College Pickleball Showdown: NCPA Regional Results & Key Takeaways
The growth of college pickleball is accelerating, with more universities embracing the sport and competing in organized events like the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA) regionals. The 2024 season has already seen exciting matchups across various regions, with top college teams and athletes making their mark. In this article, we’ll cover the results from some of the key regional events, highlight standout performances, and explore how college pickleball is shaping the future of the sport.
The Rise of Collegiate Pickleball
As collegiate pickleball programs expand, the level of competition is growing fast. Universities across the U.S. are forming competitive teams and sending their top players to events organized by the NCPA, which features divisions based on skill levels (D1 for the top tier and D2 for challengers). These regional tournaments serve as qualifiers for the NCPA National Championships, where the best teams in the country will battle it out for national titles and prize money.
Key Results from the NCPA College Regionals
1. Southeast Regional: University of Florida Shines
At the Southeast Regional in Florida, the University of Florida (UF) emerged as a dominant force. Their men's doubles and mixed doubles teams excelled, with UF’s standout players qualifying for Nationals in 2025. UF's success in both singles and doubles highlighted their depth and competitive edge. The Southeast Regional, held at Pictona, drew many top-tier teams, but UF came out on top, earning multiple bids to the National Championships.
2. Utah Regional Championship: Dominance from Brigham Young University
In the Utah Regional at The Picklr, Brigham Young University (BYU) was a major player. BYU showed strong performances in both men's and women’s divisions, earning a spot at Nationals. Their mixed doubles team also delivered, marking them as a strong contender for the national stage.
University of Utah also had a good run, especially in men’s singles, but BYU’s consistency across categories helped them secure the top spot.
3. Midwest Regional: University of Michigan's Powerhouse Performance
At the Midwest Regional, the University of Michigan made an impression by winning in men’s doubles and placing high in other categories. Their men's singles player was a standout, consistently performing well and earning critical wins for the team. Ohio State also delivered competitive performances, especially in the women’s singles and doubles categories, but Michigan’s all-around team effort earned them top honors.
Top Players to Watch at Nationals
With the NCPA National Championships approaching, the top performers from these regionals are set to make waves on the national stage:
Brigham Young University’s men’s doubles team: Dominating in the Utah Regional, this duo is poised to challenge for the national title.
University of Florida’s women’s singles standout: Their top player has consistently performed in the regional events and will be a key player to watch in the Nationals.
University of Michigan’s men’s doubles team: Their strong performance at the Midwest Regional suggests they could make a deep run at Nationals.
What’s Next? The Road to Nationals
The top teams and players from these regional events will now gear up for the NCPA National Championships in early 2025. The championship will offer a $30,000 prize pool, with $7,000 going to the first-place team. Universities are preparing to field their best lineups in what will be a high-stakes tournament featuring the top collegiate pickleball talent from across the country.
For many players, the Nationals represent more than just a college competition—it’s a chance to prove themselves on a bigger stage and perhaps even attract attention from professional pickleball leagues.
Final Thoughts
The NCPA College Regionals have showcased the growing talent and competitiveness within collegiate pickleball. As we head toward the National Championships, the stage is set for an exciting finish to the season, with the top teams from each region preparing to clash for national glory.