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.
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 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.
TUCSON- It was a tremendous weekend of Handball at the 2025 Hall of Fame Tournament with a National Master Singles and WPH LTE Pro Stop.
We saw phenomenal play over the course of the tournament from players of all ages. When players weren’t on the court, they were cramming into the bleachers to watch the Pro players compete on the show court or enjoying the beautiful Tucson mountain views and sunny weather that we had all weekend at the Tucson Racquet Club.
The highlight of the tournament was the Saturday night reception at the Handball Hall of Fame building. Players enjoyed checking out the rich history of our game and chatting with friends over drinks and dinner. We were able to celebrate a couple of award recipients during the reception as well.
Marty Decatur Sportsmanship Award: Anna Sojourner
Sojourner with her Award
Anna Sojourner was awarded the Marty Decatur Sportsmanship award at the reception. The award is given at each Handball Hall of Fame Tournament to a player that embodies “The Spirit of Handball”. Sojourner does that as much as anyone. She always has a smile on her face and it’s obvious how much she enjoys the game of handball and supports it whenever she can. She is based out of San Francisco but has supported the tournament in Tucson and we love to have her here.
Carl Porter Award: Rodney Fink
Rodney Fink with his son David, and grandson Henry.
Rodney Fink was awarded the Carl Porter award in 2023. The award is given to those who have performed outstanding service to the USHA at the national level. The award is named after the USHA’s second president, Carl Porter, who is considered the savior and architect of the modern day USHA.
We finally got the chance to celebrate Fink in 2025 at the Hall of Fame tournament. Fink has dedicated his life to handball, and has been an integral part of the game for decades now. He taught countless players the game, has been an advocate for women’s handball, generously supported pro players with prize money donations, and served on the USHA Board of Directors for many years, offering his legal expertise to the organization.
The ceremony began with a message from USHA President Denis Hogan, setting the tone for an afternoon full of gratitude, reflection, and admiration. Vern Roberts, Hall of Fame player and retired USHA Executive Director, shared heartfelt remarks about Fink’s lifelong commitment to the sport. He also delivered a written tribute from former USHA President LeaAnn Martin, who called Fink “one of handball’s greatest ambassadors.” Roberts noted, “If U.S. Handball ever had a problem, we called Rodney—and he always answered.”
One of the most touching moments came when Art Howe, Fink’s longtime friend and former Major League Baseball player and manager, took the stage. Having traveled to Tucson with Fink, Howe spoke warmly of their decades-long friendship and the deep impact handball has had on Fink’s life. “Watching Rodney share the sport with his son David—one of the best players in the world—has been a true joy,” said Howe. “But make no mistake, I’m the lucky one to have Rodney as a best friend.”
Fink closed out the ceremony in his usual humble, heartfelt fashion—thanking those who had joined him along the way. “Law was my profession,” he said, “but handball is my life.”
With applause echoing around the Hall of Fame, the ceremony not only honored a deserving recipient, but also reminded everyone of the community, passion, and enduring friendships that make handball so special.
Finals:
Players regrouped Sunday morning and put their game faces on as they competed for titles. Martin Mulkerrins defeated Ray Ure in the pro final in dominating fashion. Mulkerrins hit rocket serves at Ure which earned him setups that he punished with flat kill shots.
2025 Hall of Fame WPH LTE Champion Martin Mulkerrins with USHA Vice President Jared Vale.
In the 35+ singles final, Jeff Streibig successfully defended his crown by defeating Shorty Ruiz in two games. Streibig found himself down 18-20 in game one before hitting some timely shots to close it out and took game two 21-11.
We had a first time National Champion in the 40+ Singles! Scottie Moler brought home the gold by defeating last year’s champion Fausto Castro in two games, 21-14, 21-9. Moler had an impressive semifinal win over Los Angeles Rafael Martinez in his semifinal as well.
Multiple time national champion Bill Mehilos won the 45+ Singles final over Arturo Suarez. Mehilos defeated Suarez in game one 21-12 before Suarez forfeited the match to focus on his next one.
