Utah Tech Duo Wins Women's Doubles at APP U.S. Collegiate Championships
Champions Crowned at APP U.S. Collegiate Championships
Mary Monson and Lauren Mercado from Utah Tech have emerged victorious in the women's doubles category at the APP U.S. Collegiate Championships, solidifying their reputation as a leading team in college pickleball. Their triumph at this prestigious tournament, organized by the APP Tour in collaboration with Selkirk Sport, has garnered significant recognition, with organizers labeling them the 'top women's duo in collegiate pickleball.'
Following their impressive win, the APP Tour took to social media to celebrate the duo's achievement, which underscores Utah Tech's rising influence in the burgeoning collegiate pickleball landscape in the United States. Monson and Mercado's exceptional teamwork and consistent performance were pivotal in their success, allowing them to outmaneuver their competitors and claim the championship title.
The APP U.S. Collegiate Championships serves as a vital platform for emerging talent in pickleball, and the accomplishments of Monson and Mercado reflect the growing depth and competitiveness within university-level play. This victory is a significant milestone for Utah Tech, enhancing the program's standing in collegiate pickleball.
Event Structure and Prize Money
The 2026 APP Selkirk U.S. Collegiate Championships featured both team and individual events, boasting a total prize pool of $50,000. The invitation-only team championship offered $32,500, distributed as follows:
- 1st place: $12,000
- 2nd place: $6,000
- 3rd place: $3,500
- 4th place: $2,000
- 5th–8th: $1,250
- 9th–12th: $1,000
The individual championships provided $17,500 in prizes across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories:
- Men’s/Women’s Singles: 1st – $970, 2nd – $620, 3rd – $350
- Men’s/Women’s/Mixed Doubles: 1st – $2,270, 2nd – $1,400, 3rd – $870
Tournament Schedule
The competition spanned three days:
- Friday, March 6: 8 AM – Individual men’s and women’s singles; 1 PM – Individual men’s and women’s doubles
- Saturday, March 7: 8 AM – Team competition (pool play); 1 PM – Individual mixed doubles
- Sunday, March 8: Team competition – double elimination bracket
Championship Format
Teams were seeded based on their performances in qualifying events, with all No. 1 seeds receiving automatic entry into the double-elimination championship bracket on Sunday, skipping pool play on Saturday. The No. 2 to No. 4 seeds and 11 at-large bids were divided into eight pools of four teams, with pool results determining seeding for the final elimination bracket.
Growing Stage for Collegiate Pickleball
The APP U.S. Collegiate Championships remain a crucial platform for aspiring players in the sport. As collegiate pickleball rapidly gains popularity across American campuses, the success of Monson and Mercado highlights the increasing competitiveness and visibility of the college game.