The 2024 Pan American Senior Championships, held in Mar del Plata, Argentina, from December 6–8, was a monumental event for senior padel players across the Americas. The U.S. National Team sent one of the largest teams, with over 70 players competing against fierce competition across multiple age divisions. The team spirit was palpable, with many players supporting others and coaching when they weren’t playing their own matches. This resulted in standout performances, showcasing grit, skill, and determination. Sponsored by Bullpadel, Padel Haus, Chosen Foods, and Van Eck, the U.S. National Team secured significant victories and made its mark on the international stage.

The competition involved countries from North, Central, and South America sending pairs to compete in men’s and women’s divisions, with age categories of +30, +35, +40, +45, +50, and +55. Each country was able to send up to two pairs per category. Round-robin play was held between the pairs, followed by playoffs and finals.

Each pair’s performance earned points for their countries’ overall points total. The US women’s team finished with the third-highest points total, and the USA finished fifth overall, an outstanding achievement given the history and popularity of their padel in the other attending countries.

Team Effort and Success

The U.S. National Team demonstrated its growing strength in international senior padel through spirited performances and key victories. Standout moments included Nancy Dingwall & Veronica Costabel’s championship-winning run in the +45 A division and Ana Magrini & Lisa Teer’s runner-up finish in the +55 category.

The coaching team, led by Marcelo ‘Masa’ Perez, Ángel Espadas, Antonio Martinez, and Agustin Pappa, played a pivotal role in preparing the teams for success, bringing expertise and passion to the U.S. squad. Ana Magrini and Patricio Misitrano performed triple duty for the USA, playing, as well as taking on delegate duties and, at times, coaching their teammates.

Women’s Division Highlights

+30 A

The U.S. faced stiff opposition in the semifinals against Argentina’s top players.

• Semifinal 1: Hafsah Sani & Lelyzaveta Daiube (USA) lost to Garnero & Bambicha (ARG) 6-3, 6-1.
• Semifinal 2: Desiree Seilhamer & Maria Teresa Aviles (USA) were defeated by Cadaval & Gomez Barnada (ARG) 6-4, 6-0.

+45 A

Belen Salcedo and Annica Cooper Van Starrenburg performed extremely well, going undefeated in round-robin play and making it to the semi-finals before losing to Altmayer & Ferreira from Brazil.

Nancy Dingwall & Veronica Costabel delivered a stellar performance, winning this category.

• Semifinals: Dingwall & Costabel (USA) beat Maldonado & Guilarducci (ARG) 6-4, 6-3.
• Finals: The duo continued their dominant run, winning the championship against Altmayer & Ferreira (BRA) 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

+55

Ana Magrini & Lisa Teer were one of the standout pairs for Team USA.

• Quarterfinals: Magrini & Teer (USA) defeated Fello Arias & Garcia (ARG) 6-0, 6-2.
• Semifinals: They edged out Riefkohl Henrichsen & Suinaga (MEX) in a tightly contested match, 6-4, 6-4.
• Finals: In a thrilling encounter, Magrini & Teer (USA) narrowly lost to Klafke & Gonzalez (BRA) 4-6, 6-2, 10-2, securing runner-up honors.

Men’s Division Highlights

+40 C

Nicholas Frank & Rodolfo Rake delivered a strong performance, reaching the semifinals.

• Quarterfinals: Frank & Rake (USA) defeated Aramburu & De Franceschi (BRA) 6-4, 6-1.
• Semifinals: Despite their efforts, they fell to Covi & Genta (ARG) 6-0, 6-1.

+55

Bryan Taylor & Lamar May showcase resilience in a highly competitive bracket.

• Quarterfinals: Taylor & May (USA) cruised past Gerardi & Filartiga (PAR) 6-1, 6-1.
• Semifinals: They faced Bianchezi & Gonzalez Varela (MEX) and fell short, 6-1, 6-4.

Acknowledgments

The USPA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all players, coaches, and supporters who made the journey to Mar del Plata. A special thank you to our sponsors—Bullpadel, Padel Haus, Chosen Foods, and Van Eck—for their unwavering support in advancing Padel in the United States.

As the U.S. looks ahead to future senior tournaments, the experiences and achievements from the Pan American Senior Championships serve as a testament to the country’s dedication to fostering talent at all levels of padel.For a more detailed look at the 2024 Panamerican Senior Championships results, click on the link here.