Suarez was right back on the court for the 50+ Singles final against fellow Californian Alex Garcia. Garcia controlled play in game one for a 21-10 victory. Game two Suarez had a slight lead but could not hang on as Garcia stormed back to win 21-18.
The 55+ Singles division was full of national champions, including Leo Canales, Sean Haley, Will Goldstein, John Henning, Jared Vale and Chris Tico. It was defending champion Canales who brought home the title. Canales has not lost a master singles match in the past five years, and is racking up the national titles!
Lloyd Garcia brought home gold in the 65+ Singles division. Garcia edged out El Paso’s Hector Garcia 21-4, 21-15 to win the finals. Lloyd also took down current Four-Wall Nationals 65+ champion Dave Streibig in his semifinal.
Joe Thomas defeated Dan Brennan in a highly anticipated 70+ Singles final that did not disappoint. After dropping game one 16-21, Thomas stormed back to win 21-13 in game two and 11-0 in the tiebreaker! They both play the game at such a high level, regardless of their age.
Two of the best age division players of the past decade squared off in the 75+ singles final. Ed Campbell took down Greg Raya in an 11-4 tiebreaker victory to earn the title. Raya defeated another legend in the division, Merv Deckert in an 11-10 semifinal tiebreaker victory but could not do the same to Campbell.
In the oldest division of them all, Jim Ward defeated Jim Smith to win the 80+ Singles final and avenge his loss to Smith in last year’s final. Ward stopped Smith at 17 in both games.
Thank you to the WPH, Rodney Fink, and all the volunteers who made this tournament as great as it was. It’s always great to celebrate our games history while etching new National Champions. Check out all of the results from the tournament HERE.
TUCSON – The Old Pueblo is the place to be as we bring together handball players from across the country for an unforgettable weekend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration! Whether you’re 11-years-old or 80+, a seasoned pro, or a passionate amateur, this tournament offers something for everyone.
The World Players of Handball (WPH) and the United States Handball Association (USHA) are proud to co-host the 2025 Hall of Fame Race 4 Eight LTE Tournament at the Tucson Racquet Club—right in the heart of handball history. Watch the pros battle it out in WPH LTE Pro Stop No. 7, test your own skills in a variety of singles and doubles divisions, and soak up the electric atmosphere of Tucson in the spring!
Pros Killian Carroll and Luis Cordova Jr. are among many who have enjoyed the Hall of Fame Celebration Banquet.
Saturday Night Hall of Fame Reception – A Must-Attend Event!
Join us for a special evening at the Handball Hall of Fame Museum (2333 N Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716) as we celebrate the legends of the game.
Doors open at 6 PM – Come early to enjoy food, drinks, and the rich history of handball.
Players admission is included. Guest admission: $20 – Bring a friend and experience this one-of-a-kind gathering!
Honoring Our Own – We are thrilled to present Rodney Fink with the prestigious Carl Porter Award for his outstanding contributions to handball on a national level. Additionally, we will recognize a player from the tournament with the Marty Decatur Sportsmanship Award, celebrating the true spirit of our sport!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible weekend! Draws and Start Times are now available HERE.
NOTE: Draws and Times may change up until the start of each division. Please double-check times and match-ups. We wish everyone the best of luck this weekend!
3-Wall Masters Doubles Wraps Up in Palm City, Fla.
PALM CITY, Fla. — The 2025 Justin Wilson Memorial and USHA Masters Doubles delivered a thrilling weekend of handball in Palm City, featuring both familiar faces and rising talents in the Championship Circle.
Alaska’s Alfredo Herrera, a standout junior and Pacific University alum, captured his first national title alongside Florida’s Nick Mattioni in the Seniors (35+) division. The duo outlasted Chicago’s Dane and Adam Szatkowski in a dramatic tiebreaker, flipping the script on Team Szatkowski—who are known for coming out on top in high-pressure moments. A spectacular get by Herrera late in the match shifted momentum, sealing their 10-21, 21-13, 11-8 victory.
