The Pickleball Hall of Fame (PHOF) is proud to announce the Class of 2026 honoring five individuals whose extraordinary contributions have helped shape the growth, competitive excellence, and integrity of pickleball.
This year's class includes Competitor inductees Dave "The Badger" Weinbach, Matt Wright, and Lucy Kovalova, along with Contributor inductees Marsha Freso and Linda Laymon. The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted during the Pickleball Hall of Fame Induction Banquet on November 13, 2026, at Gold Canyon Golf Resort & Spa in Gold Canyon, Arizona, as part of Pickleball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.
The Class of 2026 includes three inductees recognized in the Competitor category and two inductees recognized in the Contributor category.
Together, this distinguished class represents excellence in athletic achievement, leadership, innovation, and service to the sport.
The Pickleball Hall of Fame Selection Committee, co-chaired by 2018 Hall of Fame inductee Fran Myer, carefully evaluates each nomination submitted by the Nomination Committee to ensure every candidate meets the Hall of Fame's standards for sustained excellence, lasting impact, and significant contributions to the sport.
"The Selection Committee carefully reviews each nomination to ensure candidates have either achieved exceptional competitive success throughout their pickleball careers or made extraordinary contributions to the growth, development, and leadership of the game," said Fran Myer, Co-Chair of the Pickleball Hall of Fame Selection Committee and 2018 Hall of Fame Inductee. "We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026. It is a remarkable group whose accomplishments extend well beyond the pickleball court. This year's class includes a University of Wisconsin Badger, a distinguished corporate attorney, a former member of the Slovakian National Under-16 Tennis Team, a world-renowned diving instructor, and a former postal inspector. Their diverse backgrounds, combined with their extraordinary impact on pickleball, exemplify the spirit, excellence, and enduring legacy of the Pickleball Hall of Fame."
"Few people have the opportunity to witness the growth of a sport alongside those who help define it. It has been a privilege to watch each member of the Class of 2026 leave an indelible mark on pickleball through excellence, leadership, and service. On behalf of the Pickleball Hall of Fame, I am honored to congratulate this extraordinary class and look forward to celebrating their lasting legacies this November."
— Melissa McCurley, Acting President, Pickleball Hall of Fame
About this year’s inductees:
Matt Wright - Competitor
Matt Wright built one of the most accomplished careers in professional pickleball history, earning major championships, more than 460 professional match victories, and maintaining elite performance for more than a decade while balancing a distinguished legal career.
Lucy Kovalova - Competitor
Lucy Kovalova became one of the defining women's players of the modern era, earning championships across singles, women's doubles, and mixed doubles while achieving the No. 1 ranking in professional pickleball and helping elevate the visibility of the professional game.
Dave Weinbach - Competitor
Dave Weinbach compiled one of the sport's most decorated competitive résumés, earning success across Open Professional, Skill/Age, and Senior Professional competition while capturing major championships over multiple eras of elite play. Weinbach is also regarded as one of the top teachers or instructors in the world.
Linda Laymon - Contributor
Linda Laymon has devoted more than 25 years to growing pickleball as both a player and volunteer leader. As a member of the USA Pickleball Board of Directors, she helped lead training and officiating initiatives and, alongside her husband Lynn, created the sport's first comprehensive referee training program, referee handbook, and officiating guidelines. Their pioneering work established the educational foundation that evolved into today's certified referee program and standardized officiating throughout the sport.
Marsha Freso - Contributor
Marsha Freso has been one of pickleball's most influential referee educators and ambassadors. As one of the first 10 USA Pickleball Certified Referees, she helped establish the profession during its formative years and has since trained officials throughout the United States and internationally. Alongside her husband Byron, she has traveled extensively to countries including India, China, Belgium, England, and Vietnam, sharing best practices and helping develop the next generation of pickleball officials worldwide.
"Every Hall of Fame class tells the story of our sport," said Melissa McCurley, Acting President of the Pickleball Hall of Fame. "The Class of 2026 reflects not only extraordinary athletic achievement, but also the people whose vision, leadership, and service have helped build the foundation of pickleball. Matt, Lucy, and Dave inspired us through championship performances and sustained excellence on the court, while Linda and Marsha helped establish the standards of officiating that have strengthened competition across the world. Together, they represent the very best of pickleball, and we are honored to celebrate their remarkable legacies."
The Class of 2026 will be formally inducted during Pickleball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, taking place November 12–14, 2026, in Gold Canyon and Mesa, Arizona.
The celebration will include the Pickleball Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, Pickleball Hall of Fame Benefit Screening of The Power of Pickleball, on-court recognition during the APP Mesa Open event, and opportunities for fans to celebrate and interact with the inductees throughout the weekend.
With 36 distinguished members, the Pickleball Hall of Fame celebrates the individuals whose excellence, innovation, leadership, and service have defined the history of our sport. Representing both competitors and contributors, the Hall of Fame recognizes those whose lasting achievements have helped shape pickleball's remarkable growth while preserving its legacy for future generations.
Contact: Melissa McCurley
melissa@pickleballhalloffame.com