Staff Reports | Happenings & Events
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity among young athletes, the inaugural Arizona High School Pickleball Championships 2025 · Powered by PURE will debut Dec. 6–7 at Dink & Dine Pickle Park, 1017 N. Dobson Road in Mesa.
The event will bring together student-athletes from across the state to compete for five state championship titles in Girls Doubles, Boys Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Girls Singles and Boys Singles. A sixth title will be awarded to the high school with the highest overall point total based on podium finishes across all events, according to a press release.
Each player may participate in up to three events, with a single-elimination format beginning after round one, ensuring all participants play at least two matches, the release states.
“This is a huge milestone for high school pickleball,” said Kevin J. Berk, co-founder of PURE Pickleball & Padel. “Student-athletes have expressed an eagerness to represent their schools on the pickleball court, and they now have the opportunity to do that and compete at a high level. One of our goals is to have the Arizona Interscholastic Association recognize pickleball as an official high school sport,” Mr. Berk said.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our students, many of whom grew up playing pickleball,” said Kyle Enders, head football coach and faculty sponsor of the Mountain Lions Pickleball Club at Red Mountain High School. “To be part of the first-ever Arizona High School Pickleball Championships is something they’ll never forget,” Mr. Enders said.
The following schools and clubs are confirmed to participate, with more expected to join:
Broncos Pickleball Club – Brophy High School, Phoenix
Cobras Pickleball Club – Cactus High School, Glendale
Spartans Pickleball Club – Camelback High School, Phoenix
Aztecs Pickleball Club – Corona del Sol High School, Phoenix
Knights Pickleball Club – Higley High School, Gilbert
Eagles Pickleball Club – Horizon Honors High School, Ahwatukee
Toros Pickleball Club – Mountain View High School, Mesa
Longhorns Pickleball Club – Payson High School, Payson
Mountain Lions Pickleball Club – Red Mountain High School, Mesa
Sabercats Pickleball Club – Saguaro High School, Scottsdale
Eagles Pickleball Club – Sandra Day O’Connor High School, Phoenix
Girls Doubles and Boys Doubles matches will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6, while Mixed Doubles, Girls Singles and Boys Singles will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7.
“Pickleball is unlike any other sport. Every kid can play, belong and build confidence,” said Stephanie Newton, youth director and head coach at PURE Pickleball & Padel. “Our vision is for Arizona’s high school programs to become the blueprint for other states to follow.”
PURE Pickleball & Padel has identified more than 30 Arizona middle and high schools interested in establishing student-led, staff-sponsored pickleball clubs, with a goal of reaching 100 schools by 2027.
Future editions of the championship are expected to be held at PURE’s planned 196,000-square-foot indoor facility in North Scottsdale, which will feature 40 pickleball courts, eight padel courts, and a 1,200-seat pro arena upon its anticipated opening in 2027.