The Szatkowski brothers didn’t stay down for long. They rebounded in the Veteran Masters (45+) final, defeating Nick Mattioni and Adam Zimet in two hard-fought games, 21-19, 21-14, to add another title to their collection.
In the Golden Masters (50+), New York’s Jai Ragoo and Joe Kaplan continued their dominant run across all handball disciplines. The duo powered past South Florida’s James O’Rourke and Juan Pichardo to claim the championship.
Dan Zimet found himself in need of a new partner for the Veteran Golden Masters (55+) after longtime teammate Alan Frank had to withdraw. Enter Delaware’s Ray Estevez—eligible for the 70+ but showing no signs of slowing down. With Estevez’s relentless defense complementing Zimet’s signature offensive firepower, they steamrolled Florida’s top 55+ team, Greg Burns and Harry Cohen, 21-9, 21-4.
Former Bay Area standout David Wyrsch made a triumphant return to the winner’s podium in the Super Masters (60+). Now a Florida resident, Wyrsch teamed up with fellow transplant Steve Johnson to edge out Ray Estevez and James O’Rourke in a grueling battle, 16-21, 21-19, 11-3. Wyrsch’s lethal serves and Johnson’s steady play proved to be the difference-makers in the decider.
The Veteran Super Masters (65+) final saw Dave Dohman and Jimmy DeVito halt Mike Angley and Dan Vera’s upset run with a commanding 21-12, 21-7 win. “It’s all about power on these courts, and Jimmy has power,” Dohman said of his hard-hitting partner. Vera, meanwhile, reflected on a disappointing final after he and Angley had stunned Ohio’s top pair, Phil Kirk and Bob Bardeau, in the semis.
The Diamond Masters (70+) division has belonged to Bob Dyke and Gary Eisenbooth in recent years, and this year was no exception. While they continue to challenge younger competition in the 65+ bracket, they remain the class of their division. St. Louis’ Steve Campbell and Bob Roman pushed them in the first game, but Dyke and Eisenbooth pulled away in dominant fashion, 21-15, 21-2.
Canadian legend Merv Deckert added another trophy to his storied career, winning the Veteran Diamond Masters (75+) alongside new partner Bob Miller of Florida. Dan Ho and Chris Dominico finished as runners-up in round-robin play.
Karl Lady and Dale Ziegler continued to prove why they are handball royalty, defeating Dennis Uffer and Denny Fehr in the Platinum Masters (80+). With countless titles between them, it was a privilege to watch these four legends battle it out once again.
For the first time ever, the USHA hosted a 3-Wall Big Ball Masters Division—and Florida’s Flamingo Park duo Eddie Perez and Mervyn Bruno set the bar high. They dominated the competition, culminating in a 21-4, 21-6 victory over Daytona Beach’s Brett Arsenault and Kyle Greenhalgh in the final. Expect this division to grow in the future!
Off the court, the tournament celebration at Duffy’s Sports Bar on Saturday night brought players and families together in a lively gathering. Organizers expressed gratitude to all participants, especially Florida’s strong turnout, which helped make this the largest 3-Wall Masters Doubles in the event’s four-year history. Plans are already in place for an encore next year, so mark your calendars: March 20-22, 2026!
One of the most touching moments of the weekend came earlier on Saturday when handball player Noah Yannie honored LCpl Justin Wilson with a stirring trumpet performance of the Star-Spangled Banner. As the notes rang out, play stopped—not just on the handball courts, but on the nearby pickleball courts as well—paying tribute to Wilson’s ultimate sacrifice.
A special thank-you goes to Bob Dyke, Cabell McVeigh, Bob Miller, Greg Burns, Gary Eisenbooth, and the incredible volunteers who made this event possible.
Additional gratitude to our tournament sponsors: Tim Murray, Karl Lady, Bob Snyder, and Team Zamba!
Players gathered at Duffy’s in Stuart, Fla. for the Saturday night banquet.
