GCU Pickleball Shines at the APP US Collegiate Championships – Southwest Regional Qualifier

The Grand Canyon University (GCU) Pickleball Program made history at the recent APP US Collegiate Championships – Southwest Regional Qualifier, marking a monumental milestone with its first-ever tournament victory. Four teams represented GCU, showcasing exceptional skill and determination, culminating in a weekend filled with thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.

Team Performance Overview

Team 1: Champions of the Weekend

• Players: Xavier NcCorchuk, Artur Fonseca, Dani Halpin, Leanna Ching

• Pool Play Performance: 2 Wins, 1 Loss

• Final Outcome: 1st Place

Team 1 emerged as champions after a fierce competition. After finishing pool play with two wins and one loss, they advanced to the playoffs where they faced tough opponents. In the semifinals, they defeated the University of Utah, and in the finals, they triumphed over Utah Tech Team 1, clinching the championship title. This victory not only highlighted their skills but also marked a significant achievement for the GCU Pickleball Program.

Team 2: Strong Contenders

• Players: Adam Jones, Carter Eldridge, Sophia Gargiuolo, Aly Evanson

• Pool Play Performance: 2 Wins, 1 Loss

• Final Outcome: 3rd Place

Team 2 showcased their resilience by finishing pool play with two wins and one loss. They faced Utah Tech Team 1 in the semifinals but fell short. However, the team bounced back in the third-place match, defeating the University of Utah to secure a commendable third-place finish.

Team 3: Close Yet Far

• Players: Sam Jones, Eli Wilson, Mary Layne Holloway, Sophia Thompson

• Pool Play Performance: 2 Wins, 1 Loss

• Final Outcome: Playoff Elimination

Team 3 also concluded pool play with two wins and one loss. Unfortunately, they faced a tough opponent in Arizona State University Team 2 during the playoffs, losing in a nail-biting first-round matchup. Despite the loss, their performance throughout the tournament was commendable.

Team 4: Learning Experience

• Players: Justin Brunner, Samuel Tomich, Alyssa Bourland, Hannah Eldridge

• Pool Play Performance: 0 Wins, 3 Losses

• Final Outcome: Playoff Elimination

Team 4 faced a challenging tournament, finishing with three losses in pool play. They lost to Loyola Marymount Team 1 in the first round of the playoffs. However, this experience will undoubtedly serve as a valuable learning opportunity for the future.

Highlights and Notable Performances

The tournament was filled with remarkable moments that stood out:

• Historic Victory: This tournament marked the first victory in history for the GCU Pickleball Program, a significant achievement for the players and coaches alike.

• Dominance in Men's Doubles: Across all teams, the men’s doubles competitors demonstrated outstanding performance, finishing with a combined record of 17 wins and just 2 losses. A standout moment was Team 4’s Justin Brunner and Samuel Tomich, who pulled off a stunning upset against Arizona State University Team 1.

• Dani Halpin's Determination: Despite suffering from a foot injury throughout the tournament, Dani fought through the pain, contributing to Team 1's success and ultimately becoming a champion.

• Solid Composure in Singles: Players Artur Fonseca, Adam Jones, Sam Jones, and Aly Evanson showed remarkable composure in their singles games, pulling through some critical wins under pressure all weekend. Artur being dominate in singles all weekend, and Adam pulling an amazing win in the semifinals against Utah Tech Team 1.

• Rising Stars: Freshman ladies Mary Layne Holloway and Sophia Gargiuolo delivered impressive performances, gaining valuable experience and showing promise for the future of GCU's women's team.

• Comeback Spirit: Xavier NcCorchuk showcased his resilience by overcoming mid-game struggles against Utah Tech Team 2, leading to a comeback win that secured the series victory for Team 1.

  
  

Looking Ahead

With their performance at the APP US Collegiate Championships, GCU has qualified for the 2025 APP U.S. Collegiate Team Championships, setting the stage for further success. The skills and determination demonstrated by all teams highlight a bright future for the GCU Pickleball Program. As they build on this historic win, the program looks forward to nurturing talent and fostering a competitive spirit that will continue to drive their success in the coming years.

Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and supporters of GCU Pickleball on this incredible achievement! Here’s to many more victories in the future!