Monday was finals day, featuring several great matches across divisions ranging from 11 & Under through 19 & Under. These juniors showcased their skills on the biggest stage of the year.
11 and Under
As mentioned earlier, Newcomer of the Year winner Zeyden Zamora won both the Small Ball and Big Ball titles in the 11 & Under division. Zamora defeated Most Improved Award winner Luan Cordova in the Small Ball final, 21–9, 21–11. He followed that up by taking down Las Vegas–based Ricardo Zavala in the Big Ball final in two straight games.
The 11 & Under division was one of the highlights of the weekend and featured several new players, including juniors from Portland, Alaska, Juarez, Las Vegas, Tucson, and Las Cruces. It was great seeing so many players from across the country.
13 and under
The 13 & Under Small Ball division was won by Luis Cordova III, who defeated San Jose–based Chad Alves in two quick games. Cordova nearly fell earlier in the tournament to former national champion Adrian Valenzuela, but won the tiebreaker 11–6.
The Albuquerque–based Valenzuela bounced back to win the 13 & Under Big Ball division over Alves in two close games. Valenzuela and Cordova III later teamed up to play up a division and win the 15 & Under Doubles.
15 and under
The 15 & Under Small Ball and Big Ball finals featured Northern California’s Jose Mendez and Albuquerque’s Angel Valenzuela in both divisions. The two were evenly matched and put on some of the best matches of the tournament.
They played the Big Ball final first, where Mendez squeaked out both games 21–18, 21–19 to win his first national title. It looked like Mendez was going to win the Small Ball title as well after building a 7–3 lead in the tiebreaker, but Valenzuela was determined to win a title. He battled back with clutch kill shots and strong serves to take the tiebreaker 11–9.
Jose Mendez (left) and Angel Valenzuela (right) battled in both 15 and under finals.
Girls 17 and under
We saw a pair of first-time winners in the Girls 17 & Under divisions. Chicago–based Olive Barrett captured first place in the Small Ball division. Barrett and her sister Lena are related to the Roberts family, who collectively have over 100 national titles. Their mother, Sarah Barrett (formerly Roberts), also holds a national title — and it didn’t take Olive long to earn her own. Tucson–based Hana Guerrero finished second in the division.
In the Girls 17 & Under Big Ball, Las Cruces–based Nadia Herrera won her first national title in her first Junior Nationals appearance by winning all three of her matches in straight games. Herrera showed great coordination and has a bright future in the sport.
Boys 17 and under
The 17 & Under Boys Small Ball final featured Las Cruces–based Isaac Holguin and Albuquerque–based Victor Guadajaro. These two have faced each other before, and once again the match was close. Holguin capitalized on a few key errors to win 21–18, 21–19.
The 17 & Under Big Ball Singles was won by Joell “Kid Boxer” Sandoval in a thrilling match against fellow Northern California rising star Richard Perez. Sandoval dug himself a hole early in game one but slowly chipped away, eventually catching Perez at 20–20 and winning 21–20. Game two was another back-and-forth battle that Sandoval won to claim his first national title.
Perez looked for redemption in the 17 & Under Doubles final, teaming up with Albert Carreras, but they ran into a strong pairing of Jose Mendez and Ethan Medina, who rolled to the title.
19 and under
The 19 & Under division was dominated by long-time junior standout and Tucson phenom Ayden Brule. Brule cruised through the Small Ball division, defeating Javier Villagran in the final.
Brule followed that up by defeating Louie Medina in the Big Ball final, dominating play from start to finish. His toughest match came in the Big Ball semifinals, where he was pushed to a tiebreaker by Josiah Rodriguez.
Brule finished off the tournament by winning the 19 & Under Doubles with fellow Tucson resident Brandon Valle, continuing to add to his impressive national title count.
From left to right: Runner ups Moises Vasquez and Joell Sandoval with Champs Brandon Valle and Ayden Brule
Fun Division
Lastly, this tournament featured the first-ever “Fun” Division, a modified two-bounce short-court format where players rotated serving so everyone had more chances to hit the ball. This became the largest division of the tournament and was a big hit among the juniors — perfect for younger or newer players. It will return.
It was an awesome week of handball at the Junior Nationals in Tucson that saw many first-time competitors experience how great the tournament is. It was great to see bigger numbers this year, and we hope they continue to grow in the future. If you have any interest in starting a junior handball program in your area, reach out to us — we’d love to help.
Thank you to all the coaches, parents, volunteers, and players who made this event possible. View all the results HERE.
After a long day two of exciting matches, players gathered at the Tucson Racquet Club for the Junior Nationals banquet. The evening opened with a speech by USHA National Juniors Chair Abraham Montijo, who spoke about how great it was to have the juniors back in Tucson and how the event is beginning to gain traction again after the COVID pandemic. He also thanked the coaches and asked them to stand so they could be recognized by the players and parents.
Shot of the Banquet
Three annual awards were presented during the banquet:
Sportsmanship Award Winner Flores (middle) with Esser (left) and Montijo (right)
The Vince Gabriel Jr. Sportsmanship Award is given to a player who goes above and beyond to play the game with fairness and capture the spirit of handball on and off the court. This year’s recipient was Donovan Flores of San Jose. Flores helped whenever he could and was seen assisting players in need — even those he didn’t know. He also capped off a great weekend by winning a consolation bracket.
The Kurt Johansson / Kate Compton Most Improved Award is given to a player who has competed in Junior Nationals before and showed significant improvement at this year’s event. Luan Cordova of Juarez received the award after finishing second in the 11 & Under division and winning the first-ever Fun Division.
