How to Qualify for USA Pickleball National Championships

The Path to Nationals

Golden Ticket tournaments are the only guaranteed path for amateur players to play in the USA Pickleball National Championships, the longest-standing and only National Championships tournament in the sport of pickleball. Only at these tournaments will gold medal winners earn a “Golden Ticket” for the exclusive opportunity to pre-register with priority registration access.

Golden Ticket pickleball tournaments offer participants an unrivaled player experience, exclusive gift bag at USA Pickleball-operated tournaments and the opportunity to compete at some of the best facilities around the country.

Players who secured a “Golden Ticket” receive a guaranteed entry into Nationals with priority access on registration.

For a full list of USA Pickleball 2025 Golden Ticket events, visit our website.

Golden Ticket events
FAQs

Please Note
Results for the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball Nationals are published on the UTR website. Clicking the link below will take you to the UTR results site and you must be logged into your UTR account to view the results.
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Eric Decker

Former NFL Wide Receiver

Eric Decker is an accomplished athlete, entrepreneur, TV personality, spokesperson, thought leader, and philanthropist.

A wide receiver for the NFL from 2010-2018, Decker played for the Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans. He played the Super Bowl in 2014, received the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2015, and was honored as United Way’s Hometown Hero at the XXIII Gridiron Gala in 2016. A Minnesota native, he also set football records and made Big Ten Conference history while attending University of Minnesota and he competed on the Golden Gophers’ baseball team as an outfielder, getting selected twice in the Major League Baseball Draft.

While playing for the NFL, Decker also starred in the E! reality series Eric & Jessie: Game On with his wife, the top-performing country singer Jessie James Decker. Over three seasons, the show chronicled the couple as they juggled family, fame and football.

Since retiring from the NFL in 2018, Decker, who has bachelor’s degree in business and marketing from the University of Minnesota, has run Kittenish, the popular, Nashville-based fashion brand designed by wife Jessie James Decker. As president of the company, the brand has expanded as a successful online retailer with three brick-and-mortar stores located in Nashville, Dallas, and Tampa.

As a philanthropist, Decker is a longtime supporter of HopeKids, whose mission is to restore hope and transform the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions, their families and communities. He is also a board member for Nashville Wine Auction, a self-sustaining, non-profit organization which exists solely to raise funds to support the fight against cancer.

In 2023, Decker received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Minnesota.

A thought leader and spokesperson, Decker is often tapped for his expertise in business, health and fitness, and sports.

He resides in Nashville with his wife and four children.

To learn more or to contact Decker, please visit decker87.com or follow him at @ericdecker.

Mayci J. Neeley

Reality TV Star and TikTok Influencer

Mayci J. Neeley, one of the stars of Hulu's #1 reality show "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives", is known for sharing heartwarming family content on her social media platforms. A former D1 tennis player, single mom, and survivor of abuse and assault, Mayci uses her personal experiences to inspire and educate women, helping them overcome life’s toughest obstacles through her social media and blog.

As a mother of two, she is currently undergoing IVF to expand her family while balancing her role as the CEO of Babymama, a natal nutrition company. Mayci’s journey resonates with many women, offering support and encouragement in areas such as motherhood, fertility, and personal growth. Her advocacy empowers women to face challenges with strength and resilience.

To keep up with Kyle, follow her on tiktok: @maycineele or instagram: @maycineeley

Kyle Unfug

iHeartRadio Personality

Kyle Unfug is the dynamic co-host of the wildly popular Johnjay & Rich Morning Show, where her infectious energy and positive outlook shine through daily. Known for seeing the bright side in any situation, Kyle brings a strong woman’s perspective and a vibrant presence that provides the perfect balance to the show—a trait this Libra absolutely loves.

Outside of the studio, Kyle is a devoted wife and mother of two young children. She’s passionate about creating new adventures for her family, whether it’s a fun outing or a spontaneous craft project at home. She also enjoys volunteering in her kids’ classrooms, discovering binge-worthy TV shows, and brunching with friends. Kyle’s joy for life and enthusiasm for new experiences keep her constantly seeking the next fun family adventure or creative endeavor.

 To keep up with Kyle, follow her socials: @unfug

Priscilla Ornelas

iHeartRadio Personality

Priscilla Ornelas is a proud first-generation bilingual Mexican American from Glendale, Arizona. She began her career as a radio intern and has since become one of the few Latinas hosting a morning show on a major station. Currently, she brings her vibrant personality to the airwaves as a morning host for iHeartMedia's Mix 96.9.

