DUPR College Regionals: Top Teams and Players to Watch for in 2024
The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system has transformed collegiate pickleball by offering a structured, competitive format that showcases the top talent from universities across the U.S. The 2024 DUPR College Regionals have been packed with intense action, featuring standout performances from both well-established programs and rising stars. With the Collegiate Nationals on the horizon, these regional results give us a glimpse of the teams and players who are set to make a deep run.
Here, we’ll highlight key results from major DUPR College Regionals and spotlight the top players and teams to watch as we head into the national championships.
1. Florida Super Regional: FAU’s Dominance
At the Florida Super Regional, held in September 2024 at The Pickleball Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) asserted their dominance, sweeping through the competition without dropping a single match. FAU’s top female doubles team, Bella Nelson and Ava Cavataio, led the charge, finishing the tournament with a perfect record. Their success earned FAU a spot in the Collegiate National Championships, where they will be a major contender.
In addition to FAU, Kennesaw State, Florida State, and the University of Miami secured bids to nationals by placing in the top four. These teams will join FAU in Dallas for the 2024 national tournament.
2. Virginia Beach Super Regional: Top Teams Heading to Nationals
The Virginia Beach Super Regional saw a competitive field with strong performances from several schools. Notably, the University of Virginia (UVA) continued their run of success, with standout players performing exceptionally well in both singles and doubles. Zoe Routson led UVA’s women’s team, while the men’s team, led by Maxwell Ruyle, secured their spot at Nationals.
Virginia Tech and James Madison University (JMU) also had impressive showings, with both schools securing bids to the national tournament in Dallas. Virginia Beach was the second major stop of the season and added further excitement as teams fought for their place in the national spotlight.
3. Midwest Regional: University of Michigan Takes the Lead
The Midwest Regional was another crucial event for teams vying for a spot in the national championships. The University of Michigan came out on top, led by a strong performance in both men's and women’s doubles. Michigan’s men’s doubles team, featuring Lucas Roberts and Ethan Turner, impressed with their agility and teamwork, helping the Wolverines dominate the regional competition.
In women’s singles, Rachel Patterson of Ohio State made a deep run, earning her team a qualification for nationals. Her consistent play and ability to outmaneuver opponents were key to her success in the tournament.
Players to Watch at the National Championships
With the regional rounds completed, the focus now shifts to the DUPR Collegiate National Championships in Dallas. Here are the top players to keep an eye on:
Bella Nelson & Ava Cavataio (FAU): Their undefeated record in the Florida Super Regional makes them a favorite to dominate the women’s doubles bracket at Nationals.
Maxwell Ruyle (UVA): Ruyle’s performance at the Virginia Beach Super Regional showcased his consistency and shot-making ability. He’ll be a key player for UVA in Dallas.
Lucas Roberts & Ethan Turner (Michigan): Michigan’s strong doubles team is poised to make a deep run at Nationals after their Midwest Regional success.
The Road Ahead: 2024 Collegiate Nationals
The DUPR Collegiate Nationals, set for November 2024 in Dallas, will feature 64 schools, each competing for the top prize. The prize pool, scholarship opportunities, and national glory are on the line, as schools like FAU, UVA, Michigan, and others will battle it out. The format will follow a team-based competition, with mixed doubles, men’s and women’s singles, and Dreambreaker tie-breakers adding to the intensity.
The future of collegiate pickleball is bright, with more players than ever competing and schools investing in the sport. As we head toward Nationals, the 2024 season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.