Florida Welcomes Its First 3-Wall Nationals with Fierce Competition
PALM CITY, Fla. — A picture-perfect Florida spring day set the stage for the opening matches of the Justin Wilson Memorial USHA 3-Wall National Masters Doubles, marking the first-ever national 3-wall event held in the Sunshine State. Players from across the country and Canada turned out in record numbers, making this the largest edition in the event’s four-year history.
Match of the Day: Humphreys & Rothstein vs. O’Rourke & Pichardo
The most exciting showdown of the day unfolded in the Golden Masters (50+) division, where Orlando’s Rob Humphreys and Mike Rothstein squared off against Miami’s James O’Rourke and Juan Pichardo in a battle that stretched nearly two hours. After splitting the first two games 21-16 apiece, both teams found themselves locked in a tense tiebreaker.
Humphreys and Rothstein came out strong, controlling early rallies with steady, disciplined play. But O’Rourke and Pichardo refused to back down, gaining momentum in the second game and forcing a dramatic final showdown. In the deciding game, the South Florida duo found their rhythm, capitalizing on key openings to dominate the tiebreaker 11-3 and claim victory.
The day’s other tiebreaker thriller unfolded in the Veteran Diamond (75+) division, where Larry Dohman (Chicago) and Artie Diamant (New York) took on Bob Miller (Florida) and Merv Deckert (Winnipeg).
Dohman and Diamant pulled off an early surprise, edging out a 21-20 win in the first game. But Miller and Deckert quickly adapted, finding their chemistry and executing a flawless game plan to take control. They stormed back with convincing 21-10 and 11-5 victories, sealing their comeback and advancing to the next round.
Elsewhere. in the Diamond (70+) division, Steve Campbell (Bradenton) and Bob Roman (Saint Louis) stopped a late rally from Terry McGuire (San Diego) and Bill Moritz (Chicago), 21-12, 21-18.
Looking Ahead All top seeds advanced without major upsets, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of competition.
Play resumes Saturday at 10 a.m. as the Masters Doubles action continues. Check out Friday’s full results at the R2Sports link HERE.
At the conclusion of play, tournament organizers are hosting a Masters Doubles Three-Wall celebration, Saturday at 7 p.m. at Duffy’s Sports Grill (Stuart South), 6431 SE Federal HWY, Stuart, FL.
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PALM CITY, Fla. — The United Sates Handball Association is excited to bring the USHA Masters Series (age division national tournaments) to The Sunshine State with the 2025 Justin Wilson Memorial USHA 3-Wall National Masters Doubles! This is a USHA-Sanctioned Masters event, and champions of ALL divisions will be honored on the National Champions Wall in the Handball Hall of Fame in Tucson, Ariz. About the park and the LCpl. Justin James Wilson Foundation: Lance Corporal Justin Wilson of Palm City was a Marine killed by a roadside bomb in the Helmand province, in March 2010. He was only 24 when he died. When his body was brought home hundreds of people in the community stood on the Palm City Bridge with flags. The park was renamed in his honor in September of that same year and there is a memorial to his sacrifice in the park. He was laid to rest with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery. Read MORE… The LCpl. Justin James Wilson Foundation or “Justin’s Wings” is non-profit organization that also advocated support for this tournament. The Foundation’s purpose is to raise funds to supplement or pay for transportation of family members to either see off and or greet their returning service men and women. In the past, additional funds were used to provide therapy trained dogs to help our vets with PTS
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.
HOUSTON — Before the Eagles became the champions of the National Football League Sunday, several Handball champions were crowned earlier that morning at the Master Doubles in Houston.
The 35 doubles was an all New York battle, with Jai Ragoo and Joe Kaplan playing down in age against Arthur Sayed and Victor Lopierre. There were several grueling rallies, but Sayed and Lopierre’s youth prevailed against the veterans as they won in two straight games.
Ragoo and Kaplan rebounded in the 45 doubles final by defeating John Henning and Leo Canales Sr. After a decisive game one win by the New Yorkers, Canales and Henning fought hard to win game two 21-19, but ran out of gas in the tiebreaker, falling 11-4.
