Kayla Travis from Calvert City, Ky. got a chance to play in Naples Florida in the 8th Annual Minto US Open Pickleball Championships. The most prestigious tournament in the sport, players come from all 50 states and 29 countries ranging in age from 8 to 88. Last year over 3,000 players competed and this year almost 4,900 competed. Main permanent courts are 1-27 with additional 28-59 courts set up. Divisions are Men’s and Women’s Pro, Split Pro age, Pro Singles, Pro Mixed Doubles, Pro Mixed Split age, Men’s and Women’s Senior Pro, Senior Mixed, Senior Singles, Juniors, Men’s and Women’s Doubles, Singles, Mixed Doubles with brackets for 12 years and under up to 80+ age brackets. To play in this tournament you had to register between January 10-17 for the event you wish to play. Your name is then entered into a lottery for the event. Lottery winners are then notified if they can play.
Kayla participated with her partner, Nathan Wildridge of Washington Indiana, in the 5.0 Mixed Doubles 25-29 age bracket and brought home Silver.
Joy Lentz and Lana Wilson of Paducah participated in the 3.0 Women’s Doubles age 70-79 bracket and won Bronze. Joy also participated in the 3.5 Mixed Doubles age 70-74 with partner, Robert Clark of Machesney Park, Illinois.
Silver Medal Winners:
Kayla Travis and Nathan Wildridge – 5.0 Mixed Doubles 25-29
Bronze Medal Winners:
Joy Lentz and Lana Wilson – 3.0 Women’s Doubles 70-79
Submitted by:
Darlene Latta
USA Pickleball Ambassador Marshall County, Ky.
