Xpatpinoy | Las Piñas City, Philippines — The courts were alive with energy as Copperstone Lending Inc. proudly honored the student-athletes who made history at the inaugural 2025 Open Pickleball Intercollegiate Championship, held at the Quantum Clubhouse in Las Piñas City. The event marked a milestone for collegiate sports in the country, spotlighting pickleball’s meteoric rise from a niche pastime to a fast-growing competitive discipline embraced by universities nationwide.
Players from 10 colleges and universities converged for this groundbreaking tournament, which featured men’s and women’s doubles under USA Pickleball adaptive rules. Among the standout participants were powerhouse teams from National University (NU), University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University, and Ateneo de Manila.
After a day of intense rallies and nail-biting finishes, National University clinched the championship title, etching its name in the sport’s collegiate history.
“First tournament, first win — it’s overwhelming,” shared NU Team Captain Luivy Carvajal in a post-game interview on PTV 4.
The University of the Philippines squad also earned praise for its spirited performance, with PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio and former UP Dean Francis Diaz personally commending the team’s grit and sportsmanship. Their presence underscored the growing institutional support for pickleball as a legitimate collegiate sport.
A Celebration Beyond the Court
Copperstone Lending Inc., an SEC-registered online lending company, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering youth through initiatives that foster leadership, resilience, and community engagement.
“These athletes exemplify discipline and teamwork — values that resonate far beyond sports,” the company said in a statement.
By championing events like this, Copperstone aims to create opportunities that enrich both academic and athletic pursuits.
Social Media Buzz and Future Outlook
The championship lit up social platforms, with hashtags like #PickleballPH and #CollegePickleball trending throughout the weekend. Fans applauded the event’s inclusivity and the electrifying atmosphere at Quantum Clubhouse, calling it “a game-changer for collegiate sports.” Influencers and sports personalities, including junior tennis star Gabby Zoleta, joined the conversation, expressing hopes to see pickleball integrated into major leagues like the NCAA and UAAP.
Organizers confirmed that this is just the beginning. Plans are underway to expand the intercollegiate league and introduce more competitive formats, signaling a bright future for pickleball in the Philippines.
Copperstone’s Message to Student Athletes
As the tournament concluded, Copperstone Lending extended heartfelt congratulations to National University, University of the Philippines, and all participating schools.
“Your passion and perseverance inspire us all. Keep shining on and off the court,” the company emphasized.
With pickleball’s popularity surging globally and collegiate programs gaining traction, Copperstone Lending looks forward to supporting the next wave of champions in this dynamic sport.
