Rivals in Five-Set Thriller
Anna Leigh Waters and Catherine Parenteau emerged victorious in a gripping women's doubles final at the Arizona Athletic Grounds, defeating Anna Bright and Rachel Rohrabacher in a five-game showdown. The top seeds displayed resilience and adaptability, securing a 4-11, 11-9, 5-11, 11-8, 11-1 victory.
Bright and Rohrabacher initially gained an advantage by employing heavy topspin drops, forcing Waters and Parenteau to hit off the bounce. Rohrabacher noted this strategy helped them pressure their opponents. However, Waters and Parenteau adjusted their game by improving the depth of their returns, making it tougher for Bright and Rohrabacher to execute effective third shots. Waters mentioned that shorter returns had been an issue in the earlier games.
Waters and Parenteau also diversified their tactics on third shots, transitioning from predominantly driving the ball to incorporating more drops. Waters explained that they initially aimed to pressure their opponents with drives, but they adapted when Bright and Rohrabacher began capitalizing on volleys.
After a back-and-forth fourth game, Waters and Parenteau dominated the fifth game in just seven minutes to win their fourth straight match against Bright and Rohrabacher. Despite the defeat, Rohrabacher expressed optimism about future matchups, citing the adjustments and new shots they implemented.
Mesa Cup Controversy: Referees Under Fire as Tensions Flare in Staksrud Match
The Carvana Mesa Cup witnessed a firestorm of controversy during the men’s singles semifinal match between Hunter Johnson and Federico Staksrud, igniting a debate over officiating and bias. Staksrud, the Argentinian player, faced a series of calls and penalties that led to a heated confrontation and accusations of unfair treatment.
The turmoil began in the second game when a crucial line call favoured Johnson. Despite video replay seemingly supporting Johnson's shot being in, the call stood, prompting an appeal to head referee Don Stanley, who overturned the original decision.
Staksrud's frustration escalated in the third game, resulting in two technical warnings. The first was for hitting a ball into the crowd, and the second for abusive language, leading to a point penalty. Staksrud's further appeals to Don Stanley only compounded the situation, resulting in additional penalties.
After the match, Staksrud voiced his frustration, suggesting bias due to his Argentinian nationality. He stated it was difficult to win when he felt he had to compete against both his opponent and the referees.
One source noted that Staksrud may have gone too far, letting his emotions get the best of him. Another source noted that there may have been a glitch in the video system.
Despite the controversy, Johnson won the match and advanced to the final. The incident, however, cast a shadow over the event, raising questions about fairness and impartiality in professional pickleball officiating.
Pickleball's Future is Now: APP Unveils Next Gen National Team
The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has officially announced its 2025 U.S. National Team, signalling a strong commitment to developing the next generation of pickleball stars. The team consists of 13 young, promising pickleball professionals selected based on a combination of factors including rankings, tournament performance, head-to-head records, and overall potential in the sport.
The selected athletes, hailing from across the United States, will participate in a comprehensive program designed to refine their skills and prepare them for success in professional pickleball. This includes training camps, specialized coaching, mentorship opportunities, and thorough physical evaluations. Additionally, team members will gain invaluable experience through international competitions powered by the APP.
APP Founder Ken Herrmann emphasized the importance of the Next Gen program, stating it serves as the talent pipeline for the national team. Herrmann said one of his main missions at the APP has always been to provide a platform to develop future pickleball champions, and that’s at the core of the APP Next Gen program, from which the APP U.S. National Team players are sourced.
The team will train at The Fort, APP’s state-of-the-art training and development facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Fort has 43 courts, including the world’s first pickleball stadium. Alexa Schull shared her enthusiasm about joining the team and noted that being part of the team with some of the best coaches and players in the sport, will help her take her game to the next level.
Cape Coral Serves Up a Grand Slam: New Sports Hub Aces the Community
The Courts Cape Coral is now open, providing a new hub for pickleball and tennis enthusiasts in the Southwest Florida area. The facility, which replaces the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center, was celebrated with a community gathering that included live music and food.