Newcomer winner Zamora (middle) with Esser and Montijo
The Tom Lynch Newcomer Award is given to a player competing in their first Junior Nationals who made their presence felt. This year’s winner was Tucson’s Zeyden Zamora, who learned the game over the summer and went on to win both the 11 & Under Small Ball and Big Ball divisions against a tough field.
After the banquet, many players headed over to the United States Handball Hall of Fame to explore the sport’s history, equipment, and trophies.
Junior Nationals Open with Energy, First-Time Experiences for New Players in Tucson
Team NorCal arrived at the Junior Nationals with an impressive and deep roster.
TUCSON, Ariz. — The first day of play at the 69th USHA Junior National Championships got underway Saturday at the Tucson Racquet and Fitness Club, as junior singles and doubles divisions opened with a full slate of spirited first-round matches and plenty of new faces stepping onto the national stage.
From early morning through the final matches of the day, courts were busy with young athletes competing in their first-ever Junior Nationals, setting the tone for a weekend focused on growth, learning, and high-energy competition. While championships are still days away, Day One delivered what Junior Nationals does best: opportunity, excitement, and unforgettable experiences.
For many players, simply being part of the event marked a milestone. Brayden Bolt of La Grange, Illinois—one of many first-time participants—captured the mindset shared by much of the junior field.
“Never doubt yourself,” Bolt said when asked about his approach on court. “Just get back up and work your hardest.”
That perspective carried through a day filled with competitive rallies, close games, and the natural nerves that come with playing on a national stage for the first time. Coaches and parents lined the galleries, while players encouraged one another between matches, reinforcing the supportive environment that defines junior handball.
Bolt’s goals for the tournament reflect the balance between competition and experience that Junior Nationals is known for.
“My goal for my first nationals is just to have fun and make my trip the best I could possibly be,” he said.
Beyond the courts, Tucson itself made an impression—especially for players traveling from colder climates.
“It’s nice to be in a warm place,” Bolt added. “We played basketball in a pool in December!”
With opening-round play complete, the tournament continues Sunday as players advance through singles and doubles brackets and the road toward championship matches begins to take shape. Day One served as a reminder that Junior Nationals is about more than wins and losses—it’s about building confidence, creating memories, and welcoming the next generation of handball players into the national community.
See the updated draws with scores and upcoming match times HERE.
Chicago-area newcomers La Grange Handball Club brought their young talent to Tucson for Junior Nationals.
TUCSON — The nation’s top junior handball talent is set to take the courts in Tucson for the 69th USHA Junior Four-Wall Championships. Players from across the country (Arizona, California, Texas, New Mexico, Illinois, Washington, Alaska, and Mexico) will compete in a fast-paced, championship atmosphere that celebrates the future of the sport—skill, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments on the wall.
Play started Saturday morning at the Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club (4001 N Country Club Rd). Draws and match times are posted. From first serves to final points, Tucson promises another memorable chapter in junior handball history. Good luck to all competitors—we’ll see you on the courts! Follow the daily updates HERE.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden Gate Park Handball Courts came alive on Saturday, November 15, as players, families, and community leaders gathered for Echoes of the Alley—Golden Gate Handball, a multicultural celebration centered on “connection through community.”
Hosted by the Irish Consulate of San Francisco, with support from the Mexican Consulate, GAA, USGAA, USHA, San Francisco Recreation & Parks, and several local clubs, the event highlighted handball’s deep Gaelic roots and its long-standing presence in the Bay Area.
Special guests included:
Michael Smith, Consul General of Ireland
Marco Mena, Consul General of Mexico
GAA Handball President Conor McDonnell
SF Fire Chief Dean Crispen
Youth Clinics & Community Play
The day opened with a junior clinic led by pros Loren Collado, Rene Lopez, and Coleman McGrath, alongside volunteers from the South End Rowing Club and Dolphin Club. Young players received instruction, gear, and the chance to compete in developmental matches. Standouts included Aidan Pecko, Alileo Acosta, and Fintan Reidy.
Men’s and Women’s Exhibitions
With the courts buzzing, spectators filled the gallery for two thrilling professional exhibitions. Hall of Famer Tracy Davis faced UC Berkeley sophomore Nicole Eike. Davis claimed the win in two games, but both players delivered an engaging, high-quality match that left the juniors inspired and the crowd energized.
Bay Area pros Coleman McGrath and Erik Torres followed with an intense exhibition featuring athletic rallies, momentum swings, and—fittingly for San Francisco—a decisive backwall rollout that helped McGrath edge out the victory in two spirited games.
A Shared Celebration & Major Contribution
After the Golden Gate Handball Day Ceremony, consulate leaders and special guests awarded medals and thanked the community for its support. A highlight of the day was a GAA $10,000 donation to San Francisco Recreation & Parks to support court maintenance and improvements.
Strengthening a Growing Partnership
The event extended the momentum of the new USHA–USGAA partnership, demonstrating how handball continues to bring communities together across cultures and generations.
Thank you to all partners, volunteers, and players who made this special day possible. Special thanks to Vice Consulate Naoise Kenny for tremendous work behind the scenes, and thank you to Joheem Eike for all-day support at event!
The United States Handball Association (USHA) and the United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA) are proud to announce a landmark partnership uniting two communities with shared roots in Irish sport and culture. This collaboration will create new opportunities to expand handball participation across GAA clubs nationwide while celebrating the heritage, friendship, and shared values that connect both organizations.
“The collaboration between the USHA and the GAA is an exciting and natural extension of our shared mission and passion to introduce handball to new generations of players,” said Denis Hogan, President of the United States Handball Association. “The athleticism, sportsmanship, competitive challenge, and lifelong camaraderie that define our game are deeply rewarding for all who play. We’re truly grateful for this opportunity to work alongside the GAA in expanding our outreach and growing the sport together.”