From left to right, 45 doubles finalists John Henning, Leo Canales Sr., Joe Kaplan and Jai Ragoo.
In the 60 doubles, Canales Sr. teamed with Juarez Mexico based Lorenzo Renteria to outlast Jake Esser and Paul Pfannenstiel in two games. Canales Sr. dictated play on the left and kept Esser and Pfannenstiel from every getting comfortable in the match.
From left to right, Canales Sr., Renteria, and Pfannenstiel after their 60 doubles final. (Esser missing)
The 70 doubles had the most exciting matches of the tournament all weekend, and that didn’t change Sunday. Bob Lohmueller and Tom Martinez took game one from Scott Spann and Frank Swehosky 21-12. Swehosky started out game two with a lethal serve down the right that gave his opponents fits as they cruised 21-4 to force a tiebreaker. As they did the day before, Lohmueller and Martinez brought their best to the tiebreaker and built a 10-0 lead. Swehosky and Spann wouldn’t go easily though, and reeled off 8 straight points before some clutch shot making from Lohmueller and Martinez sealed the deal.
Rob Nichols and Mike Lockhart put a scare into Merv Deckert and Ed Campbell in the 75 doubles final. Lockhart powerful left hand and Nichols savvy play up front allowed them to pull off a surprising first game win over the dominant Deckert and Campbell. It wouldn’t last though, as the multi-time national champions Deckert and Campbell found their groove and won 21-15 in game two and 11-4 in the tiebreaker.
In the 80 doubles, Rick Graham and Jim Smith pummeled Ron Cole and Gary Rohrer as they did everyone in the bracket, easily claiming the 80 doubles title.
80 doubles finalists (from left to right) Wayne Neuman, David Lippman, Jim Smith, and Rick Graham.
Thank you to the Houston Handball Club for putting on another awesome tournament, something they have been doing for years! Check out all of the results HERE.
HOUSTON — Day two of the 2025 Master Doubles saw plenty of exciting action, with players competing for a spot in the finals.
No division was more exciting the 70 doubles division. Both semifinals went to a tiebreaker and took nearly two hours to complete.
In the first semifinal, Bob Lohmueller and Tom Martinez defeated David Steinberg and Craig Trull in game one, but lost game two and fell behind early in the tiebreaker. Lohmueller found his serve though just in time, and served several aces down the left side to propel his team to the finals.
In the second semifinal, the Texas based duo of Frank Swehosky and Scott Spann dropped game one to the defending 70 plus doubles champions Dan Brennan and Matt DeWeese. Swehosky and Spann wouldn’t roll over though, and led by a flurry of kill shot’s from Spann, they battled back to win in a tiebreaker.
Swehosky strikes a serve in his semifinal.
Here is a list of our finals matches tomorrow:
35 doubles: Arthur Sayed/Victor Lopierre vs Jai Ragoo/Joe Kaplan
45 doubles: Jai Ragoo/Joe Kaplan vs John Henning/Leo Canales
60 doubles: Jake Esser/Paul Pfannenstiel vs Leo Canales/Lorenzo Renteria
70 doubles: Scott Spann/Frank Swehosky vs Bob Lohmueller/Tom Martinez
75 doubles: Merv Deckert/Ed Campbell vs Rob Nichols/Mike Lockhart
80 doubles: Jim Smith/Rick Graham vs Gary Rohrer/Ron Cole
HOUSTON — Day one at the 2025 Master Doubles was a success, as the Houston Handball Club welcomed players from around the country to the Tellepsen Downtown YMCA. Many old friends were able to catch up while watching “The Perfect Game.”
The best match of the day happened in the 35 doubles, where we had an all Texas battle between Steven Mendoza/Anthony Cevallos and Adam Shumaker/Chris Perez. It was a two hour match, that saw Mendoza and Cevallos battle back from a close game one defeat to take down their opponents in a tiebreaker and advance to the semifinals.