The sports hub is designed to host large-scale tournaments, aiming to unite the community through sports and active lifestyles. A representative from Cape Coral Parks and Recreation highlighted the goal of creating a vibrant environment within Cape Coral, with The Courts serving as a central point.
Local pickleball enthusiast Virgil Storm said that this is huge for Cape Coral. Diana Moore, another enthusiast, is excited about the pro tour's upcoming visit to the courts in March, which she believes will offer learning opportunities for local players.
For some, like Marlon Moncada, pickleball has been life-changing. After a heart attack, Moncada found that pickleball helped him become more active and now believes in the sport's unifying power. Moncada said that pickleball is bringing people together, and hopefully, it will bring the whole world together.
With all 32 courts occupied, The Courts Cape Coral aims to unite the community and all of Southwest Florida, one game at a time.
Pickleball Goes Mainstream: ClassPass and The Picklr Join Forces for National Access
ClassPass has partnered with The Picklr, a national pickleball brand, in a move set to broaden access to pickleball across the U.S. This marks ClassPass’s first major venture into the sport, highlighting pickleball's increasing appeal.
The collaboration allows ClassPass users to book pickleball sessions at 17 Picklr locations, with plans to include more locations throughout the year. This integration offers ClassPass users more options for play and training, meeting the growing demand for accessible pickleball facilities.
Kapil Saini notes that this partnership highlights pickleball’s rise as a mainstream fitness activity. By incorporating The Picklr into its platform, ClassPass taps into a rapidly growing community seeking convenient avenues to engage in the sport.
ClassPass users can now easily book pickleball sessions at The Picklr locations.
Seventeen Picklr locations are currently available on ClassPass, with further expansion expected.
The partnership reflects pickleball's increasing popularity as a mainstream fitness option.
This collaboration signifies pickleball's continued expansion and its move into the mainstream fitness world, providing players with greater convenience and accessibility.
From Ice to Dinks: Alpharetta's The Cooler Trades Blades for Paddles, Sparking Community Divide
The Cooler ice rink in Alpharetta, Georgia, is reportedly set to be converted into pickleball courts, a decision that has left the local skating and hockey community disheartened. After operating for 27 years, the facility, home to Atlanta's travel hockey program, the Atlanta Fire, is heading towards a new chapter.
Tom Bardis, one of the owners, confirmed the news, stating that the decision was made after "heartfelt consideration". Plans indicate the rinks will be transformed into a 16-court pickleball facility with renovated amenities.
The announcement has sparked a wave of disappointment among figure skaters and hockey players who consider The Cooler their home. Parents have created a Facebook group and a petition to try and keep The Cooler an ice rink. Natasha Cary, the group's creator, expressed that the decision was "heartbreaking" and would negatively impact the entire hockey community. Cary noted that the community had become a family, and this was going to break up the family.
While Bardis acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, he emphasized the commitment to a new vision for the space. The converted facility will be located near another approved indoor/outdoor pickleball facility. Other ice rinks remain in the metro area. There is currently no set timeline for the conversion.
Mets Commentator Loses Focus: Pickleball Action Steals the Show During Spring Training Broadcast
During a New York Mets spring training broadcast, a nearby pickleball game unexpectedly grabbed the spotlight, momentarily distracting commentator Keith Hernandez. While the Mets' Juan Soto was the main attraction, smashing a home run in his debut, a pickleball match occurring nearby caught Hernandez's attention.
The SNY camera briefly focused on a pickleball game featuring a shirtless man and a woman, with Hernandez admitting to being "distracted" by the scene. The moment quickly gained traction online, with fans sharing the clip and joking about Hernandez's reaction.
This isn't the first time Hernandez has made headlines for his commentary. Known for occasionally toeing the line, this incident aligns with his on-air persona. Despite the distraction, the game itself was a positive one for the Mets, with Soto living up to the hype.