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.
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.
Grand Opening of the U.S. National Handball Center
Local media, government officials and handball fans gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening on Tuesday, May 27.Jeff Streibig addressed the crowd expressing gratitude to the many individuals and partners who made the dream of a national handball home a reality.
HAZELWOOD, Mo. – The United States National Handball Center officially opened its doors on Tuesday, May 27, with a ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony that marked a historic milestone for the sport. Following the excitement of the 74th USHA National Four-Wall Championships, multiple local and regional media outlets, along with hundreds of handball fans, players, and supporters gathered to celebrate this long-awaited moment.
The event featured remarks from local officials and state senators, and it concluded with a heartfelt speech by Jeff Streibig, the visionary and driving force behind the project. Streibig expressed gratitude to the many individuals and partners who made the dream of a national handball home a reality.
The ceremony also included a sign unveiling, official ribbon cutting, handball exhibition, and guided tours of the state-of-the-art facility—giving guests their first look inside what promises to be a cornerstone for the sport’s future.
While there’s still work ahead and funding needed to fully realize the Center’s potential, the grand opening was a powerful celebration of progress and possibility.
To learn how you can support the next phase of development, please visit the US Handball Center websiteHERE.
If you missed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, you can watch the replay on our YouTube channel HERE.
Lenning and Cordova Capture Doubles Crown; Esser Completes Championship Slam with Holden
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –The 74th USHA Four-Wall National Championships couldn’t have ended on a better note than it did this Memorial Day at the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts. The Women’s Open Doubles final kicked off the day with singles finalists Mikaila Esser and Aoife Holden teaming up against Suz Entzeroth and Carly Munson. Entzeroth and Munson jumped out to an early lead in game one, looking poised to make an upset.
Things changed though when Entzeroth rolled her ankle midway through the first game. After an injury timeout, Esser and Holden regained control of the match and never looked back, winning 21-13, 21-11. The victory marked the first ever National Four-Wall Open doubles title for the duo.
The Men’s Open Doubles featured top seeded Luis Cordova and Sean Lenning against Martin Mulkerrins and Diarmuid Mulkerrins. Despite being a first time pairing, Cordova and Lenning were in sync on the court and always had each other’s back. They comfortable took game one 21-14. A strong 7-1 start from Cordova and Lenning suggested the match might be over quickly but the Mulkerrins brothers refused to quit. They dominated the match from there and built a 20-14 lead.
They say the last point is the hardest point though, and that rang true for the Mulkerrins brothers. Given three chances to serve for game point in the second game, they ould not convert; Cordova and Lenning took advantage and hit two back wall kills to seal the match and win the championship.
Monday’s finals delivered exceptional action and unforgettable finishes across all divisions, capping off an outstanding championship weekend at Missouri State University.
Planning is already underway for the next major event—stay tuned to ushandball.org and watch for updates in Court Shorts.
It was an incredible weekend of handball at the Thomas H. Burnett Handball courts and couldn’t of been pulled off without an incredible group of people.
Thank you to our hosts at Missouri State University, especially Christian Madsen, Jeni Hopkins, and Brian Watson. Another BIG thank you to Dale Bolin who kept matches on time all weekend while being the first person their every day and the last to leave.
Lastly, thank you to all the players who supported the tournament and made it a great weekend. It’s not possible without you.
Coming Up: On Tuesday, May 27, the USHA will host the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the National Handball Center in Hazelwood, Mo. Players, families, and friends are invited to celebrate this historic occasion, featuring guest speakers, local officials, handball exhibitions, and facility tours. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Central. Watch the ceremony live on the USHA YouTube channel.
Watch the exhibition court action and replays on the USHA’s YouTube channel HERE. Don’t forget to subscribe!
Follow us on Instagram for daily photo feeds, match stories, live reels, and more behind-the-scenes action! There’s always strength in numbers, so please share, subscribe, follow, or leave us a “like!”
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The 74th USHA Four-Wall National Championships may have signaled a changing of the guard, as current Men’s Collegiate Champion Ray Ure powered his way to the Men’s Pro final. A similar moment occurred 12 years ago in Des Moines, Iowa, when a then 20-year-old collegiate champion named Martin Mulkerrins reached the final. This time, however, the roles were reversed: it was the experienced Mulkerrins who defeated the rising star Ure in two games, 21-10, 21-14, to capture his second national title in three years.
On the familiar Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts, it was fitting that awards were presented by the late legendary coach’s daughter, Jeni Hopkins, who also interviewed the finalists after the match.
By staying aggressive while slowing the pace, Mulkerrins controlled the match from start to finish. He kept Ure off balance and never allowed him to build the kind of momentum he displayed in earlier rounds.
