There's a quote hanging above my desk that reads, "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
When I read this quote, I think of The TPL. The TPL wasn't created because another tournament was needed, it wasn't created because you people needed another reason to play pickleball on a Saturday morning, and it wasn't created because I wanted to see how big we could make this thing.
It was created because I loved watching MLP when it was launched and I wanted to try it out. And less than a year ago, only on June 24th of 2023, we gave it our first try, with only four teams. 16 pickleball freaks battling it out for bragging rights. And we all loved it, so we did it again. And we told more people. And we ramped it up a bit with things like championship court at the Portz Pickle Palace. We pushed the limits with things like after parties, and The TPL Cup.
Amidst other boring things that can happen in life, every time I get to work on something TPL related, whether it be on or off the court, I come alive. What more can we really ask for in life than that feeling of great passion, of being in our zone of genius? (besides having your name engraved upon The TPL Cup, that's pretty awesome too). As long as I keep feeling that way about The TPL, and you fine folks keep pouring your hearts and souls into it, we'll keep this train rockin forward.
The TPL Open
Due to the success of the first three seasons of The TPL, I began to receive interest from other friends about wanting to join in on the fun, and thus the idea for The TPL Open was born. On May 18th, more enthused pickleballers will get to experience the excitement of The TPL, as we try something new for the first time. It's always a bit nerve-racking to put a new "product" into the market. Negative thoughts creep into your mind; will people actually sign up? Or will this idea flop?
At the time of this publication, The TPL Open looks to be anything but a flop, with 12 teams signed up across two different divisions (that's 48 new people experiencing The TPL!!). On top of that, and perhaps one of the most intriguing storylines to watch this season, is the promotion system we're testing out. For our "Premier League," we drafted seven teams this season, but we will compete with eight teams on tournament day, as the final team will be determined by The TPL Open. Whoever wins the advanced division on May 18th will be our eighth team on June 1st. They'll get to compete for the chance to raise The TPL Cup, and forever live in infamy.
Speaking of the seven drafted teams in the Premier League, let's meet the squads.
TPL Season 4 Premier League
Big Dink Energy, Captained by Jenny Johnson
Chris Mavetz, John Michaud, Meg Knutson, Jenny Johnson
The Rich Cat had a great draft, compiling a team filled with talent and familiarity. She was able to snag her sister, and quite possibly identical twin, Meg Knutson, and season 3 teammate John Michaud. JJ knows the importance of team chemisty when it comes to The TPL, and this squad will have no lack of enthusiasm and energy with the foursome she put together.
The team is rounded out by two time TPL Champion Chris Mavetz, who is hungry to get his name back on The TPL Cup, and further solidify himself in the record books. While they may not get many full team practices in before the event with Meg living in Virginia, we have no doubt they'll be running like a well oiled machine, and a team to look out for on June 1st.
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| Fresh off 4 medals at the US Open, JJ is ready to make a run |
Day Dinkers, Captained by Tom Spaniol
Adam Couzens, Alexi Portz, Alissa Spaniol, A-Tom Spaniol (I want to fit in and have an A name too!)
(enter 3rd person narration) Tom drafted with familiarity in mind as well, as three members of the season 2 runner ups have assembled once again. Tom, Alissa, and Adam are back together on the championship hunt after suffering a narrow defeat in the dreambreaker back in September. They've added Lexi Portz, who crushed it alongside Adam in mixed during season 3, and will have home court advantage should they make it to the championship match, which will once again take place at Portz Pickle Palace.
Will we see the expected mixed lineups of Spaniol/Spaniol and Portz/Couzens? Or will they switch it up to find the missing magic this team yearns for? The practice sessions have suggested we could see both combos throughout the day, and people playing all over the court. All we know for sure is they're going to be a team to keep an eye on come June 1st!
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| Lexi is extra fired up for the chance to play on her home court |
The Fickle Pickles, Captained by Jen Sheedy
Kyle Jordre, Jen Sheedy, Scott Thome, Volly Johnson
Jen has assembled herself a team with range. They boast the largest age gap between teammates, from young Volly to veteran Scott, as well as the largest height gap between teammates, also from Volly to Scott. But what they don't have is a large gap in skill level on their squad, as each and every team member is incredibly talented on the pickleball court.