New York was well represented at the tournament, and NY stars Joseph Kaplan and Jai Ragoo were dominant in their opening round in the 45 doubles, impressing the crowd with their play.
Team New York at the tournament from left to right (Victor Lopierre, Jai Ragoo, Joe Kaplan, and Arthur Sayed.)
Tomorrow will have semifinals across all divisions, and we are sure to see some great matches. Follow along with the draws HERE.
Draws & Start Times Announced for 2025 USHA Masters Doubles
Event Details & Player Check-In: Players can check in starting Friday, Feb. 7, at 2:00 PM, with early arrival permitted for warm-ups and practice at the YMCA. Matches will kick off shortly after, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of competition.
Parking: Attendees should note that the YMCA does not offer free parking. Players and spectators should be prepared to use credit card or cash for street parking or nearby surface lots. Street parking is free after 6:00 PM daily and all day Sunday.
Important Towels and Locks: Players must bring their own towels and locks, as the YMCA does not provide towel service. However, open lockers are available for use.
The USHA looks forward to welcoming players and fans to Houston for another incredible Masters Doubles Championship. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready for a weekend of top-tier handball action!
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.
DUBLIN — Handball fans were treated to an epic day of action on finals day at the 2024 World Handball Championships. Four matches were slated to play on the show court at the National Handball Center in Dublin. It consisted of the Mens Open singles and doubles final and the Women’s Open singles and doubles final. The crowd was electric and the seats were filled all day.
The crowd Sunday at the National Handball Center. Photo by Stephen Marken.
The day kicked off with 2018 world champion Martina McMahon taking on Ciana Ni Churraoin in the Women’s Single finals. Ni Churraoin played lights out in game one, using her trademark power to overwhelm McMahon and convert her setups to win 15-11. It looked as if she was going to do the same in game two as she built an early lead and looked in control. But a few errors and a skipped served by Ni Churra0in gave McMahon an opening to make a comeback and she tightened the game. Still, Ni Churraoin served for match point, and with a big back wall setup it looked as if she would close it out. She powered the shot down the left, going for a deep pass, but McMahon barely got her hand on it and flipped into the left corner for a kill. A few moments later, McMahon had forced the tiebreaker. It felt like McMahon had all the momentum going into the third game, and she jumped out to a quick 3-0 lead. Ni Churraoin though refused to quit and wrestled the momentum back. She began to find her groove and built a 10-4 lead and served for the match for the second time. McMahon contined to fight though and got back in the service box. She rallied up to 8 points before Ni Churraoin sided her out and finally converted match point with a powerful shot down the left side. The joy on her face was evident as she completed the biggest win of her career.
Ciana Ni Churraoin after winng the World Title. Photo by Stephen Marken
Next up was the Men’s Open Final between Paul Brady and Diarmaid Nash. Brady is no stranger to big games, and had his sights set on his sixth world championships. The red hot Nash was hoping to earn his first world singles title and finish off his impressive run that saw him beat multiple elite players, including current US National Champion Killian Carroll. Nash came out fast in game one, pushing Brady all around the court and forcing him into errors. The game was one sided, and Nash won 15-8. Everybody expected a stronger Brady to come out in game two and that’s exactly what happened. Brady raced out to an 8-0 lead before Nash put a point on the board. Brady finished off the game 15-7 to force a tiebreaker that would decide the World Champion. Brady built a slight lead to begin the tiebreaker and looked in dominant form. Nash continued to fight but Brady was determined to finish. At 10-5, Brady earned a setup with his left hand that he flattened in the left corner. He immediately turned to the crowd and let out a roar. He went on to say after the match that this World Title was as sweet as his first one, and thanked everyone who helped him achieve it. When asked if he was done with this level of handball competition, he said “I never say never.”
Nash sets up for a shot in the finals. Photo by Stephen Marken.