“At 19-12, I was worried he might rattle off a few serves and get back into it,” Mulkerrins said.
“Ever since the World Championships, I strayed from my usual game plan and wasn’t playing as aggressively,” he added. “Getting back to that made all the difference.”
Reflecting on his fourth consecutive USHA final, Mulkerrins said, “It’s tough when you put so much into it, but I was really focused this week.”
The victory capped an outstanding four-wall season for Mulkerrins, who reached all eight finals on the WPH R48Pro Tour. Meanwhile, Ure showed immense promise and is expected to return stronger as he gains experience against top-tier opponents and commits more training time exclusively to handball. “He has a very bright future.” Mulkerrins stated.
Martin teamed with Diarmaid Mulkerrins to defeat Ure and Ivan Burgos in the Men’s Pro Doubles semifinal, 11-21, 21-15, 11-8.
They’ll face Luis Cordova Jr. and Sean Lenning in Monday’s pro final. Cordova and Lenning stopped Leo Canales and Sam Esser, 21-12, 21-7.
In the Women’s Pro Singles final, Mikaila Esser delivered a storybook performance on the courts where she first learned the game. Esser hit timely shots and held her lead in both games to defeat Aoife Holden and secure her first four-wall national title, 21-14, 21-15.
After match point, she paused to take in the moment.
“It all started here, on these courts,” Esser reflected. “That makes this so special. And to use what Jennifer said last night: ‘You have to go through some losses to get that big win.’” Esser was referencing Hall of Fame inductee Jennifer Schmitt’s heartfelt speech the evening before.
The win marked a banner year for Esser, who also claimed her first National Three-Wall Singles title last September.
Esser and Holden will pair up in Monday’s Women’s Pro Doubles final against second seed, Carly Munson and Suz Entzeroth.
The night before the finals was a special one, as the USHA inducted two outstanding contributors into the Handball Hall of Fame: Don Quinlan, as a Contributor, and Jennifer Schmitt, as a Player.
Quinlan was introduced by several juniors who came through his program: Bill Mehilos, Kyle Kloss, and Izzy Klicker. Another former junior, Carlos Zamora, could not attend in person but sent a touching voice recording sharing what Don Quinlan had meant to him. Ever gracious, Quinlan accepted the honor with humility and credited the incredible people he met through handball over the decades—including the privilege of working with Hall of Famer Vern Roberts.
Jennifer Schmitt was introduced by her siblings, Vern and Allison Roberts, both Hall of Fame players themselves. They shared stories of growing up together through handball and spoke about the deep bonds and support that defined their family. Allison recalled playing Jennifer in the 2005 final, while Vern reflected on the challenging roads both sisters took to reach their championships.
After receiving her Hall of Fame jacket, plaque, and portrait, Schmitt expressed deep gratitude to her family, friends, and especially her mother, who made the trip from Florida for the occasion. It was a truly special night, and a moving ceremony honoring two deserving members of the handball community.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Leo Canales Jr. pumped his fist as Paul Brady’s final return attempt—a drive down the right wall—failed to reach the front wall. That match point in the tiebreaker not only sealed a thrilling 21-8, 17-21, 11-5 victory over Paul Brady, but also secured Canales a spot in the semifinal, where he’ll face Martin Mulkerrins.
A large crowd packed around the main exhibition court to witness the dramatic three-game clash, leaving spectators on their feet and hungry for more.
From the start, Canales played with purpose. He delivered shot after shot with sharp precision, staying locked in with a competitive intensity that mirrored the approach Brady has brought to the court for over 25 years. Remarkably, both players are former USHA Collegiate champions on this very court—Brady in 2000 and Canales in 2018, 18 years apart. But on this day, the spotlight belonged to Canales.
The match marked a rare setback for Brady, who has enjoyed a stellar season, capturing his sixth World title and an unprecedented eleventh All-Ireland crown. As both players exited the court to a standing ovation, murmurs spread through the gallery: was this Brady’s final U.S. Nationals appearance?
In other Men’s Pro Singles action, Luis Cordova Jr. looked sharp, dispatching Sam Esser in straight games, 21-7, 21-8. Martin Mulkerrins also advanced, defeating David Walsh, 21-10, 21-11.
Ray Ure, the current USHA Collegiate Men’s Open champion, topped veteran Sean Lenning in another thrilling quarterfinal, 21-18, 7-21, 11-1. Ure set the tone early, capitalizing on every opportunity and forcing Lenning onto the defensive. Though Lenning mounted a furious comeback in the second game, Ure calmly regrouped and dominated the tiebreaker, showing the poise of a rising star. Remarkably, three of the men’s semifinalists are former USHA Collegiate National champions—a clear indicator of a new generation rising through the collegiate ranks and now making their mark on the pro stage
Play continued Friday across several divisions, with some semifinal matchups setting the stage for Saturday’s finals.
