"Dirty Dozen" of Pickleball Captains Revealed: Find Out Who Made the Cut!
The Major League Pickleball Australia (MLP) 2025 season is set to be bigger than ever, with 12 pro teams battling it out across six events. The captains leading these teams are a mix of familiar faces and new leaders, including Rose Vanri, the newest captain of the Bondi Pickleball Club. Other notable captains include George Wall, now with the Brisbane Breakers, and Sarah Burr of the Gold Coast Glory. The draft featured a hybrid snake format over three rounds, with each team selecting one captain, one Asia-Pacific region pick, and two open picks, with a limit of one USA pick. The 2025 season promises intense competition as these 12 captains lead their teams in a bid for the championship. The draft saw 36 picks in total, and the 12 captains will be leading their teams across 6 events in the 2025 season. The draft was notable for the number of female players selected early, with Nicola Schuman being the number one pick.
Pickleball's Newest Power Couple? See Which Sister Duo is Dominating the Draft!
The 2025 Major League Pickleball Australia draft saw the Walker sisters, Angie and Alex, both selected, with Alex joining the Sydney Smash. Mitch Hargraves of the Sydney Smash, selected Alex after her sister was picked earlier by the Southern Stars. This duo highlights the growing family connections within the sport and the league. The draft was a mix of strategy, and personal connections and this particular selection could be a key to success for the Sydney Smash. With both sisters in the mix, their impact on the league is one to watch for. These sisters are not the only family members in the league with the husband and wife team, Price and Jamie Har, also being selected.
From Zero to Hero? Underdog Captain Makes SHOCKING Draft Pick That Could Change Everything!
George Wall, now captain of the Brisbane Breakers, made several unexpected picks during the Major League Pickleball Australia draft, notably selecting Wong Hong Kit from Hong Kong, a player that he wanted to keep "under the radar". Wall is known for his outside-the-box thinking, choosing lesser-known players who end up making a big impact, just like he did with Jiz, Jamie Way, and Liz Trulock last season. His strategy is not to go for the familiar names, but to find hidden talent who can deliver in a big way. This has many speculating that George Wall has picked another player who will be the next big thing in the league . By selecting players like Kit, who is not well-known, he hopes to bring in something new and unexpected to the league.
Major League Pickleball Goes Global: See the HUGE Influx of International Talent in the 2025 Draft!
The 2025 Major League Pickleball Australia draft showcased the sport’s global appeal, with a huge influx of international players from the USA, Asia, and other regions. The draft featured players from India, Taiwan, Brazil, South Korea and Hong Kong, among others. This influx of global talent was a real change in the league. The league is proving to be a draw for athletes around the world. With players from so many countries, Major League Pickleball Australia is quickly becoming a truly international event.
Forget the "Big Three," This Is Pickleball's "Dirty Dozen"!
The 12 captains leading the Major League Pickleball Australia teams in 2025 are being called the "Dirty Dozen". These captains were strategically selected through a lottery and are not to be messed with as they seek to win big in the 2025 season. These leaders have their own strategies and approaches to the game which was on full display in the recent draft. This group of leaders represents the best of pickleball in Australia. With 6 events to play, each captain will be hoping to lead their team to the ultimate championship. With a new captain, Rose Vanri, in the mix, the 2025 season is going to be a memorable one.
Is This the End for the "Fast Fours"? Why a Championship Team Was Retired!
The Fast Fours, the championship-winning team from the 2024 Major League Pickleball Australia season, has been retired. The team’s jersey will be hung up proudly in the office after a terrific season led by captain George Wall. This team's success has paved the way for new teams like the Bondi Pickleball Club to step up. The retirement of such a successful team was a shock, and it allows for a new chapter to be written in 2025. The Fast Fours' legacy is one of hard work, with the team making the finals three times during their campaign.
"He Eats, Breathes, Sleeps It": Meet the Pickleball Player Who Puts the Ball in His Cereal!
Aaron Blitz, captain of the Melbourne Mavericks, is known for his deep passion for pickleball. It's rumored he tried to put pickleballs in his cereal instead of Kellogg's, showing just how committed he is to the sport. This anecdote highlights the dedication of the players in the league and the high level of passion they have for the game. The passion that Blitz has for pickleball is a driving force for many of the players in the league. This level of dedication is what makes the Major League Pickleball Australia so exciting to watch.
The "OG Female" of Aussie Pickleball Makes a Controversial Draft Pick!
Sarah Burr, a legend in the Australian pickleball scene, known as the "OG female," made a bold draft pick for the Gold Coast Glory team. She is one of the first Australian players to compete in the US and has paved the way for a lot of the younger players. Burr's drafting strategy is to pick players that will provide a diverse range of skills to her team, which many see as controversial. As one of the most successful players in the league, she is still paving the way for the next generation of players. Sarah’s influence will be sure to make an impact in 2025.
