A Magical Weekend at the DUPR Collegiate Nationals: Pickle for Pay Goes to Dallas

This past weekend, the DUPR Collegiate National Championship (CNC) turned Dallas, Texas, into a hotspot of competitive collegiate pickleball. Held at the MLP Courts in Farmers Branch, the event brought together teams from across the country for intense competition, camaraderie, and a celebration of the sport’s growing popularity. Representing Pickle for Pay, I had the privilege of experiencing it all up close, cheering on the athletes, catching up with friends, and diving into the magic of the CNC.

Arrival in Dallas: A Weekend of Energy and Excitement Begins

The Pickle for Pay team arrived in Dallas early, ready to connect with players, fans, and other supporters of collegiate pickleball. From the first moments, it was clear that the CNC was no ordinary tournament. A highlight of our trip was supporting the James Madison University (JMU) team. JMU brought a dedicated crew of players who were not only strong competitors but embodied the energy and enthusiasm of collegiate pickleball. Among them was our own Pickle for Pay social media intern and player, Soren Povisils. Soren skillfully balanced his roles on the court and off, capturing the weekend’s best moments for our social media while competing with determination. His energy reflected the spirit of CNC, where athletes aren’t just playing—they’re creating lasting memories.

As a special touch, we handed out our signature Pickle for Pay t-shirts, which were a hit among players and fans alike. The shirts became a recognizable sight throughout the event, a token of the shared excitement around college pickleball.

The CNC Tournament Flow: A Look at the Unique Competition Format

The CNC’s Team Bracket and Challenger Bracket formats made every match an exciting event. In the Team Bracket, teams competed within their assigned Groups (A-P) and played a series of matches using the MLPlay format: Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles, and two Mixed Doubles matches. With score freezing at game point (a rule that prevents teams from advancing if they’re one point away from winning and on the return), close matches were suspenseful and could turn around in an instant. The DreamBreaker™ tiebreaker, unique to CNC’s high-stakes play, was particularly thrilling. In these single-elimination showdowns, each team’s top players rotated in 4-rally increments, creating a tense, strategy-heavy atmosphere that kept fans on edge.

The Challenger Bracket took on a different but equally intense structure, using a round-robin format on Friday and Saturday to ensure a range of matchups before the playoffs began. This format enabled schools with less experienced players to gain valuable experience and game time while competing for school pride. With rally scoring to 21 and win-by-two rules across both brackets, every game was fiercely competitive and required players to stay sharp through every point.

East-West Game: The Historic All-America Exhibition Match

The CNC introduced a groundbreaking event this year with the first-ever East-West Game. This exhibition match featured the top All-America players in the country, divided into teams representing the East and West sides of the Mississippi River. Fans gathered to watch these skilled All-America athletes, as four male and four female players from each side competed for bragging rights in a singles showdown. The energy from the crowd was electric as these top players battled for national pride, making the East-West Game a new tradition in collegiate pickleball that fans and players alike will look forward to in future CNC events.

Podium-Worthy Performances: Utah Tech, UVa, and Clemson Shine

As the competition unfolded, Utah Tech University emerged as the CNC champions, with University of Virginia (UVa)taking second place and Clemson University finishing third. Watching these talented teams compete was a true privilege, as each game showcased their skill, teamwork, and dedication. Utah Tech’s victory earned them a well-deserved $15,000 scholarship prize, with UVa and Clemson taking home substantial prizes as well. Their hard-fought battles through each bracket showed how far collegiate pickleball has come, with universities from different parts of the country delivering equally impressive performances.

JMU’s Inspiring Performance: Heart, Spirit, and Dedication

For Pickle for Pay, cheering on JMU was one of the highlights of the weekend. The team played with passion, camaraderie, and the kind of dedication that makes college pickleball so special. Soren Povisils exemplified this commitment as he balanced his role as a player with his duties as Pickle for Pay’s social media intern. From the sidelines to the court, Soren was a force, capturing each moment and showcasing the event on social media, giving Pickle for Pay’s followers an inside look at the CNC. JMU’s spirit and unity added an extra layer of energy to the CNC, showing the incredible support and enthusiasm that college pickleball generates.

The Power of Technology: Swish and DUPR Make a Difference

The CNC leveraged Swish Sports and DUPR to ensure smooth and efficient match management. Players linked their DUPR profiles to the Swish app, allowing them to track their standings, view schedules, and input scores all in one place. With live standings updates, Swish kept both players and fans informed about each team’s progress. By connecting with DUPR’s ranking system, players also had the chance to build their competitive profiles with official game results, bringing a professional edge to the CNC and making it easier for fans and players to stay updated.

For those interested in DUPR’s ranking system and app features, you can learn more about DUPR here.

A Complete Tournament Experience: Food Trucks, Fun, and Merchandise

The CNC was as much about creating a memorable experience as it was about competition. With food trucks stationed around the MLP area, fans and players had easy access to refreshments and delicious bites to keep them fueled through the day. Our Pickle for Pay t-shirts were especially popular, quickly becoming a fan favorite as they added a unique touch to the event’s atmosphere. Seeing players and fans alike proudly wearing the shirts highlighted the growing community spirit and excitement surrounding collegiate pickleball.

New Rules: Paddle Delamination Testing and Injury Substitutions

The CNC also brought forward some new rules and testing procedures, including paddle delamination testing. This rule allowed players to challenge their opponent’s paddle if they suspected delamination, adding a layer of fairness and strategy to the competition. Officials conducted a test by pressing on the paddle to listen for a telltale “crackle” sound, ensuring every player competed with regulation gear.

The injury substitution rule was another essential addition, allowing teams to bring in a replacement from the Challenger Bracket if a player was injured and unable to continue. This rule allowed for fair gameplay and kept teams competitive even in tough situations, while ensuring players’ safety remained a priority.

A Look Back: The CNC’s Impact on Collegiate Pickleball

Reflecting on the CNC in Dallas, it’s clear that collegiate pickleball is thriving. The CNC brought together teams and fans from around the country, creating an atmosphere of celebration, skill, and sportsmanship. Watching JMU’s spirited performance, Utah Tech’s victorious journey to the top, and the new East-West Game tradition reminded us of the potential and growth of college pickleball. This weekend was not only a chance to witness great matches but also to connect with passionate players and fans who are pushing the sport forward.

With each team bringing their best, and with fans donning our Pickle for Pay gear, the CNC was a truly magical weekend. We look forward to seeing how collegiate pickleball continues to evolve and to supporting these athletes in future championships. Here’s to more unforgettable moments and to the bright future of college pickleball!