AUSTIN — A new handball pilot program launched this past Saturday through a cooperative effort between the USHA and United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA), marking the first clinic, practice, and day of play. With more than 130 USGAA clubs across the United States, the partnership represents an exciting opportunity to reintroduce Handball — one of Ireland’s legacy Gaelic sports — to new players and communities. The USGAA is the governing body responsible for promoting the sports of hurling, camogie and Gaelic football in the United States.
Texas A&M’s Martin Mulkerrins and Eilish Owens led the event, organizing instruction and facilitating games for participants. Six players from the Celtic Cowboys GAA Club joined 13 local players for a spirited afternoon of learning and competition. Another 15 players are expected to attend the next session, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 5, leading up to the Texas State Championships on Nov. 16. Participants will be encouraged to enter the Novice or C divisions to continue their development.
“The greater integration of Handball into the USGAA, and indeed GAA clubs around the World, has immense potential for the growth of the sport,” said Mulkerrins. “We are very excited to be part of this Texas Pilot Program with the Celtic Cowboys GAA Club and look forwarded to strengthening our collaboration with them and other clubs in Texas and around the country.”
This partnership between the USHA and USGAA aims to introduce new players to handball and strengthen the connection between the two organizations across the Gaelic Athletic community.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The 2025 Coney Island Players Championship took place over the weekend as players and fans gathered in memory of Mike Schneider Sr. and other handball heroes we’ve lost, including Ed Buonomo, Joe Thompson, and Stan Zavoyskiy. This annual One-Wall Small Ball showcase continues to attract some of New York’s top competitors.
Mike Schneider Jr. would have made his father proud, capturing the Open Singles title over One-Wall legend and 11-time USHA One-Wall Open champion Tyree Bastidas in a dramatic final. In the one-game-to-21 final, Schneider held on to win 21–20. (Watch the thrilling finish in using the link below)
In the Masters Doubles Division, Joe Kaplan and Jai Ragoo defeated George Figueroa and Tony Roberts to bring home the title, rounding out a memorable weekend of competition.
Check out the Men’s Open Singles final between Schneider Jr and Bastidas HERE.
MAUMEE, Ohio — Championship Sunday at the 2025 USHA Three-Wall Nationals was a thriller and delivered some exciting matches. It was highlighted by Shorty Ruiz achieving a lifelong dream with his first Men’s Pro Singles title.
Ruiz captured the championship with a decisive two-game victory over John Bike. The opening game was a tense battle. Bike stood just two points from winning game one before a few untimely errors allowed Ruiz to seize momentum and steal game one. In game two, Ruiz found his rhythm and never looked back, cruising to a 21-12 win. Fittingly, the match ended with Ruiz’s signature ceiling shot soaring over Bike’s reach, prompting a roar of triumph from the new national champion. After the match, Ruiz thanked the crowd and praised Bike’s performance. He also admitted that him being in better shape this year helped him prevail.
Ruiz goes for a kill shot against Bike in the final.
In the Women’s Open final, Mikaila Esser successfully defended her title, defeating doubles partner Ashley Ruiz. Ruiz came out strong, jumping to an early 5-0 lead, but Esser’s trademark combination of powerful drives and well-placed ceiling shots quickly turned the tide. She rallied to take game one, 21-13, then carried that momentum into game two with a fast start and a commanding 21-7 finish. “This is my favorite tournament, and I’m so happy to win it again.” Esser said after the match, smiling with her second consecutive singles crown in hand.
Esser reaches back to drive the ball in the final
The Pro Doubles final saw the debut partnership of John Bike and Sean Lenning produce gold, as the pair claimed the championship by defeating first-time three-wall finalists Ivan Burgos and Ray Ure.
Esser completed a “slam” in the Women’s Open division, teaming with Ashley Ruiz to sweep the four-team doubles field. For the second straight year, Kristen Hughes and Leah Kirk finished as runners-up.
This year marked the 50th edition of the USHA Three-Wall Nationals at the George D. Miller Handball Courts in Maumee, and once again, the Toledo Handball Club delivered unmatched hospitality and a first-class tournament. For five decades, this Labor Day tradition has brought the handball community together in Toledo, and this year was a celebration worthy of that legacy. Here’s to another 50 years!
Congratulations to our 2025 National Champions:
Men’s Open: Shorty Ruiz
Women’s Open: Mikaila Esser
Men’s A: Carter Kounovsky
Men’s B: Zach Gabriel
Women’s B: Scarlett Smith
Men’s C: Eddie Rodriguez
Women’s 35: Mel Sky
Men’s 40: Tony Clarke
Men’s 45: Adam Zimet
Men’s 50: Joe Kaplan
Men’s 50B: Juan Pichardo
Men’s 55: Pete Hanover
Men’s 60: Thomas Valenzuela
Men’s 65: Phil Kirk
Men’s 70: John Friedrich
Men’s 75: Ed Campbell
Men’s Open Doubles: Sean Lenning and John Bike
Women’s Open Doubles: Mikaila Esser and Ashley Ruiz
Men’s Big Ball Open Doubles: Allan Sanchez and Shorty Ruiz
Men’s A Doubles: Carter Kounovsky and Vincent Yam
Men’s B Doubles: Rob and Michael Humphreys
Men’s 35 Doubles: Dave and Mike Munson
Men’s 35 Big Ball Doubles: Freddy Torres and Allan Sanchez
Men’s 45 Doubles: Shane Conneely and Adam Szatkowski
Men’s 55 Doubles: Dan Zimet and Alan Frank
Men’s 60 Doubles: Alan Frank and Mark Zamora
Men’s 65 Doubles: Jake Esser and Brad Bronenkamp
Men’s 70 Doubles: Ray Estevez and Tim Sterrett
Men’s 75 Doubles: Bob Bardwell and Ed Campbell
Mixed Fun One-Wall Doubles: Allan Sanchez and Mel Sky
Bike goes for a drive in his semifinal victory against Lenning
MAUMEE, Ohio — Perfect weather set the stage for Saturday’s semifinal action at the 2025 USHA Three-Wall National Championships, with temperatures in the low 70s creating ideal playing conditions for a memorable day of handball.
