STL Shock Finalizes MiLP Roster, Hosts Player Signing Ceremony

ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis Shock has finalized its Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) program roster with 110 players, many of whom attended an official signing ceremony at Chicken N Pickle St. Charles on April 24th. The event celebrated one of the largest organized pickleball team formations in the country, establishing the Shock as pioneers in creating structured pathways between recreational and professional pickleball. The roster is predominantly centered around the St. Louis region, but also features players spanning nine states in total including California, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee – showcasing the nationwide attraction and appeal to the St. Louis Shock brand on and off the court. The program's remarkable age range is particularly unique, with team members spanning from 10 to 73 years old – showcasing pickleball's true multigenerational appeal and the Shock's commitment to inclusivity at all levels of the sport. The players will compete under the Shock brand and wear Shock branded uniforms as they compete around the country. "My main goal is to become a pickleball pro one day. I'm honored to be representing the STL Shock and play for my city. I'm so happy that I get to be exposed to all these brilliant players," said 10-year-old Shock MiLP player Drake Vincent, the youngest member of the program. More than 80 Shock MiLP players who had been accepted to the team attended a Player Signing Ceremony on Wednesday evening at Chicken N Pickle, where players received signed roster certificates, heard from multiple members of the Shock's front office and staff, and received details on the coming season. "I'm excited to join the best team. Great energy, great group of people, I really like the message behind it all, they are very encouraging to everyone," said MiLP Player from Los Angeles Sheri O'Neill who attended tryouts in St. Louis back in March and flew in for team signing day! The Shock's MiLP roster features players across all skill levels, with DUPR ratings reaching as high as 5.624, creating competitive teams across multiple divisions. In addition to tournament play, team members will participate in community outreach initiatives throughout the year, further expanding the Shock's impact on the local pickleball community.