Watch Saturday’s live streamed action and Day 2 replay on the USHA’s YouTube channel HERE. Don’t forget to subscribe!
Follow us on Instagram for daily photo feeds, match stories, live reels, and more behind-the-scenes action! There’s always strength in numbers, so please share, subscribe, follow, or leave us a “like!”
Paul Brady first made waves in Springfield, Mo., in 2000 by capturing the Men’s Open Singles title at the Collegiate Nationals. Twenty-five years and a legendary career later, he returned to those same courts on Thursday—this time as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Beneath the towering shadow of Missouri State’s Robert W. Plaster Stadium, the 74th USHA Four-Wall National Championships officially got underway at the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts. While the university’s football program ushers in a new era by joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)—set to face perennial powerhouses like the University of Southern California and Southern Methodist University—it was business as usual for the handball program, which proudly hosted the USHA Four-Wall Nationals for the first time.
Missouri State’s powerhouse collegiate handball program boasts multiple team championships and All-American honors, prominently showcased on a display between the two exhibition courts—part of the 12 regulation four-wall courts now alive with nonstop action leading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
While the opening day typically offers more routine results, this year’s first round brought intense tiebreakers that had fans pressed against the glass. In Men’s Pro action, Sam Esser and Ivan Burgos delivered a thrilling three-game battle, with Esser ultimately prevailing 21-18, (9-21), 11-4. The Tucson Racquet Club sparring partners made the most of their matchup more than 1,000 miles from home—no surprise, as they’ve clashed across multiple cities on the WPH R48 Pro Tour.
Another highlight in the Men’s Pro division was the return of Ireland’s Paul Brady to the very court where he captured a Collegiate title 25 years ago. While some of today’s competitors weren’t even born when Brady first made his mark—like Tucson’s Ayden Brule, born in 2006—his Round of 16 opponent, Matt Job of Cincinnati, would have been just six years old at the time. But age has rarely been a factor in Brady’s storied career, and he advanced to the quarterfinals with a decisive 21-9, 21-1 win over Job.
All other top seeds advanced as expected, including All-Ireland finalist David Walsh of Cork, who handled Tucson’s Max Langmack with a commanding 21-10, 21-5 victory. Notably, Walsh also won a Collegiate title on these courts in 2022.
Thursday’s action also featured exciting finishes in several other divisions. See the day’s results and draws HERE.
Friday’s matches kick off at 10 a.m. Central time. Watch the live stream on the main exhibition court on the USHA YouTube Channel HERE.
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Missouri State University Handball Club and the U.S. Handball Association are excited to host the first ever USHA Four-Wall National Championships on the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts, located at the Plaster Sports Complex.
Tentative Start Times are now posted. Draws will be made LIVE Monday, May 19 at 8 p.m. Eastern. Main exhibition court matches will be streamed LIVE on the USHA YouTube Channel HERE. Follow us for more updates on Instagram.
About the courts: Named after their legendary handball coach, and USHA Hall of Fame Contributor, Tommy Burnett, features 12 courts, all with back-wall viewing and two with side-wall glass viewing. Plus, there’s an amazing display of team trophies and the MSU Handball Team history in the lobby!
Play begins Thursday morning, May 22, with Men’s Singles divisions. Preliminary rounds may be scheduled early in the day, with subsequent rounds played in the afternoon. After the first day, one round will be played per day through the finals. All Doubles divisions will conclude on Monday, May 26, with one round played per day. Example: A round of 16 would begin on Friday and finish with the final on Monday. All Women’s and Juniors divisions will also conclude on Monday, following a one-round-per-day format.
USHA Hall of Fame Induction – Saturday, May 24, at the University Plaza Hotel.
Don Quinlan and Jennifer Schmitt will be formally inducted during the Saturday night banquet on May 24, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions and achievements in the sport.
Don Quinlan fostered one of the nation’s most successful junior handball programs at the Lattof YMCA in Des Plaines, Illinois, for over four decades—until the facility’s closure in 2020. He personally recruited most of his players from the YMCA, where he not only coached but also mentored them on and off the court, often traveling with them to tournaments nationwide. Many of his former students continue to play handball today and credit Don for their lifelong connection to the game.