In the Men’s Open division, the first semifinal delivered a stunning upset as John Bike defeated 14-time champion Sean Lenning. Bike edged out a hard-fought first game, 21-18, then unleashed a devastating serving attack in game two, overwhelming Lenning, 21-3. With the win, Bike continues a remarkable family legacy, joining his father and grandfather as finalists at the Three-Wall Nationals.
The second Men’s Open semifinal featured a rematch of the recent WPH Ice Bowl final between Shorty Ruiz and Luis Cordova. Cordova appeared to be in control after cruising in game one and holding match point at 20-17 in game two. Ruiz, however, refused to yield, saving match point, rattling off four consecutive points to force the tiebreaker, and seizing control early. Leading 10-3 in the breaker, Ruiz executed a perfectly placed ceiling fist shot to clinch the match and book his place in the final. “Bike’s the only one standing in my way of getting this title I’ve been wanting my whole life, so I need to keep executing my game in the final,” Ruiz said afterward.
On the Women’s Open side, defending champion Mikaila Esser showcased her power and precision in a commanding win over former champion Tracy Davis. Esser controlled the match from start to finish, keeping Davis deep in the court with a steady mix of drives and ceiling shots.
Esser will face her doubles partner, Ashley Ruiz, in Sunday’s championship match after Ruiz defeated last year’s runner-up, Megan Dorneker, in straight games. “My serve was working and getting me setups in the front court, where I’m most comfortable,” Ruiz said. Both Ashley and her husband, Shorty Ruiz, will be playing for Open titles on Championship Sunday.
Saturday evening also featured a celebration of a remarkable milestone: 50 years of the USHA Three-Wall Nationals in Toledo. Since 1975 (with only one cancellation due to COVID-19), the Toledo Handball Club has set the standard for hospitality and tournament excellence, drawing players back year after year.
Jim Lowe, speaking on behalf of the Toledo Handball Club, captured the sentiment perfectly, sharing that he has continuously skipped a family reunion over Labor Day weekend — because his handball family gathers in Toledo at the same time.
The evening also honored brothers Mike and Dave Munson, who were awarded their “Grand Master” sweaters, recognizing players who have won 10 age-division national titles. Remarkably, the Munsons achieved this feat in under a decade, winning nine of the 10 titles together as a doubles team. Bill Mehilos teamed with each brother for the other title, or as Dave Munson joked, “tagged along.” In an emotional speech, Mike Munson thanked his family, the Chicago Handball community, Lake Forest coach Mike Dau, and his brother Dave for their role in reaching this milestone.
MAUMEE, Ohio – Under clear skies at the George D. Miller Handball Courts, the second day of competition closed in dramatic fashion, with players and fans soaking in the action on the center’s eight courts. Meanwhile off the courts, the grills were fired up with Toledo Handball Cooks delivering up amazing hospitality, adding to the relaxing Three-Wall Nationals atmosphere.
In Men’s Open Singles action, Sean looked like his vintage self, firing crack serves and ripping drives down the walls against One-Wall Champion, Tyree Bastidas. What might have been a championship final a decade ago played out as a quarterfinal today, showing just how deep this field has become.
In other quarterfinal action, Ray Ure came out blazing against John A. Bike, taking the first game 21–12 and carrying that momentum to a 16–10 lead in the second. But Bike wasn’t done—he steadied, got his serve rolling, and stormed back to win 21–16. The tiebreaker saw Ure bolt to a 7–0 lead, but a skipped setup cracked the door open. Bike pounced, caught fire, and completed the comeback 11–7, as Ure was hesitant at some key moments.
In the lower have of the bracket, Luis Cordova and Sam Esser went shot for shot in a nail-biter. Locked at 8–8, Esser had the serve when Cordova unleashed a perfectly executed 50-foot ceiling ball that stunned the gallery and swung momentum. Cordova kept the serve and closed it out, showing why he’s so dangerous under pressure.
In another thriller, Shorty Ruiz trailed Daniel Cordova 17–20 in game one before digging deep. Ruiz fought off game point, stole the opener 21–20, and then dominated the second 21–7. His trademark ceiling shot was on full display, pushing Cordova off the court and sending him to the sidelines in frustration.
In Women’s Open Singles action, Mikaila Esser looked unstoppable, blitzing Ireland’s Jodie Keeling in two quick games by capitalizing on her opponent’s inexperience at this level.
Former champion Tracy Davis returned to Toledo in top form, dispatching Kristen Hughes in straight games with the poise of a veteran.
Ashley Ruiz was equally sharp, dismantling newcomer Christina Pecaut without giving her room to breathe.
Meanwhile, Megan Dorneker’s serve was red-hot against Leah Kirk, propelling her into the semifinals and setting up an impressive foursome of past champions in the Women’s Open semis.
The Men’s C division delivered some of the closest matches of the tournament so far, with three out of four decided in tiebreakers. Rhys Cohen (Chevy Chase, Md.) advanced with two tiebreaker wins in his opening matches, while Eddie Rodriguez (Elkhart, Ind.) went 2–0, including a gritty three-game victory over Austin Tyler (Loveland, Ohio), 12–21, 21–8, 11–2.