This team has two previous TPL champions on their squad, with Scott winning season 2, and Kyle looking to defend his season 3 title. Volly is fired up to be playing in her first TPL after filling in last season as the scorekeeper. She also has the unique opportunity to take down both her mother and her aunt at the same time, if "Big Dink Energy" comes across their schedule. She's been training all her life for this moment, and with Sheedy at her side, is ready to run with it. This team of four is going to bring lots of firepower, wingspan, and possibly, but very likely, even some animal noises. Best of luck to all who come up against this fiery squad.
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| While Volly looks quiet and nice, her play is anything but |
E Squared +2, Captained by Emily Gerads
Emily Schadow, Emily Gerads, Jason Krueger, Yang Lo
Season 2 champion Emily Gerads is looking to get back on The TPL Cup after missing the championship last season, and has assembled a squad very capable of doing just that. The Emily/Emily combo is going to be a tough womens team to beat, while the Laotian Laser Yang Lo and Jason Krueger will keep everyone on their toes with their signature misdirection shots.
Will Emily G and Jason pair up in mixed having played multiple tournaments together? Or will we be blessed with the on court chemistry of Gerads and Lo? Will Emily Schadow make it to her third straight championship match in Season 4? All questions that have The TPL faithful at the edge of their seats!
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| Krueger will wear a non blue jersey color for the first time in his TPL history |
MOPP 'Em Ups, Captained by Kris Portz
Kris Portz, Matt Otto, Jen Markling, Jay Portz
Kris Portz is a smart lady. She pays attention, takes notes, and puts them into action. She watched as the season 3 TPL squad with the highest combined age ended up hoisting the trophy. And so when draft day came, she built herself a squad of experienced veterans.
Kris and Jay both come in hungry, after their respective teams failed to reach the finals in season 3 after earning first round byes. Jen Markling is fresh and ready to go after not being able to compete in season 3, and her experience playing alongside Kris will make them a tough women's matchup.
Will the Portz's get the opportunity to showcase their squad on their home court? Can Matt take his experience and wisdom gathered from his title run last season to drink from The TPL Cup once again? These are the questions that keep me and thousands of TPL fans across the nation up at night.
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| Will Matt's lips once again grace The TPL Cup? |
Hot DAMN, Captained by Nicole Idalski
Dan Forsythe, Amanda Trunzo, Mark Elliot, Nicole Idalski
The defending champion captain Nicole Idalski is back again to attempt to reclaim her title, and she drafted a team to do just that. Some are even going as far to call it the draft of the millennia. As strong as they look on paper, questions do remain around this squad.
How will Mark's hip hold up? Will Mustache Dan have his magical mustache back in time for the event? Will a lack of team practice hurt this squad, as all four team members are spread out across the region? Nicole doesn't this so, already proclaiming her team the champions on draft night. We will see what the other 7 teams have to say about that come June 1st when it's settled on the court!
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| Rumor has it their entire team is disqualified if Dan shows up without a mustache |
Back In Black, Captained by Mitchel Bates
Darrin Prince, Nicky Pomeroy, Missy Rosenthal, Mitchel Bates
When he's not cutting hair, Mitch is cutting up the pickleball court, and he sliced some hearts when he stole highly sought after Nicole Pomeroy in the draft. Many are calling this the hardest hitting team in The TPL!
Very intrigued to see how this team chooses their mixed lineps. Will Darrin and Missy team up again as they did in season 3? Or will Mitch and Missy play together as they are often seen practicing together at the local STC courts, passionately arguing over who takes what ball where? Perhaps multiple lineups will be seen throughout pool play?
Either way, look alive, stay on your toes, and get ready to handle some firepower from this squad!
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| Nicky Pomeroy is fired up for her TPL debut |
I hope you all enjoy these final 36 days as we narrow in on The TPL (only 22 days until The TPL Open!). The days leading up to The TPL are always some of the best days of the year. Where groups gather for practice sessions, where we analyze the matchups, and where we share stories off the court over a beverage. These days leading up to the event are part of what makes The TPL so special, so be sure to enjoy the shit out of them!
I'm grateful to have you all in my life. See you out on the courts.
-Tom Spaniol
