What happens when you bring together pickleball and basketball for a great cause? An unforgettable morning on the courts! This past Saturday morning, August, 29, 2026, in College Park, Maryland, we were proud to join the Maryland Women’s Basketball team, Head Coach Brenda Frese, and JOOLA legend Eric White at Eppley Tennis and Pickleball Courts on the University of Maryland campus for the first-ever Dinks 4 Dunks pickleball fundraiser. 

Designed for players of all skill levels, the event brought together the entire UMD women's basketball team, along with more than 50 members of the University of Maryland community together for a morning of court time, connection, and friendly competition.

From a clinic led by JOOLA Director of Brand Education and Training, Eric White, to open play, raffles, prizes, and meet-and-greet moments with Coach Frese and the team, Dinks 4 Dunks gave Terps fans and pickleball players a new way to rally around Maryland Women’s Basketball.

Dinks 4 Dunks helps raise funds to provide resources and opportunities for the University of Maryland Women's Basketball team, including supporting student-athletes, team activities, training and other program needs. JOOLA provided a Perseus Pro V pickleball paddle signed by University of Maryland alum and pickleball world #1 Ben Johns to be raffled off, with funds going back to Dink 4 Dunks.

Craig Chester, JOOLA Director of Partnerships poses with Coach Frese

We were in attendance to host the clinic and help spread the joy of pickleball across campus. Whether attendees were picking up a paddle for the first time or jumping into open play, the energy stayed high from check-in through the final photos and autographs.

For those looking for an even closer experience, the VIP option offered the chance to share the court with Coach Frese herself. All proceeds and registration fees directly supported the Maryland Women’s Basketball program, making every dink, drive, and rally part of something bigger.

Eric White playing role of Head Pickleball Coach

“It was a fabulous event for pickleball fans and UMD women's basketball fans alike,” said Eric White, JOOLA Director of brand tranining and education. “JOOLA is from the hometown area, so the brand was well received — and we donated Vision paddles to the entire coaching staff, who all play! They were especially excited that Ben Johns is a UMD alum.”

The morning wrapped with team photo and autograph opportunities, giving fans one more reason to celebrate before heading home. For us, Dinks 4 Dunks was exactly what makes pickleball special: a welcoming community, a fun format, and the chance to bring people together around the game.

Go Terps!