Industry-leading technology launched at Nationals
Age is just a number
Veterans Day clinic
Hall of Fame honors inductees
FEATURE
Industry-leading technology launched at Nationals
USA Pickleball launched an industry first with prograde , real-time analytics during the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships professional divisions , which aired on QVC + and HSN +.
USA Pickleball also showcased an AI-driven acoustic tool to assist pickleball developers with early site feasibility studies . Several radar platforms featuring stateof-the-art equipment coupled with “ walk-around ” testing , or hand-held equipment , measured both inbound and outbound ball speeds and spin rate .
In addition to real-time analytics and acoustic assessment tools , USAP tested more than 1,800 paddles at Nationals , a record for single-event equipment testing . Tests included surface roughness and core integrity tests , which use a 3D optical surface profiler that provides data and insight on the surface texture of a paddle .
Age is just a number
At 94 years old , Joyce Jones was the oldest competitor at Nationals . On the opposite end of the spectrum , the future is bright with several youth players taking to the courts . None had more success than siblings Lily DeHeart ( 9 ) and JR DeHeart ( 7 ), children of pickleball pros Megan Fudge and Ryler DeHeart .
The DeHeart kids competed in the Mixed Doubles 4.0 ( 19‐49 ) category and secured the silver medal .
Veterans Day clinic
To honor Veterans Day , USA Pickleball Serves partnered with Lerner & Rowe to host a special clinic for Arizonabased veterans and their families during Nationals . Participants learned pickleball tips and techniques in a supportive and fun environment as a tribute to their service .
Additionally , the event featured an exciting demonstration jump by the “ Skydivers Over Sixty ” team .
Hall of Fame honors inductees
The Pickleball Hall of Fame inducted three new members during Nationals : players Simone Jardim and Kyle Yates , and contributor John Gullo .
“ The Pickleball Hall of Fame is honored to welcome these pickleball legends and salute these individuals for their outstanding contributions to the game ,” said Stu Upson , Pickleball Hall of Fame president . “ Simone and Kyle have had tremendous success at the professional level , while John has been a pioneer in the development of our professional game .”
60 TO SUBSCRIBE , CALL 412.914.8294 OR GO TO PICKLEBALLMAGAZINE . COM