University of Alabama Club Pickleball Team Secures National Championship Spot

Alabama's Success at the Georgia Super Regional

The University of Alabama's club pickleball team achieved a remarkable feat by finishing as runners-up at the Georgia Super Regional held in Alpharetta, which has now qualified them for the 2026 Collegiate Pickleball Tour National Championship. Competing at the Atlanta National Pickleball Club, Alabama's Team 1, consisting of Walter Haakenson, Noah Holmes, Kiki Onyeagocha, and Emma Roberts, triumphed in all three of their pool matches against Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of North Florida, and Bryan College, securing the No. 2 seed.

Head coach Brian Williams praised the women's performance, noting their ability to dominate at times while also demonstrating the maturity to play a more controlled game when necessary. He also commended the men's team for their strategic thinking, making wise decisions, and executing plays with discipline during crucial moments.

In the knockout stages, Alabama defeated Louisiana State University 3-1 in the Round of 16, narrowly overcame the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 3-2 in the quarterfinals, and achieved a clean sweep against Auburn with a 3-0 victory in the semifinals. However, they faced a setback in the final against the top-seeded Florida Atlantic University.

Williams expressed pride in the team's achievement, stating, 'To finish second at that level and earn a nationals bid is something we’re very proud of.' As they prepare for the national championship, Haakenson mentioned the need to refine their mixed doubles strategy, suggesting that adjustments like varying their third-shot selection or strategically calling timeouts could be pivotal in closely contested matches.