Photos, release: The Picklr
Salt Lake City, UTAH – January 9, 2025 – The Picklr announced, January 9, that they’re teaming up with three of the top pro pickleball athletes in the world, Anna Bright, Hayden Patriquin, and Connor Garnett, to create The Picklr Pro Team. Built to inspire players at every level, The Picklr Pro Team solidifies the franchise’s position, “where pros are made.” The athletes will train exclusively at The Picklr, represent the franchise in pro matches, and bring their skills to multiple events where they can interact with members. Connor Garnett specifically will be hosting a pro clinic tour exclusively at Picklrs nationwide beginning this February, where members can learn firsthand from the #3 ranked singles player in the world.
Since playing in her first pro pickleball event in 2022, Anna Bright has won 20 Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) gold medals and is currently ranked #2 in the world for mixed doubles and #3 for women’s doubles. She’s also a two-time Major League Pickleball (MLP) Champion and MVP. While her pickleball career is on fire, Anna caught the eye of The Picklr team for having one of the loudest voices on the court and her ability to champion the growth of women in pickleball from the youngest age to top-level pros.
Hayden Patriquin has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young talents in professional pickleball. At 19, he has already achieved a slew of remarkable milestones, including ten podium finishes in 2024 alone, highlighted by gold medals at the Pickleball World Championships in November and the PPA Tour Finals in December. These achievements have propelled him into the top eight Men’s and Mixed Doubles worldwide rankings. Off the court, Hayden is equally committed to the growth of pickleball. He actively seeks opportunities to inspire players of all ages, showcasing the sport’s inclusivity and competitive spirit.
As a D1 tennis player turned pickleball pro, Connor Garnett has also had an impressive career since joining the PPA tour in 2022. He was one of the first pickleball athletes to be featured on ESPN SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays, which increased the sport’s visibility. Connor’s explosive tendencies, fast hands, and signature “Twoey,” his infamous two-handed backhand, have helped him quickly rise to the top of the sport and influenced the progression of the sport’s faster play. To highlight his commitment to improving his game, he plans to bring his skills and instruction to The Connor Garnett Pro Clinic Tour, hosted exclusively at Picklr locations along the PPA Tour.
“These exceptional athletes, celebrated for their unparalleled skill and dedication, have set a new standard of excellence in professional pickleball while inspiring the next generation of players,” said Kathryn Bullough, Chief Marketing Officer at The Picklr. “Welcoming Anna, Hayden, and Connor to The Picklr aligns perfectly with our vision to be the heart of pickleball. As leaders in their sport, they embody what is possible, and together, we aim to inspire what is possible in pickleball.”
“It’s important to me to have partners who are mutually beneficial to me so The Picklr was an obvious choice,” said Anna Bright. “Having played at The Picklr during MLP Salt Lake City, as well as getting to know the team over the past year, I have been so impressed with them as a brand and am excited to be a part of their team in 2025, alongside Hayden and Connor.”