Jennifer Schmitt, a standout member of the legendary “Roberts” handball family, has accomplished just about everything there is to achieve in the sport. She captured her first national title in the Girls 15-and-under division, launching a career that would include multiple collegiate open championships, as well as national titles in both four-wall and three-wall competition. Known for her fierce play and sportsmanship, Schmitt remains not only one of the greatest women to ever play the game—but also a passionate ambassador for handball’s growth. Join us in Springfield to honor these two legends and take part in the tournament festivities. This year’s Four-Wall Nationals Banquet will be held at the University Plaza (host hotel). Players entry is included. Additional guests are $35/each and may be purchased prior to the event.
Springfield has plenty to do so bring the whole family!
Top attractions include the original and largest Bass Pro Shop in the country with a huge aquarium, Dickerson Park Zoo, Lake Springfield, and more! Branson, Missouri is only an hour drive and is one of the best touristy places to visit in the country with plenty to do and see.
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United States National Handball Center Grand Opening, May 27.
Just one day after the Four-Wall Nationals conclude, we will be holding the Grand Opening of the new National Handball center in St. Louis, MO! We invite everyone playing or attending the tournament to join us. St. Louis is a three hour drive from Springfield and a convenient place to fly out of after the tournament.
The Grand Opening Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., concluding at 1 p.m. allowing out of town visitors ample time to fly out Tuesday afternoon. We will have snacks and refreshments, tours of the building, a pro exhibition match, speeches from key officials and a ribbon cutting ceremony!
AUSTIN — The 2025 Southwest Regional tournament concluded Sunday evening, ending one of the largest regional tournaments we’ve seen in a long time. Mikaila Esser notched her first Women’s Classic title by defeating Clodagh Munroe Sunday morning by the scores of 15-12, 15-10. It was a sweet victory for Esser, who has come close to winning the Women’s Classic title several times but never prevailing until this weekend.
In 2022, Esser lost on these same courts in Austin in the Classic finals against Ashley Ruiz in a tiebreaker. Ruiz again defeated her in the finals in 2023, and then it was Clodagh Munroe defeating her in the semifinals of last year’s tournament in St. Louis.
Esser was determined to win this year and it showed with her play on the court. She played phenomenal handball in the final against Munroe, who also looked strong. The famous “fish bowl” court at the Gregory Gym is known for it’s all glass walls and a tough court to return ceiling balls off the back wall. Esser used that to her advantage by pounding the ceiling and putting Munroe deep in the corners of the court. This forced several errors and weak returns from Munroe that Esser converted into corner kills.
Esser (left) shows off her trophy with Munroe (right)
Esser was equally impressive in her semifinal win over Aoife Holden who defeated her only a month earlier on the Women’s Pro tour and has been playing strong. Munroe was dominant in her semifinal win over Handball Hall of Famer Jennifer Schmitt. Holden defeated Schmitt to claim third at the Women’s Classic.
University Texas Alum Kristen Hughes had an impressive win over Lake Forest star Emma Kinane to win fifth in the tournament.
The Women’s B division had 26 ladies competing in it! Many of them were collegiate players and we saw awesome play from them. Sarah Reels made the trip from Pacific University in Oregon and brought home the B title by defeating Missouri State’s Elaina Schoene. There is a bright future in handball for many of these women!
Champion Reels (right) with Schoene (left)
Martin Mulkerrins won the WPH Men’s Pro division by defeating Mark Doyle in a tiebreaker. Doyle was appearing in his first final, and had impressive wins over Daniel Cordova and Dave Fink to earn his spot against Mulkerrins. Despite his sensational run, Mulkerrins proved why he is the number one ranked pro on the WPH tour. Read a full recap of the Pro action from the WPH HERE.
On Saturday night, the 175+ players and some guests gathered in the banquet room at the Gregory Gym to honor long time Texas Coach Pete Tyson. Tyson, now 88, coached handball for over 50 years and has introduced thousands of players to the game.
Marting (right) holds the microphone for Tyson (left)
Some of his former players came to be a part of the celebration, including John Bike Jr. who talked about how much Tyson meant to him and how Tyson cared so much about his players, on and off the court. Bike Jr. was followed by former USHA Executive Director Vern Roberts and another one of Tyson’s former players, LeaAnn Martin. Both Roberts and Martin reflected on their memories with Tyson, but also talked about how much he has meant to the game of handball and it’s development. Tyson helped write the rulebook for handball and has written many instructionals for the game that are still read today. Tyson closed out the banquet with a touching speech and by thanking Bike Jr, Roberts and Martin for being there and being some of his best friends.
Handball is strong in the Southwest Region. Outisde of the Women’s Classic and Pro division much handball was played from regional players. Several Collegiate Handball students are learning the game and traveling all around the region to participate in tournaments. Ambassador’s are working hard to grow and promote the sport.
