This Minor League Pickleball Player Jumped from 3.95 to 5.425 in Under a Year

For years, Alex Bowers thought her competitive days were behind her.

College tennis was in the rearview. She had thrived in that team-first environment, left it all on the court, and moved on—to a career in accounting, a steady routine, a life without the adrenaline of sports.

At first, she didn’t miss it. It was time to grow up. Or so she thought.

Then came July 2, 2023—the day everything changed.

She entered her first The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) tournament in Tulsa, not expecting much. She’d dabbled in pickleball—but this?

This was different.

It wasn’t just the pace or strategy—it was something she hadn’t felt in years: the rush of competing with and for a team.

One tournament. That’s all it took. She was hooked.

Alex at a Dink Minor League Pickleball Event

The Streak That Keeps Going

Bowers hasn’t missed an Oklahoma The Dink MiLP tournament since that day. More impressively? She hasn’t left a single one without a medal.

The streak started small—a solid performance here, a podium finish there. But before long, it became impossible to ignore. She was proving herself, not just as a strong competitor, but as a force to be reckoned with.

She doesn’t dwell on the streak much. "It’s definitely a cool accomplishment, but I try not to put too much pressure on it," she admits. "I play because I love the competition, not just for the medals."

Still, there’s a quiet determination in her voice. She’s not planning on stopping anytime soon.

From 3.95 to 5.425: A Smarter, Sharper Game

In just over a year, Bowers has watched her DUPR rating skyrocket from 3.95 to 5.425—a leap that would take most players years to achieve. But it didn’t happen by accident.

She didn’t suddenly start hitting the ball harder. She didn’t develop some secret weapon overnight.

Instead, she got smarter.

"I’ve learned to be more intentional," she explains. "Knowing when to attack, when to reset, and how to construct points effectively. Instead of just reacting, I’m dictating play."

It wasn’t just about playing more. It was about playing with purpose.

Experience Breeds Confidence

For many players, the hardest battle isn’t won on the court—it’s won in the mind. Confidence isn’t given. It’s earned, point by point, match by match.

Bowers understands this better than most. She never had one defining moment where everything clicked, no single match where she suddenly felt like she belonged among top competitors. It was gradual.

"The more I played against high-level competition, the more I realized I could hold my own," she says. "Each match gave me something new to learn, and over time, I started to believe in my game."

Now? She steps onto the court expecting to win. Not hoping—expecting.

Alex at a Dink Minor League Pickleball Event

Balancing the Fire to Compete with the Love for the Game

Pickleball has brought something unexpected into Bowers’ life—not just a return to competition but a community she never knew she needed.

"When I’m on the court, sometimes it’s easy to feel like winning is the only thing that matters," she admits. "But the friendships I’ve made have helped me keep perspective."

She credits tournament director Caroline Luelf for fostering an environment where both competition and camaraderie thrive. "Caroline does a fantastic job running these tournaments. It makes a huge difference when everything runs smoothly because it allows us to just focus on playing and enjoying the experience."

In many ways, that’s been the most rewarding part of her journey—not just proving to herself that she can still compete, but realizing pickleball is bigger than the scoreboard.

Her Best Advice? Play with Purpose.

For players looking to follow in her footsteps, Bowers has one key piece of advice:

That means drilling, not just logging games. It means treating every point, every rally, as a chance to improve.

And in a rally scoring format like The Dink MiLP?

Consistency is everything.

No Set Goals—Just a Drive to Improve

Unlike many rising players, Bowers isn’t chasing specific goals. She’s not obsessing over rankings, not fixated on collecting medals.

"For me, it’s more about continuing to push myself and seeing how far I can go," she says. "I love competing, improving, and testing myself against top players. My focus is just on getting better every day."

No pressure. No expectations. Just progress.

Still Just Getting Started

A year ago, Bowers assumed her competitive days were behind her.

Now? She’s in the middle of one of the most exciting runs of her athletic career.

"Pickleball has been the perfect blend of competition, community, and personal growth for me," she says. "I never expected to find something that would bring back that same energy and excitement—but The Dink MiLP has done exactly that."

And if the last year is any indication, she’s only scratching the surface.

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