Pickleball at Englewood Sports Complex. Provided photo.

Some play to get outside. Others to find community. Everybody, however, plays to win. That communal competitive streak will be on full display from May 15-17 at the Englewood Sports Complex during the SW Florida Powerball Amateur State Championships. The tournament, which is presented by the Carvana PPA Tour, marks the debut of Southern Pickleball in Sarasota County.

One of pickleball’s leading amateur organizations, Southern Pickleball operates in 12 different states, encompassing over 30,000 players, hosting tournaments such as the amateur state championships series. At the three-day tournament in Englewood, players will compete for medals and the chance to qualify for the Southern Pickleball Championships in Georgia and the 2026 World Pickleball Championships in Texas this fall.

“If you medal in this event, you have a chance to go on this really cool pathway to the Southern and World Championships,” says MaryEmily Landers, director of marketing for Southern Pickleball. “There are so many players that crave good competition, good community and a good experience, and that’s what we strive to bring to the court, no matter where you are in experience level. We just want people to have a good experience playing pickleball and to love the sport that we love.”

The SW Florida State Championships will bring not only some of Florida’s finest pickleball players, but also some of the most competitive paddlers from throughout the southeast. “This is the highest level of amateur competition that you can get. We get players from all across the state, and even the country, that want to compete for the opportunity to play on the world pickleball stage.”

What Landers, an avid pickleball player herself, enjoys most about the sport is the accessibility and communal aspect. Lacking a background in racket sports, she still found the community welcoming and the entrypoint to play approachable. “It’s so easy just to get on the courts and play. I love thinking through the strategy of the game and how to have a fun time while keeping it competitive,” says Landers. “The people are what always keep me coming back.”

SW Florida Powerball Amateur State Championships, May 15-17, Englewood Sports Complex, 1300 S River Rd, Englewood.

Pickleball at Englewood Sports Complex. Provided photo.

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