wearing those Olympic jackets walking into the stadium . Next Gen is not only an inspiration for those players currently here in America , but also for the thousands of international prodigies who have grown to love the game .”
Next Gen has partnered with Chicken N Pickle restaurant / entertainment centers for the entire series . Each stop on the tour is a three-day tournament held at Chicken N Pickle locations in Oklahoma , Kansas , or Texas .
A tournament held Nov . 19-21 , 2021 , in San Antonio welcomed 48 players competing for $ 15,000 in total prize money , with equal prize money for the men ’ s and women ’ s divisions . The series also pays out the top five players for each division , based on the cumulative standings for singles , doubles , and mixed doubles events . As part of the Next Gen Series , players receive mentoring from senior players , which continues after the tournament . This mentoring program prepares young adults to represent the United States in future international and APP Tour professional competitions . John Sperling and Julie Johnson , two of the highest-ranked seniors in the sport , were the first two senior pro mentors , said Herrmann . Mentors provide seminars on topics like training , media interviews , creating schedules that balance family and tournament time , the mental aspects of the game , off-court training , nutrition , and fitness programs to improve quickness and skill sets .
Following the tournament , the senior pro mentors also make themselves
Yana Grechkina ( Missouri ) played flawlessly all weekend , taking the Women ’ s Singles gold medal .
Silver Medalist Mary Brascia ( California )
available for players who might need extra help planning tournament schedules , discussing sponsorships , or “ just being a sounding board for the player and family ,” Herrmann added .
“ From tournament play , to on-court drilling and then seminars with the senior pro mentoring program , each player left with guidance and direction to improve their games ,” he continued . “ The senior pros provide an educational element that is not being done anywhere in the sport and is unique to the Next Gen Series .”
Players must have a USA Pickleball Tournament Player Rating ( UTPR ) of 4.0 to compete in the Next Gen Series . A select number of wildcards are available for those under the age of 16 who meet the UTPR criteria . A committee formed by the senior mentoring program determines the wildcards , and potential wildcard players are asked to submit an essay explaining why they should be considered for one of the open spots .
Currently , eligible players are placed in a single open division with all ages combined . The tournament is held Friday-Sunday and consists of singles , doubles , and mixed doubles matches . Players are encouraged to play all three days of the tournament , as total cumulative points determine the top two finishers — and who wins
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 | MAGAZINE 61