The finalists of the Women’s Doubles took the court next, as Ciana Ni Churrain and Niamh Heffernan would do battle with Martina McMahon and Aoife McCarthy. McMahon looked determined to avenge her singles loss to Ni Churrain and deny her the slam. Her and McCarthy came out fast in game one and held on to win 15-11. Game two Ni Churrain and Heffernan evened the count to force a tiebreaker. With McMahon shooting the ball from the back court and McCarthy playing steady up front, they found their groove again and won 11-4 to become world champs. The last match of the day and the 2024 World Four-Wall Championships was the Men’s Open doubles between Killian Carroll and Martin Mulkerrins vs Robbie McCarthy and Joe McCann. Like every other match that day and to nobody’s surprise, it went to a tiebreaker. Carroll and Mulkerrins built a 7-2 lead in the breaker and looked to be in control. But with the crow behind them, McCarthy and McCann wouldn’t quit. They got back in the box and never left it again. They completed the comeback to cap off and epic tournament with an epic match.
McCarthy moments after winning the Open Doubles. Photo by Stephen Marken.
Thank you to the GAA and all of their volunteers for putting on an amazing world tournament. There were over 2,000 matches played in the span of nine days, and it took a village to pull off. You can watch all of the action that took place over the weekend on the Sport TG4 YouTube channel. Check out all of the Draws HERE.
DUBLIN — The semifinal matches in the Men’s and Ladies Open divisions promise an exciting day of handball on Saturday, all taking place on Showcourt #1 at the National Handball Centre, located at Croke Park.
The day kicks off with the Ladies’ semifinal action, featuring Ciana Ni Churraoin against Niamh Heffernan, followed by Martina McMahon taking on Fiona Tully.
Men’s singles action begins with a rematch of the 2019 USHA Men’s Open final, as Martin Mulkerrins faces Paul Brady. Both players have looked dominant on their paths to today’s matchup, not dropping a game in the opening rounds.
The second Men’s semifinal features Diarmaid Nash against David Walsh, both of whom pulled off dramatic wins in the quarterfinals.
Nash has been in top form at these World Championships. He started strong in the quarterfinals against current USHA National champion Killian Carroll, winning the first game 15-1. The gallery and those watching the Sport TG4 YouTube live stream braced for a possible tiebreaker, knowing Carroll’s penchant for comebacks. Carroll did just that, winning the second game 15-9. Nash dictated the pace of the tiebreaker, which could have swung either way, serving out for an 11-8 victory.
David Walsh continued his incredible run in Croke Park on Thursday, defeating Team Ireland captain Robbie McCarthy 8-15, 15-8, 11-9. McCarthy had been breezing through his matches until Walsh caught fire in the second game. That streak continued as he shocked one of the tournament favorites to advance to the semifinals.
In doubles action, Leo Canales and Abraham Montijo (USA) made some clutch shots down the stretch to advance to the semifinals, defeating Colin Crehan and Diarmaid Nash (Ireland) 9-15, 15-6, 11-4. They will play Martin Mulkerrins and Killian Carroll (Ireland), who stopped Sam Esser and Braulio Ruiz (USA) with a 15-7, 15-7 win in their quarterfinal matchup.
Luis and Daniel Cordova (Mexico) defeated Peter and Paddy Funchion (Ireland) 15-9, 15-3 to advance to the semifinals. They’ll play Robbie McCarthy and Joe McCann (Ireland), who defeated Ray Ure and Ivan Burgos (USA) 15-3, 11-15, 11-4.
Stay updated on scores and match progress by selecting the “Fixtures” option for the best screen viewing experience for smart phones, tablets or PCs by following this link HERE.
DUBLIN — The Round of 16 at the National Handball Centre near Croke Park was challenging for players from the U.S. and Mexico on Wednesday. Luis “Lucho” Cordova of Mexico narrowly missed a victory in a thrilling tiebreaker against Ireland’s Daniel Relihan, with a final score of 15-12, 5-15, 11-10. In the tense closing moments, Relihan injured his wrist while diving to intercept a shot down the left wall. After briefly recovering, he secured the last point, advancing to the quarterfinals.