That set up a championship showdown between Cohen and Rodriguez, scheduled for Noon on Sunday. With the margins razor-thin in round-robin play, every rally has carried weight—and the Men’s C final promises more of the same.
See some clips from today’s matches (Facebook) HERE.
MAUMEE, Ohio – HOLY TOLEDO, Three-Wall Nationals Week is here, and we can’t wait for another awesome tournament. This year is extra special as this is the 50th year that the Toledo Handball Club has hosted the tournament! They are amazing and do tournament hospitality like nobody else!
The 74th USHA Three-Wall National Championships will begin Thursday afternoon at the Lucas County Rec Center’s George D. Miller Handball Courts. This year’s event will see the return of Sean Lenning who holds the all-time record with 14 Three-Wall National Titles! If he wants to win his fifteenth it won’t be easy, as top players Luis Cordova, Daniel Cordova, Shorty Ruiz, Ray Ure, John Bike, Tyree Bastidas and many more will stand in his way of the title!
Action shot from Lenning at Toledo
In the Women’s Open Singles draw, Mikaila Esser is back to defend her title. She is joined by a stacked Women’s Open division that includes three other prior champions: Megan Dorneker, Ashley Ruiz, and Tracy Davis! It will be fun to watch.
Follow all the action and check out the brackets HERE for the latest results from the Championships! Stay tuned to this page and our social media pages for updates from the tournament.
Allan Sanchez and Carlin Rosa appear to go for the same ball. The small miscue didn’t stop the pair from defending their doubles crown.
CONEY ISLAND, N.Y. — Tyree Bastidas extended his legendary run on Sunday, capturing a record 11th National One-Wall Singles title with a dominant 21-13, 21-1 victory over his brother, Jurell Bastidas. The win capped another incredible performance by Tyree, who has long since secured his place among handball’s all-time greats.
In the most thrilling match of the day, the Bastidas brothers looked to reclaim the Men’s Pro Doubles title from defending champions Allan Sanchez and Carlin Rosa. But the Impact Pro duo showed last year’s win was no fluke, defeating the Bastidas brothers in straight games, 21-17, 21-17.
While the scores reflect two close games, the second looked to be heading toward a tiebreaker. Team Bastidas surged to a 17-4 lead, with Tyree displaying some of his finest play ever. But just when the momentum seemed irreversible, Rosa and Sanchez mounted one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent memory—rattling off 17 straight points to clinch the title.
Rosa was relentless, returning firepower with both hands, while Sanchez displayed unmatched finesse, soft hands, and surgical kills. Their composure under pressure earned them back-to-back titles and cemented their place among the sport’s elite.
In the age division action:
35+ Singles: Jonathan Davila claimed the title in his second return to the final, defeating Thomas Valenzuela, 21-9, 21-7.
40+ Singles: William Polanco topped Alvaro Rebaza, 21-9, 21-10.
40+ Doubles: Polanco and Rebaza joined forces to defeat Carlin Rosa and Yuber Castro in the day’s only tiebreaker, 21-13, 11-21, 11-5.
50+ Singles: Joe Kaplan downed Carlos Madera, 21-9, 21-10.
50+ Doubles: Kaplan completed the slam with partner Jai Ragoo, defeating Freddy Torres and Milton Jones, 21-13, 21-13.
70+ Slam: Artie Diamant added his name to the list of weekend slammers. He defeated Ed Campbell in the 70+ Singles final, 21-12, 21-5, then paired with Chris Diminico to take the doubles crown over Campbell and Vincent Ruggiero, 21-14, 21-16.
B Singles: William Huazhco won the B Singles title over Jason Eng by forfeit.
The weekend wrapped up a spectacular tournament that began under heavy rain but ended with sunshine and sensational handball. A special thanks goes to USHA Vice President Jared Vale, whose tireless efforts and unmatched leadership as event director once again ensured a first-class experience. Vale’s dedication continues to foster a positive, welcoming culture for players, officials, and fans alike.
Chris Dominico (Chelmsford, MA) stretches out for a return against Artie Diamant (West Babylon, NY) in 70+ Singles action.
CONEY ISLAND, N.Y. — Saturday’s action kicked off early as players arrived ahead of the weekend wave of beachgoers along one of New York’s most iconic boardwalks.
In 70+ action, Ed Campbell is proving he doesn’t need two—or even three—walls to dominate. The reigning Four-Wall and Three-Wall National Champion looked right at home on the concrete, cruising past Tim Murray in the semifinals, 21-6, 21-12. He’ll face Artie Diamant in Sunday’s final after Diamant dispatched Chris Dominico, 21-6, 21-11.
In the Men’s Pro division, defending Singles champion Tyree Bastidas advanced to the final without swinging a serve, as Manuel Caraballo was forced to withdraw. Tyree’s older brother, Jurell, had to earn his spot the hard way—surviving a tiebreaker against Saul Gonzalez, 21-13, 18-21, 11-5.
The Men’s Pro Doubles final will be a rematch of last year’s showdown. Allan Sanchez and Carlin Rosa overcame a strong challenge from Miguel Mendez and Yuber “Pee Wee” Castro to punch their ticket to Sunday. The Bastidas brothers were in top form, dispatching Robert Sostre and Sheikh Hossain in straight games, 21-11, 21-12.
Elsewhere, the ageless Tommy Valenzuela will meet Jonathan Davilla for the 35+ Singles title. Valenzuela, a Southern Californian and the reigning 60+ champ, entered the 35+ division this year after age brackets were consolidated—choosing to test himself against the “youngsters” in the Senior circuit.
