MLP Edward Jones San Clemente Event Preview: A Comprehensive Look at the Upcoming Pickleball Showdown
The pickleball world is buzzing with excitement as Major League Pickleball (MLP) returns to action after a brief hiatus. The Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event is set to take place from Thursday, June 26, to Sunday, June 29, at the iconic LifeTime Rancho San Clemente venue. This prestigious tournament promises to deliver thrilling matches, unexpected twists, and a showcase of the sport’s top talent. Let’s dive into the details of this highly anticipated event and explore what fans can expect from the teams and players involved.
Setting the Stage: Perfect Weather and Fierce Competition
As pickleball enthusiasts gear up for the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event, they can look forward to ideal playing conditions. The forecast predicts perfect weather for the duration of the tournament, setting the stage for optimal performance from the athletes. This clement weather will undoubtedly contribute to the high-quality matches we’ve come to expect from MLP events.
The competition is heating up, with teams vying for crucial points and positioning in the standings. The event will feature both Premier and Challenger level matches, offering a diverse range of play styles and strategies for spectators to enjoy. With so much at stake, every point counts, and the pressure is on for teams to perform at their best.
Current Standings and Team Dynamics
Heading into the San Clemente event, the standings reveal an intriguing landscape of competition. In the Premier level, teams like the Brooklyn Pickleball Team and the LA Mad Drops are positioned near the top, while others are looking to climb the ranks. The Challenger level sees the Las Vegas Night Owls leading the pack, with other teams eager to challenge their dominance.
It’s important to note that the teams highlighted in light red in the standings are the ones participating in the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event. This selection of teams ensures a mix of established powerhouses and up-and-coming contenders, promising exciting matchups throughout the tournament.
Schedule and Viewing Information
For fans looking to catch all the action, understanding the schedule is key. The event features a total of 29 matches – 14 in the Premier level and 15 in the Challenger level. Each team will play a varying number of matches, with some competing in as many as five throughout the event.
The match grid provides a clear overview of the Premier and Challenger level games, color-coded for easy reference. Blue represents Premier matches, while peach indicates Challenger matches. This visual aid helps spectators plan their viewing schedule and ensures they don’t miss any of the must-watch encounters.
Notable Player Injuries and Substitutions
As with any major sporting event, player injuries and illnesses can have a significant impact on team performance and tournament dynamics. The Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event is no exception, with several key players facing health concerns.
The Brooklyn Pickleball Team, in particular, is grappling with significant challenges on the men’s side. Dekel Bar is battling an illness, while Riley Newman is dealing with a hip issue sustained during the MLP Phoenix event. These setbacks have led to the inclusion of Pat Smith as a substitute, though his own health status remains uncertain.
To address potential player absences, MLP has designated on-site alternates: AJ Koller, Rafa Hewett, Greg Dow, and Lara Giltinan. These players stand ready to step in if needed, ensuring that the competition can proceed smoothly despite any last-minute changes.
Another player to watch is Tyler Loong of the Utah Black Diamonds. Loong was recently seen wearing a soft cast and bandage on his right wrist, the result of an apparent dirt bike injury. Despite this setback, Loong is determined to compete in San Clemente, showcasing the resilience and dedication typical of professional pickleball players.
Team-by-Team Preview: Premier Level
Brooklyn Pickleball Team
Current Standing: 4th in Points Per Match (PPM) with 2.09 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 4
Opponents: LA, PHX, SoCal, Utah
The Brooklyn Pickleball Team enters the San Clemente event facing significant challenges due to injuries and illnesses affecting their male players. With Dekel Bar and Riley Newman sidelined, and Pat Smith’s status uncertain, the team will rely heavily on the performance of Rachel Rohrabacher and Jackie Kawamoto. The inclusion of AJ Koller as a potential substitute adds an element of unpredictability to their lineup.
Despite these setbacks, Brooklyn has some favorable matchups against SoCal and Phoenix, which could provide opportunities to secure valuable points. Their match against Utah, also dealing with injury concerns, could be a pivotal encounter.
Predicted Points: 5 out of a possible 12. The team’s health issues are likely to impact their performance, potentially causing them to drop in the standings.
LA Mad Drops
Current Standing: 5th in PPM with 2.00 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: SoCal, Brooklyn, Utah, Columbus, Phoenix
The LA Mad Drops come into the San Clemente event with title aspirations and a strong lineup featuring Catherine Parenteau, Jade Kawamoto, Quang Duong, and Hunter Thomas. As one of the host teams, they’ll be looking to capitalize on home-court advantage and make a statement in the standings.
With favorable matchups against SoCal, a depleted Brooklyn team, Utah, and Phoenix, the Mad Drops have a real opportunity to rack up points. Their clash with Columbus on Sunday morning promises to be a highlight of the tournament, potentially shaping the playoff picture.
Predicted Points: 14 out of a possible 15. The Mad Drops are poised for a strong showing, with the potential to go 5-0 in San Clemente.
Columbus Sliders
Current Standing: 8th in PPM with 1.82 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 4
Opponents: SoCal, Utah, LA, Phoenix
The Columbus Sliders remain something of an enigma, having not competed since the MLP Columbus event in early May. With Lea Jansen now fully recovered from a foot/ankle injury, the team is at full strength and eager to prove themselves as title contenders.
Led by Parris Todd, Lea Jansen, Andrei Daescu, and CJ Klinger, the Sliders have a balanced roster capable of competing with the best in the league. Their performance in San Clemente will be crucial in determining their playoff prospects and overall standing in the league.
Predicted Points: 10 out of a possible 12. A strong showing could see Columbus leap into the top 5 in the standings.
