PICKLR IS THE EXCLUSIVE MINOR LEAGUE AFFILIATE FOR ST. LOUIS SHOCK MLP IN CENTRAL INDIANA
INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Picklr in central Indiana announced the minor league team members who are part of its exclusive affiliation with the St. Louis Shock,® one of the top competitors in Major League Pickleball (MLP), and the central Indiana franchise owners of the Picklr, Pickle Indy.
The St. Louis Shock is one of the top professional pickleball teams in the U.S. and competes at the highest level of professional competition in MLP—20 teams made up of 120 of the world’s top professional pickleball players. The team has extended its Shock Minor League Pickleball program to select pickleball clubs nationwide, which offers competitive play opportunities and benefits that connect club members to the excitement of major league pickleball.
Since recruiting for the Shock MiLP team in Indiana began in May of 2026, five players have made the squad: Irina Paterson, Dale Happe, Cassie Morrow, Carrie Gordy, and Tyler Jones. As part of the Shock Minor League program of more than 100 players in eight states in 2025 and an anticipated 500+ players by year-end 2026, these players represent a variety of levels and age groups and can elect to compete in tournaments locally, regionally, and nationally. They are also eligible to qualify for the minor league nationals in February of 2027.
Paterson and Happe connected with a Shock MiLP team from Alabama to compete together in the August 22nd and 23rd Dink Minor league Pickleball tournament in Memphis, Tennessee. Their Shock Team #8 made it to the Winner’s Circle, finishing with a Silver medal in the tourney’s DUPR 12 bracket.
“The benefits of our Picklr clubs here in Indiana being part of the St. Louis Shock MiLP family just add to the competition, community, and membership perks we already offer our players at Picklr,” said Ron Brock and Dave Gilreath, local Indianapolis businessmen and managing partners of Pickle Indy, LLC, franchise owner for Picklr in central Indiana. “This alliance encompasses the greater Indianapolis area, including Purdue, Ball State, and Indiana Universities, with Picklr members and non-members alike eligible to try out for the team. And, as shown by their first MiLP tournament results, our local players are making headlines of their own as part of this exceptional St. Louis Shock MLP team.”
Players can learn more about the St. Louis Shock at https://stlshock.com/ and the Picklr at https://thepicklr.com/. Contact Picklr Keystone Crossing, Picklr Avon, or Picklr Noblesville for local team eligibility and tryouts.
About The St. Louis Shock
The St. Louis Shock is a professional pickleball team competing in Major League Pickleball (MLP). The 2025 MLP Regular Season Champions posted a dominant 24-1 record and 2025 MLP Cup Championship, establishing themselves as one of the league’s elite franchises. Since its founding in 2023, the Shock has experienced explosive growth, quickly becoming an innovative leader through cutting-edge community events, a comprehensive Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) program across 15 locations and hundreds of players, youth development initiatives, and championship-caliber professional competition.
About Picklr
The Picklr is North America’s fastest-growing network of premium indoor pickleball courts, approaching 1,000 courts by the fourth quarter of 2026 and offering an unparalleled experience for players of all ages and skill levels; Picklr provides programs for beginners to pros, and a vibrant atmosphere. Membership to Picklr includes access to all club locations nationwide, free court reservations, four clinics per month, and unlimited participation in leagues, competitive play/events and tournaments. Follow the Picklr on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok for news on locations and tournaments
About Pickle Indy, LLC
Pickle Indy was established by Indianapolis business partners Dave Gilreath and Ron Brock to bring the Picklr’s premier pickleball facilities to Indiana communities. Having opened Picklr Keystone Crossing in December of 2024, Picklr Noblesville in January 2025, and Picklr Avon in May of 2026, Pickle Indy is scheduled to open Picklr Greenwood in late 2026 and Picklr North Mass in downtown Indianapolis in 2027. The franchise continues to add locations of Picklr in central Indiana while expanding its reach to bring Picklr to Nashville, Tennessee, and the Florida communities of Fort Myers and Naples.
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SOURCE The Picklr