The 40+ final will also be a familiar matchup, as William Polanco and Alvaro Rebaza renew their rivalry.
Joe Kaplan continues to steamroll through the 50+ field. He reached the singles final by dismantling Freddy Torres, 21-2, 21-8. Awaiting him is No. 6 seed Carlos “Flat Top” Madera, who continued his breakout run with a dominant win over Tony Roberts, 21-7, 21-5.
In 50+ Doubles, Kaplan teams with Jai Ragoo to face Torres and Milton Jones for the title.
Saturday also saw the tournament crown its first national champion. William Huazhco of Corona, N.Y., took home the honor after Jason Eng (Astoria, N.Y.) was forced to forfeit.
CONEY ISLAND, N.Y. — The 2025 One-Wall Nationals are off and running as first-round play began Friday under overcast skies. Heavy rain and flooding across New York and New Jersey the day before threatened to disrupt the event, but the courts dried in time for a thrilling start.
In the 50+ Singles division, Freddy Torres gutted out a gritty win over Timothy Moeller, 21-20, 21-14, in one of the day’s toughest battles. Torres will face No. 1 seed and defending champ, Joe Kaplan in Saturday’s semifinal.
Freddy Torres of Manhatten returns a shot against Brooklyn’s Timothy Moeller in the 50+ Singles.
It didn’t take long for the action to heat up in the first round of Men’s Pro Singles. Steven Poon staged an incredible comeback after facing three match points against Isaiah Hong, rallying to win 13-21, 21-20, 11-10. Both players put on a show with spectacular shot-making and extended rallies. Poon’s reward? A second-round matchup with top seed and defending champion Tyree Bastidas.
Bastidas enters this year’s tournament looking to build on his legacy. After breaking the all-time record for Open Singles titles in 2024, he’s now eyeing his 11th national crown. The path won’t be easy, with fierce challengers like his older brother Jurell Bastidas, Saul Gonzalez, and others in the draw.
In Open Doubles, reigning champs Allan Sanchez and Carlin Rosa return to defend their title after shocking the Bastidas brothers in last year’s final.
Meanwhile, the one-wall courts are drawing talent from all corners of the handball world. Masters legends Ed Campbell, Merv Deckert, Tim Murray—known for their three- and four-wall success—are testing their skills on the Coney Island concrete.
Follow along with updated results and draws for all One-Wall Nationals divisions HERE.
Draws and Start Times Posted for the 64th USHA National One-Wall Championships!
Please note: Match times are subject to change. Be sure to review your start times regularly—up to the day of your event—and check in at the tournament desk for the latest updates.
In the event of rain, report to the courts first. Weather-related updates will also be posted at www.ushandball.org.
BOULDER — Sunday meant finals day for the small ball divisions at the 2025 Junior Three-Wall Nationals, and there was no final players and spectators were more excited for than the 19 and under match between Tucson’s Ayden Brule and Colorado’s own Eli Gutierrez. The juniors and local players packed the park to watch these two junior stars go at it.
Gutierrez had defeated Brule at the Junior Four-Wall Nationals this past December and that had stuck with Brule. He brought his A game to Boulder and was determined to win.
The pair were even for the beginning of the first game before Brule caught fire with his serve that went out the door down the left. He rode that to a 21-11 victory. Game two Brule picked up where he left off and jumped out to a 13-0 lead, playing near perfect Handball. Gutierrez refused to go down easy in front of his home crowd though and kept battling. It took Brule four match points to close out Gutierrez before he finally finished it off 21-11. Both finalist are already amazing players. Brule is 18 while Gutierrez is 16, so there is a good chance they will be seeing each other again.
Ayden Brule (middle left) and Eli Gutierrez (middle right) with their coaches Abe Montijo (left) and Jon Gutierrez (right)
In the 17 and under it was a battle of Albuquerque residents and friends Alex Guajardo and Angel Valenzuela. The two play often at their home court and know the others game well. Guajardo was the stronger player today and kept Valenzuela out of the front court for the majority of the match in his 21-15, 21-13 win. Guajardo slammed the 17 and under with the win.
Azriel Gomez completed the slam in the 13 and under by defeating Luis Cordova III in two convincing games. Gomez has improved so much in the past year and continues to practice 4 times a week in Tucson. He is dedicated and a future star in the sport.
Thank you to the Colorado Handball Association for an incredible tournament with phenomenal hospitality all weekend. The juniors were well taken care of. A special shout out to Jon Gutierrez, David and Donna Mosley, Stan Dunleavy and Reggie Vair for their hard work each day that included being the first to show up and the last to leave. Lastly, thank you to the junior coaches who brought their kids to compete and are working hard for the future of our sport.
BOULDER– On Saturday we were greeted with more beautiful weather and we also crowned our first champions of the weekend in the Big Ball singles events.
In the 19 and under we had the highly anticipated final of Eli Gutierrez and Ayden Brule. Brule looked like he was on a mission in the match as he crushed the ball and pushed Gutierrez all around the court en route to a 21-6, 21-10 win. The pair will also face off in the small ball final tomorrow morning.
In the 17 and under big ball final we had a rematch of the final last year between Alex Guajardo and Angel Valenzuela who are both based in Albuquerque, NM. Guajardo won last year’s event in a tiebreaker but he only needed two competitive games to defeat Valenzuela this year.
In the 13 and under big ball final, Azriel Gomez finally broke through and won his first gold medal by defeating Luis Cordova in two dominant games. Gomez had around six silver medals but had never taken first place before. He stopped that trend by dominating Cordova. They will also face off in the small ball final tomorrow.
Gomez (left) with Cordova (right). It was Gomez’s first gold medal.
