Utah Valley Triumphs in 2025 NCPA National Championship: A New Era for Collegiate Pickleball
The world of collegiate pickleball witnessed a thrilling climax as Utah Valley University emerged victorious in the 2025 National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA) National Championship. This prestigious event, held in the vibrant city of Las Vegas, Nevada, showcased the pinnacle of college pickleball talent and marked a significant milestone in the sport’s rapidly growing collegiate scene.
The Road to Victory
The championship unfolded over an intense weekend, with the nation’s top collegiate pickleball teams converging to compete for glory and a substantial $14,000 grand prize. The tournament structure was designed to test the mettle of each team, beginning with a grueling day of pool play on Friday. This initial phase served as a crucible, separating the wheat from the chaff and setting the stage for the high-stakes knockout rounds to follow.
As the dust settled on the preliminary battles, four powerhouse teams emerged to contest the semifinals: Utah Tech, Utah Valley, the University of Utah, and Virginia Tech. Each of these squads had demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination to reach this stage, but only two could advance to the ultimate showdown.
The championship match was a clash of titans, pitting Utah Valley against their in-state rivals, Utah Tech. The lineups for both teams read like a who’s who of collegiate pickleball:
- Utah Tech: Averee Beck, Liam Duffin, Benson Parry, and Kamryn Kolb
- Utah Valley: Dodo Kong, Brenna Murray, Bryce Larson, Thatcher Schwendiman, and Ryan Smith
The final proved to be a nail-biting affair, with momentum swinging back and forth between the two Utah-based teams. In a testament to the competitive balance and high skill level of collegiate pickleball, the match came down to the wire, with Utah Valley ultimately clinching a narrow 4-3 victory. This triumph not only secured their place in the annals of collegiate pickleball history but also demonstrated the depth of talent emerging from the state of Utah in this rapidly growing sport.
The Rise of the NCPA
The 2025 National Championship represents the culmination of a remarkable journey for the NCPA. Founded just two years prior in January 2023 by visionary Noah Suemnick, the organization has experienced exponential growth and has become a driving force in legitimizing and expanding collegiate pickleball.
What began as a modest single-tournament event in San Diego has blossomed into a nationwide series of competitions. The 2025 championship was the pinnacle of a season that included five NCPA Super Regionals held in the previous semester. These regional events served as qualifiers, with teams earning coveted bids to compete on the national stage in Las Vegas.
The rapid expansion of the NCPA is a testament to the growing popularity of pickleball among college students and the increasing recognition of the sport at the collegiate level. By creating a structured competitive environment and offering significant prizes, the NCPA has played a pivotal role in elevating the status of pickleball within the landscape of college athletics.
For those interested in delving deeper into the NCPA’s impact on collegiate pickleball, more information can be found in this comprehensive article.
Beyond the Championship: Bridging the Gap
The NCPA National Championship was more than just a competition to crown the best collegiate team; it also served as a platform to showcase the potential of college players and bridge the gap between amateur and professional pickleball. One of the highlights of the event was a special exhibition match that pitted four professional players against a select group of standout collegiate athletes.
The pro team consisted of Amanda Hendry, Anderson Scarpa, Allison Harris, and John Sperling – all established names in the professional pickleball circuit. They faced off against a formidable college squad featuring Utah Tech’s Liam Duffin and Averee Beck, Samford’s Jake Wilson, and Utah Valley’s Dodo Kong.
This unique showcase provided an invaluable opportunity for college players to test their skills against seasoned professionals, offering insights into the level of play required to succeed at the highest echelons of the sport. For spectators and pickleball enthusiasts, it was a thrilling display of talent that highlighted the bright future of pickleball as these young stars continue to develop their games.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Collegiate Pickleball
With the conclusion of the NCPA season, attention now turns to the upcoming APP Nationals, scheduled for next month at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center in Coral Springs, Florida. This event will not only crown team champions but will also determine the best individual collegiate players in the country, adding another layer of excitement and competition to the collegiate pickleball calendar.
The success of the NCPA National Championship and the growing prominence of events like the APP Nationals underscore the bright future of pickleball at the college level. As more universities embrace the sport and develop competitive programs, we can expect to see:
- Increased participation and deeper talent pools
- More structured leagues and tournaments
- Greater media coverage and fan engagement
- Potential scholarship opportunities for talented players
- A smoother pathway from collegiate to professional play
The rapid growth of collegiate pickleball is not just beneficial for the players and universities involved; it also has positive implications for the sport as a whole. As pickleball continues to gain recognition and legitimacy in the college athletics world, it paves the way for broader acceptance and growth at all levels of play.
Understanding Collegiate Pickleball for Newcomers
For those who may be unfamiliar with pickleball or its collegiate scene, it’s worth taking a moment to explain the significance of this growing phenomenon. Pickleball, a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been experiencing a surge in popularity across all age groups in recent years. Its fast-paced nature, relatively easy learning curve, and social aspects have made it particularly appealing to college students.
Collegiate pickleball, as exemplified by events like the NCPA National Championship, represents the organized competitive structure for the sport at the university level. Much like collegiate basketball or football, it provides a platform for talented young players to represent their schools, compete at a high level, and potentially springboard into professional careers.
The format of these tournaments typically includes both team and individual events, allowing for a diverse range of competitive experiences. Teams are usually co-ed, reflecting the inclusive nature of pickleball and providing equal opportunities for male and female athletes to shine.
For universities, embracing pickleball offers several advantages:
- It’s a relatively low-cost sport to implement compared to many traditional college athletics
- The growing popularity can help attract students and boost campus engagement
- It provides additional opportunities for student-athletes to compete and represent their schools
- The sport’s inclusive nature aligns well with many universities’ diversity and inclusion initiatives
As collegiate pickleball continues to evolve, it’s likely to become an increasingly important part of the overall pickleball ecosystem, serving as a crucial developmental stage for future professional players and helping to grow the sport’s fan base among younger demographics.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Collegiate Pickleball
The 2025 NCPA National Championship, with Utah Valley’s thrilling victory, marks another significant milestone in the rapid ascent of collegiate pickleball. From its humble beginnings just a few years ago, the sport has quickly become a legitimate and exciting part of the college athletics landscape.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that collegiate pickleball is poised for continued growth and success. The passion and skill displayed by the athletes at this year’s championship, coupled with the increasing organizational support from bodies like the NCPA, paint a picture of a sport on the rise.
For players, fans, and universities alike, the message is clear: collegiate pickleball is here to stay, and its future has never looked brighter. As the sport continues to evolve and gain recognition, we can expect to see even more thrilling competitions, emerging stars, and passionate communities forming around this exciting and accessible sport.
