Twice the Joy: Scholarships, Champions, and Growing Junior Pickleball

This National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we had double the reason to celebrate — and double the players to prove it.

May is always a special month at the Southern Pickleball Academy — but this year felt different. In honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, we doubled our scholarship awards and doubled the turnout at our junior tournament. Two milestones at once. That's the kind of growth that reminds us why we do this.

We are proud to announce that this year's E. A. Powell Memorial Pickleball Scholarship was awarded to two outstanding high school seniors from the Central Savannah River Area: Olivia Brumfield and Luke Waldhauer. Each receives $1,000 in recognition of their leadership, initiative, and commitment to sharing the sport of pickleball with their peers.

Meet our 2025 scholars

"After my volleyball career ended, pickleball served as an amazing outlet to stay active and competitive. My advice: do not be afraid to step out of your shell — you never know where it might take you!"— Olivia Brumfield

"Pickleball has given me so much both on and off the court — without it I would have never met some of my closest friends."— Luke Waldhauer

These two young athletes embody exactly what the E. A. Powell Memorial Scholarship was created to honor — not just skill on the court, but a genuine desire to bring others into the game. Congratulations, Olivia and Luke. We can't wait to see what you do next.

Olivia Brumfield accepts her scholarship check from Bob Fogle and Beth Eberhard

Luke Waldhauer accepts his scholarship check from Beth Eberhard and Bob Fogle

Battle of the Paddles: 40 junior pickleball players, one great day

On May 16, Gregg Park Civic Center in Graniteville came alive with the sound of paddles and cheering. Forty players aged 8 to 18 took part in our Battle of the Paddles Junior Pickleball Tournament — twice the number from last year. Watching this event grow is one of our greatest joys, and this year's competitors brought the energy, the focus, and most importantly, the fun.

Players competed in a Round Robin Scramble across three age divisions. Here's how things shook out:

Juniors (8–11) 🥇 Hudson McCarthy 🥈 Eden Caldoza 🥉 Beau McGibonry & Mark Griffin (tied)

Challengers (12–15) 🥇 Carson Altes 🥈 Connor Berry 🥉 Ian Campbell

Elite (16–18) 🥇 Frazier Lybrand 🥈 Jayden Sullivan 🥉 Addison Metts

Every single one of these competitors showed poise and sportsmanship that made us proud. The scores mattered — but the smiles mattered more. As we always say here at the Academy: if you had fun, you won.

Battle of the Paddles 2026 Gallery

Thank you to everyone who played, cheered, volunteered, and made this month possible. The Central Savannah River Area pickleball community keeps showing up, and we will keep showing up for you. Here's to the next rally. Paddles up!

The Southern Pickleball Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of "Healthy Youth and Communities Through Pickleball." To learn more, donate, or get involved, email info@southernpickleballacademy.org.