Pickleball Stars Shine Bright in 2024 Mid-Season Awards
Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud Lead the Pack as Top Performers
The 2024 Pickleball.com Mid-Season Awards have recognized the crème de la crème of the rapidly growing sport, highlighting outstanding performances, breakthrough stars, and influential personalities. Spanning categories across the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and equipment preferences, these awards offer a comprehensive snapshot of professional pickleball's current landscape.
The PPA Categories showcased a mix of established stars and rising talents. Hayden Patriquin and Tina Pisnik were recognized as the most improved players, while Quang Duong and Kaitlyn Christian earned breakout player honors. Federico Staksrud and Anna Leigh Waters claimed the prestigious Player of the Year titles. The awards also celebrated personalities like Jack Sock and Anna Bright, as well as fan favorites Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. The Select Medical Orange County Cup in San Clemente was named the top tour stop of the year.
- Most Improved (Male): Hayden Patriquin Patriquin's remarkable progress on the court, including a gold medal in men's doubles, showcases his dedication and rising skill level.
- Most Improved (Female): Tina Pisnik Pisnik's consistent ability to dominate the kitchen has earned her the nickname "The Chef," reflecting her improved positioning and strategic play.
- Breakout Player of the Year (Male): Quang Duong Initially known as a singles specialist, Duong has significantly improved his doubles game, positioning himself for potential gold medals in the near future.
- Breakout Player of the Year (Female): Kaitlyn Christian Christian's full-time transition to pickleball has paid off, with impressive performances in both singles and doubles demonstrating her adaptability and skill.
- Player of the Year (Male): Federico Staksrud Staksrud's consistent Sunday appearances in singles and strong doubles performances, including a victory with Hayden Patriquin, have set him apart from his peers.
- Player of the Year (Female): Anna Leigh Waters Waters' dominance in the women's field continues to grow, with commentators noting the increasing gap between her and her closest competitors.
- Best Dressed Player (Male): Travis Rettenmaier Rettenmaier's vibrant, eye-catching outfits have made him a standout on the court, bringing a touch of Florida flair to the pickleball scene.
- Best Dressed Player (Female): Parris Todd Todd's consistently stylish court attire complements her fierce playing style, proving that fashion and function can go hand in hand in pickleball.
- Biggest Personality on Tour (Male): Jack Sock Sock's energetic on-court presence, crowd interactions, and upcoming podcast have made him a fan favorite and media sensation.
- Biggest Personality on Tour (Female): Anna Bright Bright's intensity and leadership as an MLP captain, combined with her on-court charisma, have cemented her status as a tour favorite.
- Best Teammate (Male): Thomas Wilson Wilson's supportive nature and synergy with partners, particularly in mixed doubles with Vivienne David, highlight his value as a teammate.
- Best Teammate (Female): Vivienne David David's positive attitude and adaptability with various doubles partners have contributed to her success and popularity on the tour.
- Most Athletic Player (Male): Christian Alshon Alshon's agility and court coverage, especially impressive given his height, have earned him recognition for his athletic prowess.
- Most Athletic Player (Female): Lacy Schneemann Schneemann's tennis background and quick adaptation to pickleball showcase her exceptional athleticism and body control.
- Fan Favorite (Male): Ben Johns Johns' controlled playing style and the unique experience of watching him live have maintained his strong fan base.
- Fan Favorite (Female): Anna Leigh Waters Waters' young age and phenomenal playing ability continue to captivate fans, solidifying her position as a crowd favorite.
- Best Pro Content Creator (Male): Tyson McGuffin McGuffin's early adoption of brand-building through podcasts and educational content has paid off, establishing him as a leading content creator in the sport.
- Best Pro Content Creator (Female): Catherine Parenteau Parenteau's instructional tips and insights, often created with her partner Athena, provide valuable resources for amateur players.
- PPA Tour Stop of the Year: Select Medical Orange County Cup (San Clemente) The picturesque setting and amphitheater-style fan seating have made this tournament a favorite among players and spectators alike.
- Best Match of the Year: Orange County Cup - Anna Leigh Waters/Ben Johns vs. JW Johnson/Jorja Johnson This thrilling mixed doubles semi-final, featuring a dramatic comeback and multiple saved match points, exemplified the excitement of high-level pickleball.
- Biggest Upset of the Year: Austin Open - Rachel Rohrabacher/Anna Bright beat Anna Leigh Waters/Catherine Parenteau This unexpected victory broke Waters and Parenteau's undefeated streak in regular tour events, marking a significant moment in the season.
- Coach of the Year (PPA): Leigh Waters Waters' success coaching both her daughter Anna Leigh and Christian Alshon demonstrates her deep understanding of the game and ability to develop top talent.
- Best Commentator: Dave Fleming Fleming's extensive knowledge and passion for pickleball have elevated the quality of broadcast commentary, enhancing viewer experience.
- Premier GM/Coach of the Year: Kyle McKenzie (D.C. Pickleball Team) McKenzie's strategic acumen and ability to guide players like Tyson McGuffin have proven invaluable in the team format.
- Challenger GM/Coach of the Year: Scott Crandall (Bay Area Breakers) Crandall's experience and adaptive coaching style have been crucial in developing the Breakers' talent and team dynamics.
- Team Most Likely to Win MLP Premier 2024 Season: New Jersey 5s The 5s' recent mid-season tournament victory and their knack for winning crucial points make them strong contenders for the season title.
- MLP Premier Sleeper Pick of the Year (Male): Augie Ge (Dallas Flash) Ge's left-handed play and quick adaptation to the Premier level have marked him as a rising star in the MLP.
- MLP Premier Sleeper Pick of the Year (Female): Mari Humberg (New Jersey 5s) Humberg's unique playing style, featuring effective slices and strategic shot selection, has made her an invaluable asset to her team.
- Best MLP Team Chemistry: St. Louis Shock Led by the energetic Anna Bright, the Shock's blend of youth and experience has fostered a strong team dynamic and on-court success.
The 2024 Pickleball.com Mid-Season Awards have illuminated the diverse talents, personalities, and trends shaping professional pickleball. From the continued dominance of players like Anna Leigh Waters and Federico Staksrud to the emergence of exciting new talents and the recognition of crucial behind-the-scenes figures, these awards provide a comprehensive view of the sport's current state. The honors also highlight the multifaceted nature of professional pickleball, recognizing not just on-court performance but also style, personality, and contributions to the sport's growing media presence. As pickleball continues its rapid growth, these awards serve as both a celebration of current excellence and a preview of the sport's bright future.