Is This the Best Team Ever? Find out why the Northern Crocs are the team to watch!
The Northern Crocs, led by captain Andy Dasavich, are one of the teams to watch in the 2025 Major League Pickleball Australia season, according to some. With the addition of Willie Chung, the team is looking like a powerhouse. The Crocs also boast a husband-and-wife duo, Price and Jamie Har, which many feel will add to their on-court chemistry. This team is all about high-energy and winning big, a strategy they hope to implement in 2025. Their Achilles heel may be managing their energy levels over a 4-day event, however, the team is expected to do very well in the upcoming season.
"It's a Win for the Fans!" - See Which Fan Favorite is Making Their Triumphant Return to MLP!
Yuvraj "Yuvie" Ruya, is returning to the Major League Pickleball Australia with the Gold Coast Glory, a move that is being hailed as a win for fans. Yuvie was a popular player who had a great season with the Southeast Asia Surge and is known for his entertaining presence. His return is a big deal for the league as he brings a passion and love for the game that is infectious. He is known for his high energy and great personality. This player is also a lefty, which offers his team a special advantage. He is an athlete of the people with a great social media presence.
"Never Doubt George Wall!" - What is the Secret Strategy of This Mastermind Captain?
George Wall, now with the Brisbane Breakers, is known for his strategic thinking and ability to pick players that nobody else knows about. He has 50,000 pieces of paper full of notes according to one source. His strategy is a mix of analysis and looking for players who will surprise the league. Last season, he successfully picked Jiz, Jamie Way and Liz Trulock, players who were relatively unknown but became key to his team’s success. Wall is known for scouting players in the USA and Asia and his unique vision. He is one of the captains who has a unique approach to the game and it always pays off.
One Captain says: "Do not mention this player to anyone else, I want to keep him under the radar!"
George Wall, captain of the Brisbane Breakers, had a very specific instruction not to mention the player he wanted to select, Wong Hong Kit. Wall wanted to keep this player a secret so that no other team would know about him, showcasing his strategic approach to the draft. He has described Kit as young and athletic, and that he is from South Korea. Wall is known to do his research and pick players that other captains do not know about. Many people are curious as to why Wall kept this player a secret.
"She's Got the Firepower!" - This New Player is About to Set the League Ablaze!
Paula Rvesz Palao, selected by the Bondi Pickleball Club, is a player with immense firepower that will set the league ablaze. She has really honed her skills over the past 12 months, with many watching her for signs of improvement. Although she has all that power, it is also her control that has improved to make her a real threat. The new captain, Rose Vanri, is excited to work with her and use her skills to the fullest. This particular player will be one to watch this season.
Is This the Most Underrated Player in the League?
Katie Morris, selected by the Brisbane Breakers, is being described as an underrated player who may surprise a lot of people in the league. She has been traveling around the world, playing in various events and improving her skills, which may see her become a force to be reckoned with. Many feel she will be a real game-changer when she plays in the 2025 season. She is based in London but has also been playing in events in India, Asia and the Scottish Championships. This may be a strategic pick by captain George Wall.
"It's Like Peanut Butter and Jam" - The Perfect Pairing of This Team May Change Everything!
The partnership between Sarah Jane Lim and Leander Lazaro on the Southeast Asia Surge is described as a seamless match, like peanut butter and jam. The two have known each other for years, have played a lot of pickleball together and are set to dominate. This partnership will provide a dynamic team, with Sarah Jane being a well rounded athlete and Leander bringing the high energy. They hope to carry on their previous form and use their chemistry to win games. This is a pairing to watch closely in the 2025 season.
A Brand New Team with a Brand New Captain!
The Major League Pickleball Australia is welcoming the Bondi Pickleball Club to the 2025 season. This is a new team that has a new captain, Rose Vanri, one of the most outstanding players of the 2024 season. With a new captain and a new team, they will bring a new brand and energy to the competition. The new team is set to bring some new rivalries with Sydney city. They are also from the Northern Beaches in New South Wales which will add to the excitement.
"The Pickleball Prince" Returns: Find out who will be making headlines in 2025!
Yuvraj "Yuvie" Ruya, known as the "pickleball prince," is set to return to the Major League Pickleball Australia with the Gold Coast Glory. His return is seen as a big win for fans due to his popular personality and entertaining playing style. He is a passionate player that has a good relationship with the fans. He also brings a unique playing style with his lefty approach. He hopes to make a big impact in 2025.
"She was a changed athlete": One player's journey in the 2024 season!
Nicola Schuman was the number one draft pick in the Major League Pickleball Australia and she has really come a long way in a short time. She was on the Brisbane Breakers in 2024 and had some up and down results; however, she really improved her game and honed her skills towards the end of the season. She has also done some training in the US with Wes Gabrielson, who is known to be a good mentor. It has been said that she is a versatile player and can play both sides of the court. Schuman has been identified as a young player with great ability and many people are excited to see her in the upcoming season.