Outside of her career, Priscilla is devoted to her husband and two kids, but she also makes time for her favorite pastime—enjoying a good girls' happy hour. She is deeply passionate about empowering women in the Latina community and founded Community Comadres, an organization dedicated to uplifting and supporting women.

Priscilla’s passions extend beyond the radio mic. She thrives on creating memorable experiences with her loved ones, indulging in pop culture, skincare, video and content creation, and vacationing. Whether attending local events and concerts or connecting with her audience on a deeper level, Priscilla remains committed to bringing her authentic self to everything she does.

 To keep up with Priscilla follow her socials: @priscillaonair

Shane Doan

NHL Executive and Former Arizona Coyotes Winger

Shane Doan is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and executive, renowned for his 21-season career in the NHL, primarily with the Arizona Coyotes. A powerful right-winger and respected leader, Doan served as the Coyotes’ captain for 13 seasons, solidifying his status as one of Arizona’s most iconic sports figures. Throughout his career, he earned a reputation for his toughness, scoring prowess, and exemplary sportsmanship, accumulating over 400 goals and 972 points. A two-time NHL All-Star, Doan also proudly represented Canada internationally, winning gold at the IIHF World Championships.

After retiring in 2017, Doan transitioned to hockey management, serving as the Arizona Coyotes’ Chief Hockey Development Officer before joining the Toronto Maple Leafs as an Assistant to the General Manager in 2023. In this role, he works closely with the Leafs’ front office, contributing his extensive hockey knowledge and leadership experience to the team’s player development and strategic planning.

Beyond the rink, Doan is celebrated for his philanthropic efforts and deep ties to the Arizona community, where he continues to inspire and give back.

Jake Plummer

Former NFL and ASU Quarterback

After a successful four years as an ASU Sun Devil, NFL pro-bowl quarterback Jake Plummer, spent 10 years in the NFL.

With six years leading the Arizona Cardinals and four with the Denver Broncos, the game left a toll on Jake's body, leaving him to search for ways to heal and maintain his health. After diving into natural remedies, Jake founded Umbo, a functional mushroom company alongside UFC hall of famer, Rashad Evans.

Speaking about the health benefits of mushrooms and living an active lifestyle, whether it be handball, yoga or pickleball, Jake has dedicated his life to learning and educating people on natural ways to health and wellness.

Follow him on social at @snakeplummer

Amy Van Dyken

6-Time Olympic Gold Medalist

Amy Van Dyken-Rouen is a 6-time Olympic gold medalist in swimming. She was born and raised in Colorado and won four (4) gold medals at the 1996 Summer Olympics making her the first American woman to accomplish that feat, it has only been tied never broken. She was the most decorated athlete, male or female, of the 1996 Olympics.

Amy went on to win two (2) more gold medals at the 2000 Summer Games and named by Swimming World Magazine as the Swimmer of the Year in 1995 and 1996. She is also in the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.

Van Dyken won the ESPY for outstanding female athlete of the year in 1997. That same year she was a Glamour Woman of the Year.

Since retiring from swimming, Van Dyken has cohosted a Nationally syndicated sports radio show and the only female voice on the network as a host, and has been an NFL sideline reporter for NFL on FOX.

She is married to former two-time Super Bowl champion, Tom Rouen, and they are proud dog parents to Dillion, a rescued mix breed puppy. In 2014, she was injured in an ATV accident that severed her spinal cord and caused a TBI.

Van Dyken is now competing in CrossFit as an adaptive athlete. She qualified for her first WheelWOD Games in 2019, where she placed second in the world. In 1996 she won the coveted “Most Kissable Lips” from Blistex.

She currently travels the country giving motivational speeches, as well as covering PAC-12 and ACC swimming. She has also been an analyst for NBC swimming in 2021 and 2024.

@amyvandyken

Gerry Turner

Reality TV Star

Gerry Turner, a reality TV star, is a 73-year young Girl Dad and Granddaughter Granddad..

As a retired business owner and operator of fast-food restaurants, Turner has had many hats in the restaurant industry. Serving as VP of Sales & Marketing for a major food service distributor in the Midwest, Turner retired at the age of 56..

Following a successful career, he started a second professional journey in Mediation, working on workplace conflict resolution, Civil Rights, Divorce and Small Claims..

Turner resides lakeside, calling Indiana home, and is eagerly looking forward to life post-the first Golden Bachelor on ABC.

Sophie Cunningham

Sophie Cunningham is a professional basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association and an analyst for the Phoenix Suns. Sophie was drafted 13th overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft out of the University of Missouri, where she played four seasons for the Tigers. She became the eighth Missouri alum to be drafted into the WNBA.

