APP Announces Next Gen National Team

The APP has reinforced its commitment to the future of professional pickleball with the announcement of the inaugural APP Next Gen National Team, consisting of twelve aspiring pickleball professionals aged 16-23. APP Next Gen National Team members were selected based on a variety of criteria, including current rankings and ratings, tournament results, APP Next Gen Series results, head-to-head match results, and overall development potential.  

 The twelve 2023 APP Next Gen National Team members are:   

 Ken Herrmann, APP Founder and member of the USTA National Player Development coaching staff from 1994-1999, will serve as Director of the APP Next Gen National Team. Chad Edwards, former collegiate coach and current APP Tour broadcaster, and Adam Stone, former top-ten APP pro, will serve as Head Coaches of the 2023 team.  

 “My vision for the APP has always been to create a pathway of success for each player, regardless of one’s level of play,” commented Herrmann. “From amateurs to professionals, all players have personal goals they are hoping to achieve – it has been a privilege to provide a platform that enables each player’s growth towards achieving their goals. The APP Next Gen National Team creates a development pathway for players ages 16-23 who are establishing themselves on the professional scene. With a specific year-long player development program that consists of training camps, video analysis, on-site coaching at APP Tour stops, and gaining international experience (including the 2023 English Open Powered by The APP), it is the APP’s strong intent to continue this pathway of success for those selected this year and create motivation for younger players coming up the ranks.”  

 APP Next Gen National Team members will have three camps in 2023 to best prepare for events – one at the US Open in Naples, one at USA Pickleball Nationals later, in fall 2023, and one in summer 2023 in Utah – where members will be put through various tests, and evaluation of each player’s strengths and areas of physical and athletic improvement. Players are selected for the APP Next Gen National Team for one year, with an option for a second year based on year-end player review.  

 “As pickleball continues to grow globally, the importance of competing internationally is huge,” continued Herrmann. “Taking all twelve members of the APP Next Gen National Team with the coaching staff to this summer’s English Open will provide a great teaching experience when traveling abroad. Competing against international opponents on foreign soil will be an incredible learning experience for these aspiring professionals.”  

The APP launched its APP Next Gen Series in 2021, featuring prize-money tournaments with educational seminars to help mentor all participants interested in pursuing a career in professional pickleball. Partnering with the highly successful Chicken N Pickle establishments throughout the US to host these tournaments, three APP Next Gen events were added to the 2023 schedule – San Antonio in February, Kansas City in July, and Dallas in November. The APP Next Gen National Team expands upon this circuit, with a primary focus on mentoring and training. The APP is committed to investing in its development program with not only financial support, but continued mentorship to ensure a solid foundation for success.  

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