There was plenty of great handball on the court but the highlight of the day was probably the new player clinic. The United States Handball Association partnered with the Play Boulder Foundation to introduce new juniors to handball. From Noon to 1:30pm all the matches stopped and top players Abe Montijo, Jon Gutierrez, Ivan Burgos and Sam Esser took the time to introduce handball to 10 new juniors. They had a blast and will have the opportunity to join the Colorado Youth Handball Association, which many seem like they want to do.
Some of the kids who came to learn handball at the junior nationals.
Small ball finals will be played tomorrow morning. Stay tuned for the results!
BOULDER — We couldn’t of asked for a better day to kick off the 2025 Three-Wall Junior Nationals at the East Boulder Recreation Center Friday. Sunny skies and a beautiful mountain background surrounded the facility as the juniors took to the court.
The Colorado Handball Association took great care of the juniors and kept them well fed and hydrated throughout the day. They needed it as there was some fierce action on the courts.
Tucson’s Liam Schnaar and Juarez’s Luis Cordova III played more handball than anybody today and were apart of some exciting matches. They played eachother in singles of the big ball 13 and under division. After Cordova won the first game convincingly, Schnaar bounced back to shock the crowd and win 21-19 in the second game. Schnaar could not keep it up in the tiebreaker as Cordova won the final game 11-2. Despite falling short in the match, Tucson coaches Abe Montijo and Ivan Burgos were in agreement that the match was some of Schnaar’s best handball yet.
Cordova lines up for a shot against Schnaar
Schnaar was on the right side of a tiebreaker later in the day when he and his partner Azriel Gomez rebounded from a first game loss to Adrian Valenzuela and Arial Flores to win in a tiebreaker.
Cordova was on the wrong side of a tiebreaker later in the day as he and his partner Angel Valenzuela fell to Alex Guajardo and Luan Cordova in heartbreaking fashion 11-10.
Top seeds in the 19 and under and rising stars in the sport Eli Gutierrez and Ayden Brule cruised in their opening matches. They look to be on a crash course to face off against eachother in the finals.
The 2025 Junior Three-Wall Nationals will kick off in Boulder, CO this weekend where juniors all around the region will be competing for a National Championship! The divisions will range from 19 and under to 13 and under. The courts are located at the East Boulder Community Center at 5660 Sioux Drive, Boulder, CO 80303.
The tournament is headlined by current 19 and under four-wall champion and Colorado native Eliseo Gutierrez. He will have his handfuls though with junior rival and ranked pro Ayden Brule along with other hungry competitors.
In the younger divisions, many rising stars continue to improve and will look to show that off this weekend as they battle others in their age divisions. Stay tuned to this page for updates from the tournament!
Opportunity for new juniors to learn Handball!
This year we are excited to partner with the Play Boulder Foundation and invite any 19 and under youth to come learn the game on Saturday, July 12th from 12pm to 1:30pm. This event is FREE to the juniors and they will receive a free swag item. After learning the game, juniors will have the opportunity to join the Colorado Handball Youth group and continue to play.
Championship Sunday Shines at 2025 USHA Wallball Nationals in Coney Island.
CONEY ISLAND, N.Y. — A surprise weather system greeted players and fans with rain on Championship Sunday at the 17th USHA Wallball National Championships. Fortunately, the courts dried by late morning, and final matches were underway by noon. Once play began, it was business as usual for the defending champions in the Men’s and Women’s Pro Singles divisions.
Tavo Ruiz and Jenny Qu each successfully defended their titles—and looked dominant doing so.
In the Men’s Pro final, Ruiz had kept all his opponents in single digits leading up to the championship. Tywan Cook, seeking to reclaim a spot atop the podium, gave Ruiz his toughest challenge, staying within reach at 18-14. But an untimely error handed Ruiz the serve, and he responded with four quick points. Though Cook briefly regained a chance in the service box, he couldn’t capitalize, and Ruiz closed out the match 25-14 to retain his crown.
In the Women’s Pro final, Qu faced off against Melanie Garate. Qu jumped out to a commanding 23-7 lead before Garate found her rhythm, hitting several flat kills to close the gap to 23-12. Qu wisely took a timeout to regroup, then returned to finish off the match with poise, securing her third straight national title.
Garate would earn redemption in the Women’s Pro Doubles final, teaming up with her sister Jessenia to defeat Qu and partner Biridiana Garcia, 25-20.
“Jenny Qu just continues to dominate in singles,” said tournament director Jared Vale. “And the Garate sisters remain the standard in doubles.”
In Men’s Pro Doubles, Carlin Rosa captured his second straight title—this time with a new partner, Allan Sanchez. The duo looked sharp throughout and dismantled Timbo Gonzalez and Los Pena in the final, 25-6. “Allan and Carlin were just too much for them to handle,” Vale added.
Masters Division Recap: Jose Olivencia of Queens once again proved his dominance in the 40+ division, edging out Brooklyn newcomer Deshawn Kearse in a thrilling 25-24 final. Kearse had earlier knocked off the No. 2 and 3 seeds, signaling he’ll be a name to watch next year—especially if the 50+ eligible Olivencia chooses to compete down again.
Olivencia didn’t stop there. He added a third 50+ Singles title to his résumé with an impressive 25-21 win over big-ball legend Ray Lopez.
Lopez bounced back by unleashing his powerful serve in the 50+ Doubles, teaming with George Figueroa to defeat Jared Vale and Tim Moeller, 25-6. “Simply amazing—Ray’s serves were on,” said Vale, who had a front-row seat on the receiving end.
In the 40+ Doubles, Allan Sanchez earned his second medal of the day, pairing with Paul Yagual to outlast Sam “Clutch” and Andre Diaz, 25-17.