Another highlight of the tournament was adding a four-wall big ball division which encouraged many outdoor players in Texas to come inside and support the tournament.
A big thank you to the University of Texas Handball Club for putting on an awesome tournament. A special shoutout to Noel Aguilar, who envisioned this tournament a year ago and did an amazing job of putting it together and ensuring it ran smoothly despite having three short days to fit in a bunch of matches.
Check out all of the results from the tournament HERE.
AUSTIN– The 2025 Women’s Classic is underway from the Gregory Gym on the campus of the University of Texas. A huge draw of nearly 50 women are on hand competing for the prestigious classic title.
Defending champ Clodagh Munroe has cruised so far in the tournament. She’ll face stiff competition though if she wants to retain her title from the likes of Aoife Holden, Mikaila Esser, Emma Kinane and more who are all vying for their first Classic title.
The coolest moment of the tournament so far was Jennifer Schmitt squaring off against Amesely Davis in the round of 16. Schmitt, a Hall of Fame player who has dominated the sport for years took down Davis’s mom, Sharon Baylor, in the 1991 Collegiate National Finals. Davis was unable to get revenge for her mother as she fell in two straight games.
Davis (left) and Schmitt (right).
Follow along with the drawsHERE and stay tuned for more updates.
AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas Handball Team proudly invites players and fans from across the country to the Pete Tyson Classic, featuring the WPH Race 4 Eight LTE Stop #8 and the prestigious USHA Women’s Classic—all set in the iconic Gregory Gymnasium on the UT-Austin campus.
This event marks a powerful union of tradition, elite competition, and the future of the sport.
The University of Texas boasts one of the most storied handball legacies in collegiate history—home to countless national titles, legendary athletes, and a passionate community that has helped shape the game for generations. At the heart of that legacy stands Pete Tyson, a Hall of Fame Contributor, revered coach and mentor whose impact on the program and its players continues to inspire. The tournament bearing his name celebrates not just his contributions, but the spirit of excellence and inclusion that define Texas Handball.
This year’s Classic also hosts Stop #8 of the WPH Race 4 Eight Men’s LTE series, bringing some of the top men’s players in the world to Austin for high-caliber action in a setting steeped in tradition. It’s the perfect pairing of elite play and student-driven passion.
Alongside, the USHA Women’s Classic returns, highlighting the current and rising stars of women’s handball. This Classic traditionally features emerging talent and seasoned competitors alike, continuing the USHA’s longstanding commitment to advancing women’s handball.
Whether you’re a longtime player, a new fan, or returning to where it all started, join us for a weekend that celebrates handball’s past, present, and future—deep in the heart of Texas. Get more tournament details HERE.
Minnesota State Mankato Sweeps the Collegiate Nationals
PORTLAND, Ore. — Students, coaches, and local handball spectators packed the crowds Sunday morning to watch the finals of the 2025 Collegiate Nationals.
The day began with the Men’s Open final. After losing three consecutive years in the semifinals, Ray Ure broke through this year in the and defeated his fellow Minnesota State Mankato teammate John Bike in two games. Ure took game one convincingly, but fell behind early in game two 14-10. Determined to win, Ure went on a 7-0 run to take a 17-10 lead and seemed to be on his way to clinching the title.
Bike had a run left in him though, and scored four quick points to take an 18-17 lead. A missed paddle kill attempt from Bike put Ure back in the box where he tied the match at 18. The duo traded sideouts and when Ure got his second chance in the service box he closed it out with a couple of pass shots and an unreturned serve to win the match 21-11, 21-18. It was a great way for Ure to end his collegiate career.
Bike (left) and Ure (right) after their final.
Clodagh Munroe was looking to defend her title in the Women’s Open against Cuileann Bourke, who was coming off two impressive wins over the second and third seeded players in the Women’s Open division.
Munroe, while winning all her matches in two games to this point, had still not been playing her best handball. She must have been saving her best for the finals because she put together her best performance of the tournament.
Munroe pushed Bourke all around the court. The precision on her shots were near perfect throughout the match. She jumped out to a 7-0 lead in game one and never looked back, holding Bourke to just three points.
Game two wasn’t much closer. Although Bourke earned a few more points Munroe was too strong and pulled away near the end to defeat her opponent 21-9. Munroe slapped her hands together and took a moment to walk around the court after earning her second consecutive title. She will go for the three-peat next year.
In the Men’s Open Doubles, Ivan Burgos and Jorge Pimentel defeated Ray Ure and Luis Mendez in a tiebreaker match. Burgos and Pimentel were all over the court and made it difficult on Ure and Mendez to end rallies.
