CHICAGO (March 23, 2024)—The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) today unveiled the organization’s expanded commitment to developing the next generation of pickleball players and growing the game. The preeminent pickleball organization announced a new development pathway with the launch of the APP Junior Circuit for players ages 18 and under plus the 2024 APP Next Gen U.S. National Team roster, featuring 13 of America’s best pickleball professionals ages 16-23.
Demand to provide junior pickleball players a proper development pathway is growing, and the APP is taking a distinct leadership position. The APP Junior Circuit will provide resources for junior pickleball players to hone their skills, serving as a development pathway to join the Next Gen Series then pursue professional opportunities with the APP Next Gen U.S. National Team and the APP Tour. The APP Next Gen Series has proven to be successful in such efforts after producing multiple gold medal winners on the APP Tour. This includes Riley Bohnert and Jorja Johnson—the youngest person ever to win a Triple Crown on the APP Tour after an impressive performance during the 2024 APP Sacramento Open.
“The youth movement in pickleball has really taken the sport by storm, and we’re proud to expand our support for the sport’s future stars,” said Melissa McCurley, APP executive vice president of competition. “The APP has always been an advocate and resource for players of all ages and skill levels, but our commitment to youth initiatives sets us apart. First with the APP Next Gen Series and APP Next Gen U.S. National Team to now offer the APP Junior Circuit, we’re continuing to be leaders in the evolution of pickleball for all young players.”
The 2024 APP Next Gen U.S. National Team roster features 13 pickleball players ages 16-23 who have demonstrated strong potential to shape the future of the sport: Riley Bohnert (Louisville, Ky.), Jayden Broderick (Greenville, S.C.), Alia Brown (Alpharetta, Ga.), Jack Foster (Vero Beach, Fla.), Ava Kalist (Chambersburg, Pa.), Spencer Lanier (Newberg, Ore.), Richard Livornese, Jr. (East Amwell Township, N.J.), Cameron Luhring (Parkersburg, Iowa), Lauren Mercado (Las Vegas, NV), Jack Munro (Austin, Texas), Brooke Revuelta (Miami, Fla.), Kaden Seward (Joplin, Mo.) and Ivy Tschetter (White Bear Lake, Minn.). This roster will participate in training camps, receive coaching and mentoring, participate in physical and skill evaluations and travel internationally to compete in global pickleball events powered by the APP.
“The mission of the APP Next Gen U.S. National Team is to educate and build a successful foundation for each member of the squad,” said Ken Herrmann, APP founder and director of the 2024 APP Next Gen U.S. National Team. “The key to success is education, and building a team to help support oneself in any professional endeavor will help achieve success. We are truly proud to provide a platform for growth and international stewardship, creating pathways to success for every player regardless of skill level.”
Herrmann, who was a member of the USTA National Player Development coaching staff from 1994-1999, will be joined by former collegiate coach and current APP Tour broadcaster Chad Edwards and current AARP Champions Division APP Tour pro Lee Whitwell as this year’s coaches. Under their direction, the squad is scheduled to participate in development camps in April at the US Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Fla., then in November at the USA Pickleball Nationals in Mesa, Ariz. They will also participate in international events, including an August trip to the 2024 English Open powered by the APP in Shropshire, England.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be the Head Coach for the APP Next Gen U.S. National Team again in 2024,” commented Edwards. “The sport of pickleball is ever evolving and these players are a true testament to the growth of the sport both in the USA and globally. I was able to work with most of the team members in 2023 and it’s amazing how fast these young up and coming pros can develop their game. They are already garnering podium finishes on the APP Tour and these young men and women are quickly becoming the faces for the future of pickleball around the world.”
“Being part of the APP Next Gen U.S. National Team in a huge honor,” said Bohnert. “Not only does it create even more friendships for me, it also provides great coaching. It has been an honor to be coached by Ken and especially Chad, who has always been there for me and has helped me in any way possible that he can.”
“I’m excited to be a part of this amazing team for another year,” said Livornese, Jr. “I can’t wait to continue to grow and work with some of the best pickleball coaches and players in the world.”
These initiatives build on the APP’s authority as the catalyst and steward of pickleball, providing opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels through a robust slate of playing formats. It joins the APP’s lineup and calendar of world-class pickleball events, which feature the most robust pickleball showcase across pro and amateur competitions.
Registration information for the APP Junior Circuit is available at theapp.global. Summer 2024 events will take place at Chicken N Pickle locations on June 20-22 in San Antonio, Texas; July 25-27 in Wichita, Kan.; and August 15-17 in St. Charles, Mo. Each event includes resources for junior pickleball players to hone their skills and develop, including:
- The opportunity to obtain an APP Junior Circuit rating for the age division played
- Rating points awarded for each player’s placement in events
- Qualifying opportunities to compete at the APP Junior National Championships on Dec. 6-7 at The Fort, the APP’s official headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
More information about the APP, its initiatives and the full 2024 competition schedule are available on theapp.global. Behind-the-scenes access and player content are also available by following the APP on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.