Other News!
Bollywood Star Declares Love for Pickleball: Is This the Sport's Biggest Endorsement Yet?
Karan Johar, a Bollywood powerhouse, has become the brand ambassador for the Indian Open 2025, Asia’s largest pickleball championship. Johar stated that pickleball holds a special place in his heart because of the connections it fosters and the joy it brings. His partnership with Global Sports could significantly elevate the sport's profile in India. Renowned filmmaker Shashank Khaitan has also joined this venture, further elevating pickleball's presence in India. The Indian Open 2025, set to be held in Mumbai from February 3rd to 9th, will be a spectacle of talent and entertainment, and the involvement of these Bollywood stars is a huge boost for the sport.
Pickleball Noise is Causing Auditory Hallucinations?
A new website, pickleballnoiserelief.com, has launched to help people suffering from the negative health impacts of pickleball noise. The website aims to provide resources to those experiencing issues with the high-pitched "pops" from pickleball games. Residents near pickleball courts are experiencing mental and physical health concerns, with some even selling their homes due to the noise. One pickleball court can produce up to 900 pops an hour, which has led to personal injury and nuisance claims. This is a growing concern, and the new website has been set up by the Robert and Nalini Lasiewicz Foundation to help.
"Pickleball Tax" Sparks Legal Battle: Is Your City Next?
The Goldwater Institute is suing the city of Gilbert over new tax hikes, which they have labeled the "pickleball tax". The tax hikes are meant to pay for a variety of things such as public safety, parks and infrastructure. The Goldwater Institute is asking the court to prevent the city of Gilbert from levying these new taxes. This legal battle highlights the ongoing tensions between communities and the growth of the sport. The label of "pickleball tax" has caused a stir and has made it a more controversial topic.
Tennis Stars Embarrassed to Play Pickleball?! See Who's Trading in Their Rackets for Paddles!
Tennis stars Jack Sock and Eugenie Bouchard have teamed up to play pickleball mixed doubles at The Masters, but they embarrassedly admit their tennis friends would laugh at them. Sock joked that they wanted to play together and wear all-white as they miss Wimbledon. Despite this being their first tournament together, they were confident that they would do some damage in their first game. They have been representing the tennis world by winning their first match in convincing fashion, 11-1, 11-2. This shows that pickleball is attracting talent from other sports.
She's a 4-Time Champ, and Her Mom Plays 6 Days a Week? Find Out the Secrets to a Long and Healthy Life!
Jennifer Dawson, a four-time U.S. Pickleball National Champion, credits her active lifestyle to her long and healthy life. She believes that it's important to keep moving and using your body, whether trying new things or continuing with your lifelong passions. Her mother, who is 82 years old, plays pickleball six days a week. Dawson believes it's important to engage socially, physically and mentally to stay healthy. Dawson's story is inspiring many to take up the sport and embrace a more active life.
This Little Ball is Changing the Way People Play Pickleball!
Ed Beazer, the creator of the "Beer Ball," has developed a smaller, same-colored ball to help pickleball players improve their focus. The ball is designed to trick the player into watching it more closely, forcing them to improve their accuracy and technique. The ball forces you to watch the ball leave the paddle. The Beer Ball was developed after Beazer and his friend did not find a suitable training ball for pickleball. This little ball is having a big impact on the way players train and is helping improve their skills.
First Website Launched to Combat 'Unwanted' Pickleball Noise!
Pickleballnoiserelief.com, a new website created by the Robert and Nalini Lasiewicz Foundation, has been launched to address the negative health impacts of pickleball noise. The website provides resources like how-to guides, model noise ordinances, and legal information for those experiencing problems. The website also includes a confidential help desk for noise victims and a "noise hot spot map". The website aims to combat the issues related to the "pop" noise made by pickleball games, which can affect local residents' health and peace. The website was developed in partnership with a group on Facebook called the Pickleball Noise Relief Group.
Pickleball is "Changing Lives" in This Tiny UK Village!
Residents in the village of Burton-in-Kendal, UK, are crediting pickleball with improving their physical and mental health. A grant from Westmorland and Furness Council has enabled residents to buy pickleball equipment, and now the group is thriving. Pickleball has seen a rapid rise in popularity across the UK, with a growing number of people playing the sport. This is a great example of how small groups can make a real difference to their local communities. The sport is seen as a way of bringing people together to improve their lives.
First Pickleball Stadium Announces Major Paddle Partners!
The Fort, the world's first pickleball stadium, has announced its official paddle partners. This is a major step for the stadium, and it is a clear indicator of the growing popularity of the sport. The stadium is a groundbreaking venue for the sport, further showing how the sport is growing. The announcement of official paddle partners shows the increasing commercial interest in the sport and its ability to attract big businesses. This news is a significant step for the sport of pickleball.