Shena Brown and Elaine Gillard claimed top honors in Women’s 35+ Doubles, defeating Erica Mendez and Terry Delosrios, 25-10.
B Division Highlights: Top seed Gerardo Ruiz dominated the B Singles division and was awarded the title after Juan Mendoza was forced to forfeit the final. Ruiz completed the “B Slam” by teaming with Brian “Toro” Duran to win the B Doubles final over Jonathan Rodriguez and Lur Ziarrusta, 25-15.
In Women’s B Singles, Shantel Mena broke through after several near misses in previous years, defeating junior standout Tiffany Lau, 25-9. Lau returned in the Women’s B Doubles final, teaming with Kennedi Walker to defeat Leslie Spencer and Michelle Cardenas, 25-11.
After a soggy start, Championship Sunday finished with a flourish—highlighting excellence across every division and age group. Congratulations to all champions and the players who pushed them every step of the way!
Special Thanks A huge thank-you goes to tournament director Jared Vale, who once again led a top-tier team to deliver a memorable event. Gratitude also goes out to these standout volunteers and contributors:
China Pizarro – The Queen of Court Management
Laurence DuBois – Chief of Referees and Discipline
Glenn Usher & Reggie – Best Supporting Refs
Joanne Ly – Best Supporting Staff
Jason Lieng – Newest Team Member and USHA Northeast Commissioner
Richard Mascia – Most Reliable Supporter
Albert Apuzzi – Best Equipment Supplier
Joe “Carmen” Kaplan – Best Equipment Packer
Phil “Pwnzz” (Ten’s Finest) – Best Co-Streamer
Themyscira Di Prince – Best Co-Streamer and Newest National Champ
The 17th USHA Wallball National Championships return to the Seaside Handball Courts at Asser Levy Park in Coney Island, June 20–22. Players from across the country will battle it out in one of the sport’s most electric atmospheres—just steps from the beach, boardwalk, and iconic New York summer vibes.
This is your last weekend to register for one of the most exciting events on the USHA calendar. The deadline to enter is June 15. Entries will be accepted on Monday, June 16, by 3 p.m. (EDT) for a $15 fee.
The 17th USHA Wallball National Championships offers:
Custom souvenir
Tournament hospitality
Certified referees
High-level competition on historic courts
Competition kicks off early Friday morning, June 20. Plan an early Friday start for divisions with 16 or more entries. Players should be prepared to compete throughout the weekend, with champions crowned Sunday afternoon.
Whether you’re coming to play or to watch, this year’s Wallball Nationals promises high-octane rallies, passionate crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Future Champions Take the Court at the USHA & ICHA Junior One-Wall Nationals in Coney Island
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – The legendary handball courts at Coney Island were the site of the 2025 USHA/ICHA Junior Small Ball Nationals this past weekend, welcoming nearly 60 of the nation’s top one-wall junior players for two days of fast-paced competition and emerging talent.
Many of the competitors train year-round in the highly competitive New York Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL), and their skill and dedication were on full display as they battled for national titles. The atmosphere was exciting, with spectators treated to elite-level rallies, spirited sportsmanship, and promising glimpses of the sport’s future stars.
At the end of the event, two standout athletes earned top honors as tournament MVPs:
Female MVP: Tiffany Lau Wu of Brooklyn (Midwood High School)
Male MVP: Kenny Lin of Staten Island (Midwood High School)
Both players impressed with their composure, court awareness, and relentless hustle—qualities that made them rise above an already talented field.
Congratulations to all of our 2025 Junior National Champions! You can view the full list of winners [HERE].
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Inner City Handball Association (ICHA), Jared Vale, China Pizarro, and Paul Williams, along with our incredible volunteers—Mr. Tony Grimm, Richard Mascia, Eugene Lau, and Saul Gonzalez—for their invaluable support throughout the event.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to the coaches and mentors who dedicate their time and passion to teaching the next generation. Their commitment continues to shape future handball champions and ambassadors of the “Perfect Game.”
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The nation’s top young handball talents will converge on the legendary Seaside Courts at West 5th Street and Surf Avenue for the 2025 USHA Junior One-Wall Nationals, hosted by the Inner City Handball Association (ICHA). This annual event showcases the next generation of rising stars as they compete for national titles in both singles and doubles play.
This year’s tournament promises a weekend filled with intense rallies, pride, and passion. Many of the top players from New York City’s Public School Athletic League (PSAL) season will take to the courts—all vying for the prestigious title of Junior One-Wall National Champion.
“When youth players compete in the Junior Nationals, they’re not just going for titles—they’re inspiring the next generation,” said USHA Vice President Jared Vale, who also serves as the event organizer. “This event plays a key role in expanding the sport’s reach and keeping the handball community strong and connected.”
Who will rise to the top in 2025? See the published draws on the tournament’s R2Sports page HERE.
Start Times:
– All Singles Divisions Report: 8:00 a.m. – All Doubles Divisions Report: 10:00 a.m.
To ensure fair and safe play, all participants must present a valid school ID with date of birth or a combination of a birth certificate and school ID. Protective eye guards are mandatory—loaner pairs will be available on-site.
Beyond the trophies and titles, the tournament offers incentives for participants to pursue education and personal growth. Scholarship opportunities will be available through the USHA & ICHA 2025 Scholarship Program, encouraging student-athletes to excel both on the court and in the classroom.
“We want our players to know that hard work in handball can open doors off the court as well,” noted Vale, highlighting the scholarships and mentoring that ICHA provides to college-bound players.
For more information or event-related questions, please contact ICHA at (718) 703-7699.
