GB international Louie Harris confessed to being “gobsmacked” after being picked in the draft for the second Pro Padel League season, which kicks off in April in Florida.
The 21-year-old Welshman will play for the San Diego Stingrays in this year’s $1m event – joining his fellow Brit Tia Norton on the player roster as the GB No.1 lines up once again for defending champions Las Vegas Smash.
This year’s PPL has expanded to 10 teams – and in Tuesday’s draft, the three newcomers – Houston Volts, Flowrida Goats and New York Atlantics – had the first three picks in the draft. This was followed by two rounds featuring all of the teams, with the second round picks being the reverse order of the first round.
British No.3 Louie was selected by the Stingrays in round two of the draft and the former personal trainer – who won six titles on the LTA British Padel Tour last year – was overjoyed.
“I’m gobsmacked to be honest!” he told The Padel Paper. “The Pro Padel League is one of the most exciting leagues in the world and I think for any Brit, playing in the US is a major goal.
“No-one does sport like the Americans – just look at the Superbowl. I literally cannot wait to get over there. It’s going to be awesome.”
Louie and Tia’s 2024 PPL campaigns will begin in just six weeks with the first two rounds of matches taking place in Florida on April 1-6 and 8-13. Matches three and four are in California on August 12-17 and 19-24. The PPL Cup Finals will be in New York on November 18-23.
Louie will be teaming up with some legends in the San Diego line-up: none other than world No.1 Maxi Sanchez and fellow Argentine and world No.2 Miguel Lamperti, as well as women’s world No.13 Lucía Sainz and her fellow Spaniard Carmen Goenaga.
Louie’s agent, Oliver Morgan of Activate Management, commented: “I couldn’t be happier for Louie. He’s a very professional young man who has earnt this opportunity by training hard and keeping his head down. His powerful, dominant game is sure to wow the crowds over there – now is his time to shine.
“Credit must go to Ryan Redondo and the San Diego Stingrays for their vision – adding Louie to their squad will give their franchise relevance over here and will boost the international appeal of the Pro Padel League.”
