DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) has made a significant leap in the world of sports by officially introducing the first High School Pickleball League in the United States. This initiative aims to pave the way for young athletes aged 14 to 18, providing them with avenues to compete at both state and national levels. As pickleball continues to gain traction nationwide, this league epitomizes the future of the sport, combining competitive spirit with community engagement among high school students.
Inaugural Event: A Landmark in High School Sports
Scheduled to take place from April 25-27, 2025, at the Life Time Lakeville facility in Minnesota, the inaugural tournament of this league promises to spotlight emerging talent and enthusiastic participation. The event is more than just a competition; it seeks to cultivate a thriving environment for pickleball, encouraging students to build camaraderie and enhance their athletic skills. DUPR's commitment to nurturing future pickleball stars through structured competition is clear and commendable.
A Competitive Framework for All Skill Levels
With the launch of the 2025 DUPR High School National Pathway, the league intends to accommodate players from diverse backgrounds and abilities. Teams will be categorized into Varsity and JV1 divisions, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their current skill level, has the opportunity to take part in this exciting sport. Notably, the championships will feature coeducational, men’s, and women’s categories, allowing for full participation across various formats of the game.
DUPR plans to host 15 state championships, offering high school teams across the country a chance to showcase their skills while competing for a coveted spot in the National Championships. Top teams from each state will be invited to participate in this significant event, reinforcing the excitement surrounding pickleball on a national scale. Through these competitions, DUPR aims to highlight not just individual talents but also foster a sense of community among competing teams.
National Championships: Elevating the Game
The National Championships will showcase the best-performing teams from the state competitions, creating additional opportunities for high school athletes. This includes unique formats for all-girl and all-boy teams to encourage their participation at a high level. Moreover, individual competitions for singles players will spotlight the most skilled athletes in high school pickleball.
The DUPR format encourages fast-paced games and thrilling matches through its signature coed team structure, following the popular MLPlay format. Not only does this promote inclusivity, but it also emphasizes the dynamic nature of pickleball, captivating fans and players alike.
A Vision for the Future
According to DUPR’s CEO, Tito Machado, the High School Pickleball League is vital in making pickleball more accessible and inclusive for all aspiring athletes. By offering more structured opportunities for competition, DUPR fosters a community where young people can thrive, compete, and immerse themselves in the sport they love. Ryan Maher, the Vice President of Partnerships and Programs, echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the initiative nurtures future growth and development in pickleball, potentially leading to collegiate and professional opportunities.
For additional information regarding the DUPR High School National Pathway and details on upcoming championships, interested individuals can visit
www.dupr.com. This innovative leap by DUPR not only enhances the landscape of high school sports but also solidifies pickleball’s burgeoning status as a popular youth sport across the nation.
About DUPR
DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is recognized as the most accurate and trusted global rating system in the realm of pickleball. It empowers players at all skill levels to monitor their progress and compete confidently. The organization remains steadfast in its mission to expand pickleball’s reach by creating opportunities for players, clubs, and organizations worldwide.