National Pickleball League - Academy Player Profiles

Introducing the 2026 NPL Academy — a player development pathway created to give emerging athletes more access, more opportunity, and more support as they grow in the game.

As pickleball continues to move forward in Australia, so does the need to build clearer pathways for the next generation of players. This cohort represents the first step.

Congratulations to the inaugural NPL Academy intake of 2026.

FEMALE PLAYERS

Olivia Moir Olivia burst onto the scene in mid-2025 following her return to Australia after competing in college tennis. Her talent was quickly recognised when she was drafted into the Roos' Pro Tour side, alongside Sahil Dang, Nives Baric, and Matt Kouznetsov. Currently competing in Division 2 with the Adders, Olivia is working towards another Pro Tour call-up. Tall and rangy, she possesses excellent driving ability, and her doubles game continues to develop with each week of competition.

Memory Lelenoa Known as "Nasha," Memory is just 17 years old and has already been an active presence on the pickleball scene for some time. A natural doubles specialist with an ever-improving singles game, she was rewarded for her dedication when selected by the Tide under Captain Ayesha Dang. Memory is primed for a strong 2026 campaign, having already produced impressive results on the tournament circuit.

Irie Heather-Pereira At just 15 years old, Irie continues to impress every time she takes to the court. An integral part of the Division 2 finalist Opals in 2025 — led by Captain Ryan Simmons — Irie demonstrated considerable growth throughout the season, particularly in her singles play.

Indiana Heather-Pereira Indiana, the older sister of Irie, is one to watch in 2026. A crafty left-hander who brings great energy and intensity to the court, she enters her second season of NPL Division 2 with the Setters under Captain Sonia Bailey. Both Indiana and Irie have begun competing in professional events to further test themselves against higher-level opposition — a steep learning curve, but one that should drive exponential development over the next 12 to 24 months.

Aria Henare Aria made a strong impression in 2025 for the Division 2 Sharks under Captain Broden Cox. Combining elite power, deft touch, and explosive athleticism, Aria has the potential to develop into a world-class player if she maintains her current trajectory. A compelling personality on and off the court, she is truly the complete package.

Zoey Daggmarr After being drafted by the Reef under Captain James Wilson, Zoey's hard work has begun to yield clear results. Dedicated to continuous improvement, she has even travelled to Asia to compete against some of the world's best players. Fiery and powerful with an elite singles game, Zoey's ceiling is exceptionally high.

MALE PLAYERS

Sahil Dang Sahil Dang is among the very best players in Australia. His recent PPA singles victory served notice to the entire country of his elite capabilities. Long, crafty, and equipped with excellent passing shots, Sahil has defeated Australia's top competition — and he is still only 20 years old. Entering his second consecutive season as Captain of the Roos in Pro Tour, his doubles ability will also be on full display, and may well surprise those unfamiliar with that dimension of his game.

Stefan Djordic Explosive, expressive, and endlessly watchable. Stefan brings tremendous entertainment value to every match he plays. A singles specialist with a formidable serve and an equally formidable personality, Stefan narrowly missed out on a Pro Tour draft but has secured an early call-up with Selina's Heat, where he will see significant game time. His doubles game continues to develop alongside an already potent singles arsenal.

Timothy Kouznetsov This will be Timothy's second year in the Academy. After an interrupted 2025 season — largely due to completing his Year 12 studies — Tim invested heavily in his game during the off-season and was rewarded by being drafted onto his brother Matt's team, the Adders. Timothy is a well-rounded player with considerable talent across both singles and doubles.

Hala Fitikefau At just 13 years old — and approaching his 14th birthday — Hala is the youngest member of the Academy. However, his age belies a highly skilled game, particularly in doubles where he already possesses a complete shot repertoire. Having received his first taste of Division 2 competition in 2025 as a fill-in, Hala was subsequently drafted onto the Division 2 Setters, where he will benefit from the mentorship of Sueme Rajpal and Captain Sonia Bailey. Great things are expected from this young talent.

Mitch Rodgers Mitch is an exciting prospect from the Gold Coast. An elite athlete with excellent court coverage, Mitch has demonstrated exceptional ability in both singles and doubles. Competing in Division 2 for the Opals under Captain Ryan Simmons, a significant breakout season appears well within reach in 2026.

Ryan Hosseni The young left-hander continues to draw attention throughout Australian pickleball with his exceptional forehand power and composed court presence. Still only 16 years old, Ryan enters his second year of NPL Division 2 with the 29ers alongside Captain Ryan Lee. "The Prod" is firmly on the radar as one of the sport's most exciting emerging talents.

Luther Ferris Another gifted young left-hander, Luther distinguishes himself through a tremendous work ethic and an eagerness to learn and grow. An integral part of the Division 2 Opals' 2025 finals run, Luther thrived under the guidance of then-Captain Ryan Simmons. A new chapter begins in 2026 as he joins The Outback under Captain Thanh Huynh.

Hamish Bartos Hamish is an absolute powerhouse at just 21 years of age. The standout male player from South Australia, he showcased his abilities during the 2025 Pro Tour season with the Tide before transitioning to the Opals under Captain Crystal Mildwaters. An imposing doubles presence with a rapidly improving singles game, Hamish will be a formidable opponent for any team in 2026.

Ashton Chan Ashton is one of the most promising young players in the country. In 2025, he competed in Division 2 before earning a late-season call-up to Pro Tour — where he recorded a standout singles victory over Matt Barton, 12–10. Ashton is already making deep runs in major tournaments, with his singles performance particularly noteworthy and his doubles potential yet to be fully unlocked.