Texas Longhorns Ace Collegiate Pickleball, Earn MLP Tournament Berth
What's the Score?
The University of Texas at Austin pickleball team has emerged victorious at the DUPR Collegiate National Championship, securing their first national title with a decisive win over Texas Christian University (TCU) in the championship final. This remarkable achievement not only crowns them as the top collegiate pickleball team in the nation but also earns both Texas and TCU a coveted invitation to compete in the prestigious Major League Pickleball (MLP) Mid-Season Tournament, set to take place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in July.
Hit it deeper!
The journey to the championship for the University of Texas at Austin, the No. 4 seed in the 64-team bracket, was marked by impressive victories over a series of strong contenders, including Harvard, Baylor, Washington, Utah Tech (the defending national champion), and Grand Canyon. Notably, the Longhorns displayed consistent dominance in the latter stages of the tournament, winning their quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches all by a score of 3-1 in the MLP-style format, meaning they never had to rely on a decisive Dreambreaker match.
The championship-winning roster of the University of Texas at Austin showcased a blend of talent and experience, featuring pro player Jack Munro, along with Natalie Liu, Eli Trumeter, and Zoeya Kahn. Kahn, a recent signee with the UPA, has already gained valuable experience competing in multiple professional PPA Tour events in 2025, highlighting the calibre of players within the collegiate ranks. The team's impressive average DUPR of 5.223 underscores their overall skill level and competitive edge.
By clinching the DUPR Collegiate National Championship title and with TCU finishing as runners-up, both Texas and TCU have earned the unique opportunity to compete against Challenger Level professional teams at the upcoming MLP Mid-Season Tournament. This represents a significant step in bridging the gap between collegiate and professional pickleball, providing a platform for talented young players to test their skills against seasoned pros. Jack Munro, a standout player for the Longhorns who also has experience in PPA Tour and MLP events, has spoken about the vibrant and energetic atmosphere of college pickleball, which he finds even more boisterous than the pro scene. He recognizes the rapidly improving talent pool within collegiate pickleball, noting the increasing number of players with the potential to transition to the professional ranks.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The University of Texas at Austin's triumph at the DUPR Collegiate National Championship signifies the growing prominence and competitive intensity of collegiate pickleball in the United States. Their decisive victories throughout the tournament, culminating in the championship title, demonstrate the high level of skill and dedication present in collegiate programs. The invitation extended to both Texas and TCU to participate in the MLP Mid-Season Tournament is a significant development, offering a valuable pathway for top collegiate players to gain exposure and experience at the professional level. This connection between collegiate and professional pickleball will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and development of the sport, fostering a pipeline of talented athletes for the future.