Youth Surge Leads Utah Tech to Victory at the 2024 DUPR Collegiate National Championship
Dallas, TX – The rise of youth talent in pickleball is undeniable, and nowhere was it more evident than at the third annual DUPR Collegiate National Championship. With around 500 players from 64 colleges and universities, the event showcased a level of skill and strategy rarely seen in players so young, marking a transformative moment for the sport.
College Pickleball Players at the DUPR Collegiate National ChampionshipsYouth Talent Takes Center Stage
Just three years ago, finding skilled pickleball players under 30 was a rarity. But during the championship weekend, the warm-ups and matches were filled with young athletes demonstrating impressive technique and game knowledge. From high school competitors to college teams, the growth and evolution of the sport were palpable.
Why You Should be Excited about College Pickleball
Collegiate pickleball is more than just a fast-growing trend—it’s becoming a powerhouse in the sport. Since DUPR hosted the first Intercollegiate National Championships in November 2022, the sport has surged in popularity among college students. With regional and national tournaments popping up across the country, college athletes now have
A Weekend of High-Stakes Competition
The championship, held in Dallas, TX, featured a comprehensive format that spanned three intense days. Group play took place on Friday, where 16 groups of four teams battled to advance. The top two teams from each group moved on to Saturday’s single-elimination bracket, competing for the national title. Meanwhile, those eliminated had their chance at redemption through bowl games, with select winners securing a bid to next year’s championship.
University of Michigan Pickleball Secures National Championship BidA Tense Showdown Leads to a Crowning Champion
The semi-finals on Sunday were packed with thrilling matchups: Clemson, the North's #3 seed, faced off against the West's #2 seed, the University of Virginia (UVA), while the East's #2-seeded University of North Carolina challenged the South’s #1-seeded Utah Tech. Ultimately, Utah Tech and UVA emerged victorious, setting the stage for a heated championship face-off.
How the University of Virginia’s Pickleball Program Became a Blueprint for Collegiate Growth
The University of Virginia is known for many things, including great academics. But the school’s pickleball program is arguably the blueprint for any school looking to build a meaningful program.
In the final, Utah Tech delivered a dominant performance, winning three straight matches. The women's doubles pair, Averee Beck and Kamryn Bliss, secured a nail-biting victory at 22-20. The men’s doubles team, led by Liam Duffin and Benson Parry, cruised to a 21-15 win. In the mixed doubles match, Bliss and Duffin returned to the court to claim a close 21-19 victory. Despite the tight scoreline, Utah Tech maintained control throughout, demonstrating a championship-caliber focus and skill set.
The win earned Utah Tech the national championship trophy, along with a $15,000 check, cementing their place in collegiate pickleball history.
Utah Tech Pickleball Club Celebrates with the National Championship TrophyThe Crowd’s Energy Fuels the Matches
The atmosphere at the championship was electric, with fans from both teams engaging in spirited chants and cheers. Utah Tech and UVA's supporters filled the bleachers, creating a raucous environment that heightened the intensity of every point. As chants from one side echoed through the venue, the opposing fans immediately countered, keeping energy levels high and adding a dynamic layer to the competition.
Utah Tech's Path to Glory
Utah Tech's journey to the title was nothing short of grueling. The team had to overcome formidable opponents, including George Mason, Penn State, the University of Texas Austin, Indiana, and the defending 2022 champions, the University of North Carolina, before finally toppling UVA in the finals. Each victory was a testament to the team’s depth, resilience, and tactical prowess.
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The Dink's Close-Up View
The Dink was present throughout the championship weekend, with founder and CEO Thomas Shields in attendance to support his brother Henry, who captained the University of Michigan team. Michigan made an impressive run, advancing through group play and winning their first-round matchup on Saturday before falling in the second round to Clemson, the eventual third-place finisher.
The University of Michigan Pickleball Club faces off against KentuckyFunding the Dream
With college teams traveling from all over the country, questions arose about how these student-athletes funded their participation. Many teams raised money through club dues, hosted fundraisers, and organized their own tournaments to cover travel, lodging, and food expenses, reflecting the dedication and passion driving collegiate pickleball's growth.
More to Come for Pickleball Fans
As the Collegiate National Championship wrapped up, pickleball action continued just a court away with Major League Pickleball, hosted at Brookhaven Country Club. The venue remains a hotbed of activity as the PPA Tour gears up for the Lapiplasty World Championships, ensuring the pickleball excitement in Dallas is far from over.
With its growing appeal among young athletes and an exciting tournament structure, the DUPR Collegiate National Championship is just the beginning of what promises to be an explosive era for collegiate pickleball.