St. Louis Shock Reveals Massive Minor League Roster: 110 Players, Ages 10 to 73
What's the Score?
The St. Louis Shock organisation has announced the finalisation of its Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) roster for the 2025 season, featuring an impressive 110 players. This roster is notable not only for its size, making it one of the largest pickleball teams in the U.S., but also for its diverse age range, spanning from 10 to 73 years old.
Hit it deeper!
The St. Louis Shock's Minor League Pickleball program has unveiled its finalised roster for 2025, comprising 110 players. These players were drawn from nine different states across the country, including California, Arkansas, Illinois, and Missouri, highlighting a broad geographic reach. The remarkable age diversity on the roster, with players ranging from just 10 years old to 73 years old, reflects the widespread appeal of pickleball across different generations.
To celebrate the formation of this extensive team, the St. Louis Shock hosted a signing ceremony on April 24th at Chicken N Pickle St. Charles. Over 80 players attended this event, where they received signed roster certificates and heard from team leaders about the upcoming season and the vision for the MiLP program. The enthusiasm among the players was evident. Drake Vincent, a 10-year-old player on the roster, shared his aspirations, stating his main goal is to become a pickleball pro one day. He expressed his honour at representing the STL Shock and playing for his city, as well as his happiness at being exposed to many "brilliant players". Sheri O’Neill, an MiLP player from Los Angeles, also commented on the positive atmosphere, describing the team as having "Great energy, great group of people," and appreciating the encouraging message behind the program.
The St. Louis Shock MiLP teams will be actively competing in various pickleball tournaments nationwide. Their first competitive outing is scheduled for the MiLP State Championship in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 27th-28th. The organisation plans to send three Shock teams to a "Dream Ticket Event," which offers winning teams a chance to compete at the 2025 The Dink Minor League Pickleball National Championship.
Beyond competition, the program emphasises community engagement. St. Louis Shock MiLP players are expected to participate in community outreach initiatives throughout the year, contributing to the growth of pickleball in the local region.
Andrew Haines, the Chief Operating Officer of the St. Louis Shock, commented on the success of the MiLP program, stating that what they have built in just a few months has "exceeds our most optimistic projections". He highlighted the overwhelming response from players eager to represent the Shock brand. Haines views the program as creating a "true developmental pipeline" that connects recreational players to the professional ranks, a component he believes has been previously missing in pickleball. He reiterated the organisation's commitment to growing the sport at all levels, noting that while the main MLP team competes on the biggest stage, the MiLP program provides opportunities for developing players to gain experience in team competition, receive coaching, and represent a professional organisation. Haines also mentioned that sponsorship opportunities are available for the MiLP program, offering businesses a way to connect with the growing pickleball community.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The St. Louis Shock's decision to build such a massive and age-diverse Minor League Pickleball roster is a game-changer for structured player development in pickleball. By creating a team of 110 players from across nine states, ranging from age 10 to 73, the Shock is not only tapping into the sport's wide demographic appeal but also establishing a formal pathway from grassroots enthusiasm to competitive play. The sheer size and geographic spread of the roster demonstrate significant reach, and the competitive schedule and opportunity to qualify for a national championship provide clear goals and exposure for these developing players. This program represents a significant investment in the lower tiers of organised pickleball and could serve as a model for other professional organisations looking to foster talent and build community from the ground up, filling a crucial gap in connecting recreational players to higher levels of competition.