On the Women’s side, Munroe completed the open slam by pairing with Freshman teammate Hannah Grace to defeat the Irish duo of Cuileann Bourke and Noelle Dowling.
Women’s Open Doubles finalists from left to right: Cuileann Bourke, Noelle Dowling, Hannah Grace, and Clodagh Munroe.
You can check out the winners from all the divisions on Bracket Ace HERE.
On the team scoring side of the tournament, Minnesota State Mankato continued their dominance over the rest of the field, winning the Open Team division title in the Men’s, Women’s and Combined. Missouri State just edged out Angelo State to take second place in the Combined title. You can view all of the team scores HEREand see the top two in each division below. Six players from each gender can count towards a teams score.
Combined Open Champion: Minnesota State Mankato
Combined Open runner-up: Missouri State University
Men’s Open Champion: Minnesota State Mankato
Men’s Open runner-up: Texas A&M
Women’s Open Champion: Minnesota State Mankato
Women’s Open runner-up: Lake Forest College
Combined A Champion: Texas A&M University
Combined A runner-up: Pacific University
Men’s A Champion: Stony Brook College
Men’s A runner-up: Pacific University
Women’s A Champion: Pacific University
Women’s A runner-up: Texas A&M University
All of these teams were recognized at the banquet Saturday night along with players who were given awards and scholarships. Over $30,000 was awarded in scholarships to our handball student athletes this year.
Also at the Banquet, Martin Mulkerrins was recognized with our 2024 Coach of the Year Award. Mulkerrins took six players to his first collegiate nationals in Tucson in 2023 and now has grown the program at Texas A&M to one of the largest in the country, bringing 25+ players to the nationals.
A&M students Amesely Davis (left) and Caitlin Behne (right) presented the award to their coach.
The banquet closed with USHA Executive Director Matt Krueger asking the seniors to stand up. They received a big cheer from the crowd and were encouraged to keep playing handball, as it is a lifelong game.
Thank you to the Multnomah Athletic Club for hosting us at their world class athletic club. The students were amazed by the facility.
A special thanks to Ben Van Arsdale and Jeff Wall for volunteering their time to make this tournament successful on Bracket Ace. Bracket Ace allows players to referee on their phone, see live scores of each court in the building, and so much more. Schedule your next tournament on Bracket Ace.
Players could view live scores, what court they are on, and more from their phone and tournament desk!
Another thanks to Ben and Jeff and the other volunteers who helped make the tournament run smoothly.
Lastly thank you to the coaches for bringing their players and inspiring the future generations of handballers. This tournament is unlike any other in the world. The team spirit is unbelievable. If you haven’t been able to check out the collegiate nationals before, make your plans to visit next year when Missouri State University hosts the tournament between February 18-22.
PORTLAND, Ore. — After 3 consecutive 13 hour days of handball at the Multnomah Athletic Club, we made it to Saturday morning where semifinals started to commence. Players who have made it this far have played at least four strenuous matches, but with teammates and coaches behind them cheering them on, they showed an excellent display of handball.
The first semifinal of the day was between Minnesota State Mankato teammates John Bike and Bryan Trejo. Trejo has been the talk of the tournament so far after pulling off multiple upsets. Yesterday he took down number one seed and top seven ranked pro Ivan Burgos.
Bike though came out strong and won game one by blasting shots with his powerful left hand that Trejo could not keep pace with in game one. Trejo wouldn’t go down easy though and jumped out to a lead in game two. It looked like it could go either way when it was tied at 17-17, but Bike closed the game out with some perfect pass shots that Trejo could not receive.
Next up was the highly anticipated match between Ray Ure and Kyle Jordan. Jordan is the current Irish Collegiate Champion, and has some of the best hands in the sport. Ure has been a rising star in the sport for years, and has announced himself on the WPH Pro Tour.
Ure goes for a shot in his final against Jordan.
Jordan was no match for Ure, who hit laser serves down the left and right side that were untouched by his opponent. Neither game ever felt close as Ure cruised to a victory and clinched his spot in his first collegiate final.
Bike and Ure will be the first Americans to face off in the finals since 2018, and it will be the first collegiate title for one of them.
On the Women’s side, defending champion Clodagh Munroe and Leah Minogue played the first semifinal in the open. Munroe took control of the first game and never ceded her lead. Game two was closer and Minogue held a 15-13 lead. Munroe found her groove there, and went on a run to take a 20-15 lead. Minogue scored one more point, but then Munroe finished her off with a kill in the left corner to win.
The next semifinal was between last year’s runner-up Amy Brennan and Cuileann Bourke, who both reside in Ireland. Bourke won the first game 21-19, relying on a great three-wall serve that put Brennan in the back left corner. Second game Bourke continued to play strong and defeated Brennan 21-13 after executing many paddle kills.
