College to Pro: A Milestone for Collegiate Pickleball in MLP Free Agency Draft

In a groundbreaking moment for college pickleball, two collegiate players, Ava Ignatowich and Mehvish Safdar, were selected in the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) free agency draft. This event marks a significant milestone in legitimizing college pickleball as a direct pathway to professional play, potentially reshaping the landscape of the sport’s talent development.

The Significance of Collegiate Players in MLP

Until recently, the majority of players drafted into MLP primarily competed in Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) events. However, as the talent pool has deepened, players are finding alternative routes to gain recognition, with college pickleball emerging as a viable option.

The selection of Ignatowich and Safdar could set a precedent for future drafts, encouraging MLP teams to scout college talent more actively. This shift may provide rising players with a clearer roadmap to professional careers, bridging the gap between collegiate and professional pickleball.

The MLP Free Agency Draft allowed teams to expand their rosters from a pool of UPA (USA Pickleball Association) signed players. For those interested in a comprehensive overview of the draft results and analysis, you can find a full recap here.

Meet the Trailblazing Players

Mehvish Safdar

Safdar, a former college tennis player at the University of Minnesota, now represents Indiana University’s pickleball team. She was selected as the 13th overall pick by the Utah Black Diamonds, a testament to her skill and potential in the sport.

Safdar’s accomplishments in college pickleball are impressive, including two individual national titles in singles and mixed doubles at the 2024 DUPR Individual National Championships. Her journey is particularly unique as she began her competitive pickleball career on the DUPR Collegiate Pickleball Tour before transitioning to PPA events.

This path differs from that of many young talents in the sport, such as Gabe Tardio and Hayden Patriquin, who bypassed college pickleball to turn pro immediately. Safdar’s success could encourage up-and-coming players to compete for their college teams, strengthening the collegiate pickleball landscape.

In her new role with the Utah Black Diamonds, Safdar is likely to compete with Genie Erokhina for the second female position in the lineup, playing alongside Alix Truong. As a left-side player, she’s expected to pair well in mixed doubles with left-handed Tyler Loong, adding strategic depth to the team.

Ava Ignatowich

Representing the University of Miami (UM) Pickleball team, Ignatowich was selected as the 50th overall pick by the Miami Pickleball Club. This local selection makes sense logistically, allowing her to train with teammates in South Florida.

Ignatowich’s situation differs slightly from Safdar’s. She was signed by the PPA during the tour wars but continued to play tournaments for UM. This dual participation highlights the potential for players to balance professional and collegiate commitments, further legitimizing college pickleball as a pathway to the pros.

In her new role, Ignatowich will compete with another young pro, Mya Bui, for the second female position in Miami’s Premier level lineup next season.

Implications for College Pickleball

The selection of Safdar and Ignatowich in the MLP draft represents a significant moment for college pickleball. Since the launch of the Collegiate Pickleball Tour, the UPA has been working diligently to grow collegiate pickleball. Unlike many other sports, pickleball currently lacks a well-established college-to-pro pipeline. However, this draft could be the catalyst for change.

The selections of these collegiate players could have far-reaching effects on the sport, potentially leading to:

• Increased funding and support for college pickleball teams
• MLP teams actively scouting college events
• The establishment of college pickleball as a standard pathway to professional play

It’s important to note that while this is a significant step, collegiate pickleball is still developing as a recognized elite competition. Safdar’s selection, for instance, was likely influenced by her high-level tennis background and pro event experience, in addition to her collegiate success.

Nevertheless, the involvement of collegiate players in professional drafts signals an important milestone for the future of pickleball. It opens doors for young talents and could reshape how players transition from amateur to professional status.

The Broader Impact on Pickleball

This development in collegiate pickleball comes at a time when the sport is experiencing rapid growth and evolution. For instance, innovations in equipment are also making waves in the pickleball community. One of the most-read articles in 2025 so far discusses a high-tech pickleball that addresses environmental concerns, showcasing the sport’s commitment to progress and sustainability.

Understanding Pickleball for Newcomers

For those new to pickleball, it’s a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball, it’s known for its accessibility and social nature, appealing to players of all ages and skill levels.

The sport has seen exponential growth in recent years, with professional leagues like MLP emerging to showcase top talent. The inclusion of collegiate players in professional drafts is a significant step in the sport’s evolution, potentially creating a more structured pathway for aspiring players.

Pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity has led to increased media attention, sponsorship opportunities, and the development of professional tours. The sport’s growth at the collegiate level mirrors this trend, with more universities establishing competitive pickleball programs.

For newcomers interested in following the sport’s development or even trying it out themselves, resources like Pickleball Skill Quiz can help assess your skill level and provide guidance on improving your game.

Conclusion

The selection of Ava Ignatowich and Mehvish Safdar in the MLP free agency draft represents a pivotal moment in the world of pickleball. It not only validates the efforts of collegiate players but also paves the way for a more structured progression from college to professional play.

As the sport continues to grow, the integration of collegiate talent into professional leagues may become increasingly common, further legitimizing college pickleball and providing more opportunities for young players to pursue their passion at the highest level.

This development is likely to inspire more young athletes to engage in collegiate pickleball, potentially leading to increased competition, improved skill levels, and greater recognition for the sport at the university level. As pickleball continues its rapid ascent in popularity, the bridge between college and professional play may well become a crucial element in the sport’s ongoing evolution.