In another intense round of 16 match, Ireland’s Peter Funchion edged out Mexico’s Daniel “Danos” Cordova in three games, finishing 15-11, 10-15, 11-8. Meanwhile, Killian Carroll of the U.S. was in top form, claiming a swift 15-2, 15-2 victory over Ivan Burgos.
The day concluded with a clash between Diarmaid Nash of Ireland and Ray Ure of the U.S. Ure, who reached the Pro Stop final in Portland, tested Nash, the 2022 USHA Men’s Champion, pushing the match to a third game before falling 15-11, 12-15, 11-6.
In the Women’s Open, Mikaila Esser of the U.S. delivered an exciting victory over Aoife Holden of Ireland, finishing 15-8, 10-15, 11-10. Esser will face Ireland’s Ciana Ní Churraoin in Thursday’s quarterfinals, while Danielle Daskalakis of the U.S. takes on Martina McMahon of Ireland.
At the Coolboy venue, Terry Britt of the U.S. defeated Edward Farrelly of Ireland in the 70-plus division with a close 12-15, 15-10, 11-10 win. Britt will face fellow American Dan Brennan in Thursday’s quarterfinals.
In the 65-plus singles at the Borris venue, Gary Sternberg of the U.S. advanced to the semifinals with a commanding 15-14, 15-4 victory over Ireland’s Michael Rossiter.
The final for the 50-plus singles is set, with Ireland’s Gavin Buggy set to face Justin Balkenbush of the U.S. on Friday morning at the Tinryland venue.
Stay updated on scores and match progress by selecting the “Fixtures” option for the best screen viewing experience for smart phones, tablets or PCs by following this link HERE.
Ray Ure of Minnesota, USA in action against Kevin Diggins of Leixlip, Kildare in the Open Men’s round of 32 during day three of the O’Neills.com World 4-Wall Championships at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile.
DUBLIN — The Men’s Open is now down to just 16 players. Several American based players are still in the tournament and looking to secure their spot in the top eight.
Several Team USA players will be in action on Wednesday, as all of them have advanced thus far.
Leo Canales will take on David Walsh to kick off play on Wednesday morning. Shortly after, Ivan Burgos will go up against Killian Carroll. Ray Ure faces off with Diarmaid Nash later in the day.
On the ladies side, Ashley Ruiz will face off with Irish phenon Martina McMahon. Mikaila Esser will take on Texas based Aoife Holden in her match. Danielle Daskalakis has a bye and will await the results today to find out who she plays.
The action so far at the National Handball Center in Dublin has been phenomenal. Make sure you’re tuning into the live feed on the Sport TG4 Youtube channel HERE and follow along with all the brackets HERE.
DUBLIN — Round of 64 action began in the Men’s Open division today, with many americans competing.
Abraham Montijo and Rene Lopez went down to Irish competitors in their opening round games, losing tightly contested matches.
Loren Collado played maybe the match of the day in his round of 64 matchup against Ian McLoughlin. After winning quickly in game one, Collado could not seem to finish off McLoughlin in game two, and ended up losing 15-14. He regrouped in the tiebreaker and played his best handball of the match, winning it 11-3.
The Round of 32 in the Men’s Open will kick off tomorrow morning at 9am Ireland time with all the big names playing. There will be some exciting matches, make sure you tune into the live feed on the Sport TG4 Youtube channel.
IRELAND — The 2024 World Four-Wall Championships presented by ONeills.com is less than a week away! The tournament will take place all across Ireland October 26th-November 3rd. With over 1,600 entries received, there will be plenty of matches taking place across the week of the tournament.
Our Team USA Representatives are ready to compete for a World Title in the open division against stiff competition:
Men’s Singles: Leo Canales Men’s Doubles: Ivan Burgos and Ray Ure Women’s Singles: Danielle Daskalakis Women’s Doubles: Mikaila Esser and Ashley Ruiz
The draws have been posted at knowthescore.ie which you can access HERE.
Select “Go to Draw Tree”
Under Choose Tournament, choose “World 4-Wall Championships
Choose your category and then division to view the bracket.
Purchase your Team USA gear from our webstoreHERE.