Munroe and Brennan will be a great match tomorrow in the finals.
Minnesota State Mankato has a nice lead in the Open division team title, and looks like they will continue their winning streak. Check out all the team scores on the Bracket Ace scoring page HERE. Check out all the brackets HERE.
Collegiate Handball Nationals Kick Off in Portland with Intensity and Camaraderie
PORTLAND, Ore. — The energy was electric Wednesday as the 72nd Collegiate National Handball Championships got underway at the Multnomah Athletic Club. Nearly 30 schools from across the U.S., Ireland, and Canada sent their best to battle for national titles, with singles and doubles matches filling the courts.
For many players, the tournament is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to test themselves against the best, reconnect with old friends, and immerse themselves in the tight-knit handball community.
“This is my last year, so I’m really excited to be able to cheer on my team for my last time and to show the skills that I have developed over the last six years I’ve been playing handball,” said Sam Wilson, a fifth year Missouri State senior. “I think the Multnomah Athletic Club is awesome, the way the courts play and the way they’re laid out, it’s definitely a great place for the Collegiates.”
Among the larger teams, Texas A&M sent a squad of 24 players, eager to make their mark in both singles and doubles. Other perennial powerhouses, including Lake Forest College, Missouri State, Minnesota State, Mankato, and the University of Limerick, were well represented, with top-seeded players already showcasing their skills in the opening rounds.
The format guarantees every player at least three singles matches, with early seeding rounds leading into a high-stakes single-elimination bracket. This ensures plenty of action for newcomers and veterans alike.
Beyond the matches, the tournament is a celebration of Handball. Players swapped stories between games, scouted future opponents, and soaked in the atmosphere of one of handball’s most prestigious events. A banquet is scheduled for Saturday night, giving players, coaches, and alumni a chance to come together off the court.
“It’s competitive, for sure,” said Texas A&M coach Martin Mulkerrins, a former Men’s Collegiate Open Singles champion. “But at the end of the day, we’re all just excited to be here and to keep growing the sport.”
With several days of competition ahead, the stage is set for intense matchups, dramatic upsets, and unforgettable moments. As the first day wrapped up, the anticipation only grew for what’s to come in Portland’s Multnomah Athletic Club.
See the latest results on the tournament’s BracketAce website HERE (matches and scores are updated in real time).
Live streaming matches on the main show court begin on Friday. Follow the action HERE.
———————————————– Minnesota State will look to defend their team title but they’ll have to do it without their top men’s player and last year’s champion Mark Doyle, who is out with an arm injury. Their top women and defending champion Clodagh Munroe is back though and looking to bring home her second collegiate title.
Minnesota State Mankato Students Mark Doyle and Clodagh Munroe won the Men’s and Women’s Open last year. Doyle is out with an injury this year while Munroe will look to defend her title.
Many collegiate players will be experiencing the Collegiate Nationals for the first time, which is a tournament unlike any other and showcases what our game is all about.
For the first time, Handball has a National Home with courts designed to grow and showcase our sport. The facility will be a hub for media coverage, training camps, youth development, and high-profile events–all aimed to elevate Handball’s visibility. This will be a place where players, coaches, and fans can connect, collaborate, and inspire future generations.
This isn’t just a local project—it’s an investment in the Future of Handball. Every player, fan, and advocate of the sport will see the ripple effects of having a dedicated home for Handball in the U.S.
In this partnership between the U.S. Handball Association, the Missouri State Handball Association in cooperation with the Hinder Club, we need your support to bring this vision to life! Join us in building the future of Handball—get involved, spread the word, and contribute today. More information can be found at ushandballcenter.org
A Grand Finale at the 68th USHA National Junior Four-Wall Championships
HAZELWOOD, Mo. — The 68th USHA National Junior Four-Wall Championships concluded in style with a celebration at the newly opened St. Louis Hinder Club on Sunday night.
The day kicked off with intense singles finals and wrapped up with thrilling doubles matches in the afternoon. The first champion crowned was Izzy Klicker, who successfully defended her title in the Girl’s 19-Under Singles category, overcoming Elaina Schoene in Round Robin play to retain her 2023 crown.
In the Boy’s 19-under division, Eli Gutierrez defeated Ayden Brule for the first time in a well played match. Gutierrez and Brule are arguably the two brightest male junior players in the game right now, and their final did not dissapoint. Neither of them are 19 yet and they both play at an open level.
The Boy’s 17-under division placed Canada’s Leo Day vs Kanas City’s Anthony Mendez. Day started slow in game one but mounted a big comeback to take the first game 21-15. Mendez responded in game two to force a tiebreaker. Mendez built an early lead in the tiebreaker and held on to win 11-8 despite a late run from Day.
