Utah Valley Wins 2025 NCPA National Championship

The best collegiate pickleball teams in the country battled it out at the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA) Nationals in Las Vegas, Nevada, this past weekend. 

In a high-stakes final against in-state rival Utah Tech, Utah Valley secured a dramatic 4-3 victory to claim the national title and the $14,000 grand prize. 

Teams first battled through pool play on Friday, fighting for position in the knockout rounds. After an intense day of matches, the field was narrowed down, and by the time the semifinals arrived, only four teams remained: Utah Tech, Utah Valley, the University of Utah, and Virginia Tech. 

The championship match featured a star-studded lineup, with Utah Tech’s squad consisting of Averee Beck, Liam Duffin, Benson Parry, and Kamryn Kolb, while Utah Valley countered with Dodo Kong, Brenna Murray, Bryce Larson, Thatcher Schwendiman, and Ryan Smith.

In a back-and-forth battle, Utah Valley came up clutch in the final moments to secure the 4-3 victory and claim their spot in history as national champions.

History of NCPA

This tournament was the culmination of five NCPA Super Regionals held last semester, where teams earned bids to compete on the national stage. The NCPA, founded in January 2023 by Noah Suemnick, has rapidly expanded its footprint in collegiate pickleball. 

What started with a single tournament in San Diego has grown into a nationwide series of events, with competitions now held in every region of the U.S. Despite being only in its second year, the NCPA is playing a pivotal role in legitimizing and growing the college pickleball scene.

You can read more about the NCPA here

College Showcase

Beyond the championship action, the NCPA Nationals also featured a special pro vs. college exhibition match. Four professional players—Amanda Hendry, Anderson Scarpa, Allison Harris, and John Sperling—took on a group of standout collegiate players, including Utah Tech’s Liam Duffin and Averee Beck, Samford’s Jake Wilson, and Utah Valley’s Dodo Kong. 

The event gave college players the opportunity to test their skills against seasoned pros, adding another layer of excitement to an already electric weekend.

With the NCPA season now in the books, collegiate pickleball teams will gear up towards APP Nationals next month.

Held at Lake Kennedy Raquet Center in Coral Springs, Florida, the tournament will also crown the best individual players in the country. The sport’s future at the college level looks brighter than ever.