Utah Black Diamonds
Current Standing: 9th in PPM with 1.27 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: Phoenix, LA, Columbus, SoCal, Brooklyn
The Utah Black Diamonds face uncertainty heading into San Clemente, primarily due to Tyler Loong’s wrist injury. The team’s performance may hinge on Loong’s ability to play effectively or the readiness of substitute Yates Johnson to step in if needed.
With a lineup featuring Allyce Jones, Genie Erokhina, and Connor Garnett, Utah has the talent to compete but may struggle with consistency given their injury concerns.
Predicted Points: 5 out of a possible 10. The team’s injury woes could lead to a slight decline in their PPM, though their standing may remain unchanged.
Phoenix Flames
Current Standing: 13th in PPM with 0.64 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: Utah, Brooklyn, SoCal, Columbus, LA
The Phoenix Flames, featuring the star power of Jessie Irvine, Genie Bouchard, Tyson McGuffin, and Jack Sock, have been a crowd favorite but have struggled to translate their popularity into wins. As the only Premier Level team without a regulation win this season, they’ll be hungry to change that narrative in San Clemente.
While their matches are always entertaining, the Flames need to find a way to convert their potential into points. The injuries plaguing other teams could provide an opportunity for Phoenix to secure their first regulation win of the season.
Predicted Points: 7 out of a possible 15. This performance could see them move up to 12th place in the standings.
SoCal Hard Eights
Current Standing: Tied for 15th in PPM with 0.50 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: LA, Brooklyn, Phoenix, Brooklyn, Utah
The SoCal Hard Eights have had a tumultuous season, marked by roster changes and inconsistent performance. While they face an uphill battle in terms of playoff contention, the team has some bright spots to build on, including the rapid improvement of Jalina Ingram and the potential star power of newcomer Cailyn Campbell.
Blaine Hovenier continues to be a standout performer and a source of energy for the team. However, SoCal will need to find a way to translate individual talents into team success if they hope to avoid elimination.
Predicted Points: 1 out of a possible 15. This result would likely drop them to last place and put them on the brink of mathematical elimination from playoff contention.
Challenger Level Teams: Rising Stars and Dark Horses
The Challenger Level competition at the Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event promises to be just as exciting as the Premier Level, with teams vying for supremacy and the chance to prove themselves worthy of promotion.
Las Vegas Night Owls
Current Standing: 1st in PPM with 2.60 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: Nashville, CBB, BAB, Florida, D.C.
The Night Owls have established themselves as the team to beat in the Challenger Level. With a roster featuring Brooke Buckner, Zoey Wang, Pablo Tellez, and the surprisingly effective James Delgado, Las Vegas looks poised to continue their dominance.
Predicted Points: 14 out of a possible 15, likely cementing their position at the top of the Challenger Level standings.
Nashville Chefs
Current Standing: 2nd in PPM with 2.00 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: LV, FL, CBB, BAB, D.C.
The Nashville Chefs were the surprise package of the MLP Austin event and will be looking to prove that their success was no fluke. Led by Ewa Radzkikowska, Michelle Esquivel, Anderson Scarpa, and Marshall Brown, the Chefs have a balanced team capable of challenging for top honors.
Predicted Points: 9 out of a possible 15, which may see them take a slight step back in the overall season standings but remain firmly in contention.
D.C. Pickleball Team
Current Standing: 3rd in PPM with 1.80 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: BAB, Florida, CBB, LV, Nashville
The D.C. Pickleball Team enters the San Clemente event with a new lineup following a trade that brought in Christa Gecheva. The team’s success may hinge on how quickly they can integrate their new player and improve their performance in Dreambreakers, where they struggled in Austin.
Predicted Points: 6 out of a possible 15, as they work to find their rhythm with the new team composition.
California Black Bears
Current Standing: Tied for 4th in PPM with 1.00 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: Florida, LV, Nashville, D.C., BAB
The California Black Bears have also undergone recent changes, trading for Michael Loyd to bolster their lineup. With strong potential in women’s doubles and mixed doubles, the team’s performance in men’s doubles could be the key to their success in San Clemente.
Predicted Points: 8 out of a possible 15, potentially moving them up slightly in the standings as they find their footing with the new roster.
Bay Area Breakers
Current Standing: Tied for 4th in PPM with 1.00 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: D.C., Las Vegas, Florida, CBB, Nashville
The Bay Area Breakers have shown inconsistency in their performances but have added experience to their roster with the acquisition of Angie Walker. The challenge for the Breakers will be translating this added experience into tangible results on the court.
Predicted Points: 5 out of a possible 15, likely maintaining their current position in the standings.
Florida Smash
Current Standing: 6th in PPM with 0.60 PPM
Matches in San Clemente: 5
Opponents: CBB, Nashville, D.C., LV, BAB
The Florida Smash had a challenging outing in Austin but have made moves to improve their roster, including the addition of Paula Rives Palau. With promising young talent like Cason Campbell showing improvement, the Smash will be looking to bounce back in San Clemente.
Predicted Points: 5 out of a possible 15, potentially closing the gap on the teams above them in the standings.
Conclusion: A Tournament Ripe with Possibility
The Edward Jones MLP San Clemente event promises to be a thrilling chapter in the 2025 Major League Pickleball season. With teams dealing with injuries, new roster additions, and the pressure of playoff positioning, every match has the potential to shift the balance of power in both the Premier and Challenger levels.
Fans can expect intense competition, strategic gameplay, and possibly a few surprises as the world’s top pickleball players converge on LifeTime Rancho San Clemente. Whether you’re rooting for the established powerhouses or cheering on the underdogs, this tournament is sure to deliver excitement from the first serve to the final point.
As the pickleball world turns its eyes to San Clemente, one thing is certain: the road to the MLP championships runs through this crucial event. With so much at stake, players will be pushing their limits, teams will be testing new strategies, and the sport of pickleball will continue its explosive growth on one of its biggest stages yet.