Ireland’s Eolann Kelly is the current World 13 and under champion, and now he’s the US 13 and under champion as well. Kelly took down Tucson’s Azriel Gomez in two straight games, overwhelming Gomez with his powerful serves.
In the Boy’s 11 and under, St. Louis native Jack Feilner won his debut junior national tournament by overcoming Tucson’s Liam Schnaar. Feilner has incredible hand-eye coordination and surprised everyone in the tournament with his play and made the locals proud.
After the competition, the juniors enjoyed a lively skills challenge and an entertaining “King of the Short Court” two-bounce tournament. Top performers were recognized with prizes and handball-themed swag during the evening’s awards banquet.
This year introduced a new format for the Junior Awards Banquet, which celebrated all finalists across divisions and presented annual Junior Awards to standout players. In a heartwarming addition, Junior Alumni—those who participated in at least four Junior Nationals and have graduated from junior competition—received special Junior Alumni gym bags. These gifts honored their dedication to the sport and encouraged them to continue their handball journey.
The following players were honored with the annual Junior Handball Awards:
The Kate Conlon/Kurt Johansson Most Improved Award – Azriel Gomez
The Tom Lynch Newcomer Award – Eolann Kelly
The Vince Gabriele Jr. Sportsmanship Award – Riley Yost
USHA President Denis Hogan addressed the gathering, extending a warm welcome to players, coaches, and parents. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the St. Louis Hinder Club for their remarkable efforts in preparing the new courts and creating a welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
A special thanks went to Jeff and Janaki Streibig, Eric Hillgren, and the entire St. Louis Hinder Club team for their unwavering support and hospitality. Additional appreciation was given to Jason Guilano of “That’sa Nice’a Pizza” for providing lunches and catering the tournament banquet, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone involved.
The 68th USHA National Junior Four-Wall Championships was not just a showcase of exceptional talent but also a celebration of the enduring handball community spirit.
HAZELWOOD, Mo. — Day two of the Junior Nationals featured the semifinals across all divisions and some great matches.
The highlight of the day however was the pro clinic that took place after play concluded. Juniors were split into small groups of two or three and received individual work from the pro players at the tournament such as Luis Cordova, Ivan Burgos, Abe Montijo and Sam Esser.
Ivan Burgos huddles with the juniors before instructing them.
The juniors chose 2 or 3 things they wanted to improve about their game and the pro’s showed them ways they can do that. The individualized training made a difference for the players.
Prior to the clinic, junior stars Ayden Brule and Eliseo Guttierez cruised in their 19 and under semifinal matches to setup a final between the budding stars tomorrow.
Leo Day and Anthony Mendez continued their dominant play in the 17 and under and will square off in the finals tomorrow.
In the 13 and under, current World 13 and under champion from Ireland Eolann Kelly cruised in his matches to earn his spot in the final against the improving Azriel Gomez from Tucson.
The 11 and under is still up fro grabs as the four players have split matches in their round robin battles that have featured several incredible rallies.
HAZELWOOD, Mo. — The brand new St. Louis Hinder Club saw it’s first action ever on Friday as many junior players took to the court.
Players are represented from four countries: USA, Mexico, Canada and Ireland and range from 9-19 years old.
Every junior got on the court today as small ball and big ball divisions kicked off. Tomorrow the juniors will be treated to a pro clinic with individual lessons for each junior.
HAZELWOOD, Mo. — Draws and start times are live on the Bracket Ace app and tournament website for the 68th USHA Four-Wall Junior Nationals. Play begins Friday morning at 10 a.m. (Central). See the draws HERE.
The NEW St. Louis Hinder Club is at 8701 Dunn Road, Hazelwood, Mo. 63042.
2024 USHA Four-Wall Junior Nationals return to the St. Louis area for the first time in over 50 years!
Some players may remember the last time Gateway to the West hosted the traditional year-end event in 1969. It took place at the St. Louis JCC, where Jeff Barnes won the Boys 19-Under Singles, Ted Yevelson took home the Boys 17-Under crown, and Steve Adelman captured the Boys 15-Under title.
This year’s juniors will be a part of history by playing in the first major event on the new courts of the new St. Louis Hinder Club location. Only a 10-minute drive from the Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, the club will have courts to accommodate play which takes place Dec. 27-30. Two nearby host hotels are available. You won’t want to miss it!
Tournament details and the host hotel link can be found on Bracket Ace HERE.
NOTE: Joe Ardito Travel Funds are available for all junior players traveling over 250 miles one-way. Contact the USHA for more information.