In Sophie’s six-year career with the Mercury, she has appeared in 182 career games, starting in 92 of those contests. She ended the 2024 season averaging 8.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, and 2.0 apg.

Off the court, Sophie is an active member of the Phoenix and Columbia, Missouri, communities. Her interests lie in building self-esteem and confidence in girls, veterans, and animals. Each January, she hosts the “Sophie Cunningham Classic” in Columbia, a girl’s youth basketball tournament for elite players in the state of Missouri. Back in Phoenix, she is actively involved with the Ronald McDonald House and families from the Luke Air Force Base.

@sophie_cham

Joey Fatone

Singer and Host

Joey Fatone first rose to fame as a member of the record-shattering, multiplatinum boyband *NSYNC; but his career as a global pop icon was just the beginning. Over the past decade he has gone on to find success as an actor, host, Broadway star, voiceover artist, dancer, and media personality with a number of hit television shows under his belt.

At age seven, Fatone kicked off his career starring alongside Robert DeNiro in the feature film Once Upon a Time in America. Growing up he was always drawn to entertainment and at 17 he landed a gig with Universal Studios in the Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue; which was the catalyst to stardom. He met another theme park performer named Chris Kirkpatrick which would lead to his joining *NSYNC—before long they were the hottest act in the U.S., Europe and beyond. They quickly became one of the most iconic pop groups in history.

Following *NSYNC’s incredible success with albums that sold over 10 million copies and countless awards; Joey proved to be a prominent performer and personality in his own right. With projects spanning from television, film and theater, his talent has no boundaries. He hosted the popular, long-running show My Family Recipe Rocks!, which aired on the Live Well Network. The show highlighted the stories of homegrown cooks and their homemade specialties from around the country. From there, he proceeded to host the cooking competition show, Rewrapped on The Food Network.

No stranger to the screen, Joey continued his success by competing in the hit reality TV show’s from; ABC’s Dancing With The Stars to hosting NBC’s hit series, The Singing Bee and Celebrity Circus. He earned his first producer credit for the cable television series TLC’s The Singing Office, which he co-hosted alongside famed Spice Girl, Melanie Brown. In 2016, Joey went back to his roots on the big screen in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, portraying "cousin Angelo"; becoming an instant fan-favorite. In 2019, Fatone continued to wear his hosting hat for Game Show Networks, Common Knowledge, which is nationally syndicated on FOX stations across the country. This outstanding partnership led him to become an ambassador for the network. He continued to surprise fans on FOX's cult-show The Masked Singer and landed in fourth-place as "The Rabbit". Joey's energetic spirit is unstoppable as he taps into his entrepreneurial side with Fat Ones, a hot dog business based in Orlando, FL. Having the gift-of-gab, he naturally created an eponymous podcast with his longtime manager Joe Mulvihill, titled Two Cups of Joe with Joey Fatone and Joe Mulvihill. In November of 2019, during Epcot's Food and Wine Festival Eat and Beat series, Joey performed three days of successful shows called, Joey Fatone and Friends. Fans packed the theater and were entertained by Joey along with Chris KirkPatrick, Ryan Cabrera, Nathan Morris of BOYZ II MEN, MC Search and more. He continues to do this concept currently at Epcot, Tampa and other cities in the US.

During the pandemic, he utilized his creative time and started a music trivia show on YouTube called What Does Joey Know?; co-hosted by Jason Logan and Joe Mulvihill. He managed to build an entertainment portal and a sense of community for his dedicated fans and celebrities during uncertain times.

In 2021, Joey continued his pop status as a panelist for the Irish singing competition show Last Singer Standing. In August of that year, Joey Fatone brought together some of the biggest pop superstars for a perfect, intimate evening of pop-culture classics and fun for a sold-out residency in Las Vegas. The AFTR PRTY featured Joey Fatone, Wanya Morris, Nick Carter and AJ McLean. Fatone recently became an ambassador of Hilton Grand Vacations. Last fall Fatone co-starred in Cursed Friends on Comedy Central.

For Winterfest Boat Parade 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, he was co-grand marshal with NSYNC alum Chris Kirkpatrick and pop-icon Taylor Dayne. The third installment of My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3, where Fatone reprises his role as "cousin Angelo" was released in September 2023.

At this year's MTV VMA’s, Fatone reunited with NSYNC as presenters, causing the reunion to go viral. The buzz created by the iconic boy band perfectly segued into their first song release in 22 years, called “Better Place” that is featured on The Trolls 3 soundtrack.

To keep up with Joey, follow his socials: @realjoeyfatone