Selkirk Sport hosted the first-ever pickleball combine in September to identify and support the next generation of professional pickleball players through data-driven performance testing and elite coaching.
Over three days, 12 athletes — six men and six women — took part in a battery of physical and skills-based assessments, match play, and one-on-one coaching sessions with pickleball coach Morgan Evans.
The event was the first major initiative under Selkirk’s new SPARTA Program, designed to create a measurable and meaningful pathway for rising talent.
The results exceeded expectations. Multiple athletes posted elite-level performance metrics, including three men who recorded a 9-foot standing broad jump — well above the “excellent” benchmark of 8’2.5” — while match play showcased a level of competition that surprised even the Selkirk team.
From that elite group, four athletes earned Selkirk contracts following the combine. Each demonstrated not only standout athletic ability but also the drive, discipline, and passion Selkirk looks for in the next generation of professionals.
Anouar Braham
Woodstock, Georgia — originally from Sousse, Tunisia
Braham brings a hybrid game built on power, movement, and mental sharpness. He alternates between the SLK ERA Power for doubles and the Project Boomstik for singles, using the latter’s power to shape points and dictate tempo.
His training routine is rigorous — roughly 10 hours a week on the court and additional strength and endurance work in the gym. His on-court sessions include high-volume ball machine reps, situational speed-up and reset drills, and plenty of match play to keep instincts sharp.
For Braham, joining the SPARTA Team represents more than a sponsorship; it’s a symbol of what persistence and focus can achieve.
“I’m pumped to be part of the inaugural SPARTA Team,” Braham said. “I'm grateful for the support that helps me travel, compete, and chase excellence at the highest level. I'm honored to join such a talented group of athletes and can’t wait to grow, grind, and contribute to our team’s success.”
Braham’s upcoming schedule includes PPA Lakeland, Challenger Playoffs, and multiple late-season tour stops where he’ll look to translate his combine success into pro-level results.
Cade Edwards
Richland, Washington
For Washington native Edwards, earning a spot on the Sparta Team validates years of disciplined training and a relentless commitment to improvement.
“I’m thrilled to join the team,” Edwards said. “It’s a chance to chase my best game while being supported by a team that believes in its players and the sport.”
Edwards plays an aggressive, fast-paced brand of pickleball — a style amplified by his choice of paddle, the Project Boomstik.
“The pop off the face is unlike any paddle I’ve used,” Edwards said. “It helps me lean into my aggressive style without sacrificing control. It’s helped me stay balanced and react faster in quick exchanges.”
His drilling routine focuses heavily on consistency and match simulation. He begins sessions by working every shot from all areas of the court, before incorporating speed-up and block sequences to refine his counters and defensive instincts.
Edwards will next compete at the PPA Lakeland Open on Nov. 18 and is working to add more late-year tournaments to his schedule.
Charlie Treviño
Los Cabos, Mexico
Treviño’s journey to pickleball began with mentorship and friendship, and has evolved into a professional pursuit fueled by passion and purpose.
“I’m so excited to be joining the SPARTA team,” Treviño said. “It feels incredible to be supported by people who share the same passion, work ethic, and drive to grow the sport internationally.”
Treviño’s game blends precision and power, honed through years of disciplined drilling. She currently plays with the SLK ERA Power, a paddle she says gives her the ideal mix of pop and control.
“I’ve always been a control-focused player, but this paddle gives me that extra pop without losing precision,” she said. “It’s super versatile since it lets me stay aggressive while still feeling connected to every shot.”
She credits her mentor and coach Matt PaneGasser, for shaping her competitive mindset and teaching philosophy. Treviño drills nearly every day, working on dinks, resets, and third-shot drops before transitioning into pattern play and live points.
She’s scheduled to compete at APP Fort Lauderdale, PPA Masters, and Season 2 of the WPBL in India, continuing her mission to grow the sport globally.
Rafa Lenhard
Born in Porto Alegre, Brazil — now based in Las Vegas, soon relocating to Phoenix
A year ago, Rafa Lenhard picked up a paddle just to reconnect with friends. Today, he’s a rising pro with a full tournament calendar and a new home on the SPARTA team.
“Joining the SPARTA team means everything to me,” Lenhard said. “It means I can continue to fulfill my lifelong dream of being a professional athlete. I’m beyond grateful and excited to represent the best company in pickleball.”
Lenhard plays with the Boomstik, a paddle he credits for an immediate jump in his performance.
“It made an instant and significant impact on my game,” he said. “The large sweet spot and pop have elevated my resets, dinks, and hands battles. Once I learned to harness its power, I felt comfortable roping drives from all corners of the court.”
His training routine includes structured dink work, groundstroke repetitions, and advanced figure-eight rally drills designed to improve reaction time and precision.
After strong showings in regional events, Lenhard will close out the year at the PPA Challenger Series in North Carolina and Daytona Beach, before heading to the PPA Masters in January and a full 2026 tour schedule.
