STL Shock Becomes First MLP Franchise to Launch The Dink Minor League Pickleball Teams
They're a nominee for The Dink Awards Fan Favorite (vote here) for a reason.
The St. Louis Shock, one of the top Premier Level teams in Major League Pickleball (MLP), has once again made history.
The franchise is the first MLP team to officially establish a presence in The Dink Minor League Pickleball (The Dink MiLP), marking a significant milestone for the Shock, The Dink MiLP, and the broader pickleball community.
A First in The Dink MiLP: STL Shock Leads the Way
The St. Louis Shock is setting a new standard for talent development.
First, there is the formation of teams for the 2025 season of The Dink MiLP owned and operated by Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR), and second is the appointment of John Kleinschmidt as the franchise’s Director of Talent & MiLP Operations.
These initiatives represent a pivotal moment in the Shock’s mission to create a clear pathway for local talent in St. Louis, MO, to climb the ranks from amateur to professional pickleball, fostering a culture of talent development and championship-level success at every level of the game.
Why This Matters for the Future of Pickleball
“This is a monumental step for the St. Louis Shock and the sport of pickleball,” said Andrew Haines, Chief Operating Officer of the St. Louis Shock.
By joining forces with MiLP, the Shock is not only investing in the growth of its franchise but also creating opportunities for the next generation of pickleball talent.
This initiative strengthens the sport’s developmental pipeline and enhances community engagement through competitive play and player development programs.
John Kleinschmidt Joins the Shock as Director of Talent & MiLP Operations
The Shock’s ambitious MiLP program will be spearheaded by John Kleinschmidt, a Senior Pro Player and decorated competitor with multiple gold medals from the Pickleball US Open. A St. Louis native, Kleinschmidt brings over six years of coaching experience as an IPTPA Level 2 and NPA Certified Instructor.
In his role as Director of Talent & MiLP Operations, Kleinschmidt will oversee:
- Player Development: Structured practices, professional coaching, and competitive tournaments tailored for players at all DUPR levels.
- Community Engagement: Shock-hosted clinics, exhibitions, and outreach events to grow pickleball at the grassroots level.
- Brand Visibility: MiLP players will represent the Shock in high-quality uniforms, enhancing the franchise’s presence in the amateur scene.
- Competitive Excellence: Teams will compete at DUPR levels ranging from 3.0 to 5.0+, showcasing the depth of talent within the Shock’s program.
Jason Flamm
What This Means for Emerging Pickleball Talent
The formation of Minor League Pickleball teams under the Shock banner is more than just a franchise expansion—it’s a game-changer for players striving to elevate their skills.
DUPR’s Director of Minor League Pickleball, Caroline Luelf, highlights the importance of this initiative:
“By aligning with a forward-thinking franchise like the Shock, we’re creating a clear pathway for players to advance their skills, enhance their DUPR ratings, and connect with the broader pickleball community.”
Upcoming Opportunities for Players and Fans
The Shock’s MiLP program kicks off with open tryouts, providing players the chance to compete under the Shock brand in a structured, competitive environment.
Details on tryouts and events will be announced soon, and players can stay informed by visiting the STL Shock website.
Now, if you'll excuse us, we all need to go train - and move to St. Louis.
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