Colton Underwood, known for his appearance on the popular reality TV show “The Bachelor,” is organizing the first-ever pickleball tournament in Malibu. This event, called Pickle! For Purpose, will take place on September 30 at Pepperdine University’s Ralph-Straus Tennis Center. Its primary objective is to raise support and awareness for the Targeting Emotional and Mental Stability (TEAMS) Act, which is a cause that Underwood’s Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation is deeply connected to.
Pickle! For Purpose has attracted a star-studded lineup of participants. Among the confirmed celebrities and athletes are Sophia Bush, Stevan Ditter, Ronald Gladden, Colton Haynes, Harry Jowsey, James Marsden, June Diane Raphael, Geoff Stults, Michelle Wie, and professional pickleball players Hurricane Tyra Black, Catherine Parenteau, and Callie Jo Smith. The tournament will kick off with a professional singles and doubles match, followed by a performance from a team from Pepperdine University. The event is also being sponsored by prominent companies like Amazon, American Airlines, Bumble, Skechers, Can-Am, nuuds, Just Ingredients, Health-Ade, Made by Mary, UpWest, and Crumb.
As a former student athlete who went on to play football in the NFL, Underwood understands the challenges faced by student athletes, particularly in regards to their mental and emotional well-being. He has been a passionate advocate for the TEAMS Act, a piece of legislation that aims to provide programs and resources for student athletes as they manage the demands of both their academic and athletic careers. The TEAMS Act seeks to implement services such as online mental health care, in-person mental health coaching, 24/7 crisis text lines, peer-to-peer counseling, and educational initiatives to combat the stigma surrounding mental health.
Underwood explains, “Our foundation serves as a testament to the power of united action; a reminder that by uplifting student athletes’ well-being, we enable them to thrive authentically and realize their unique potential… In our mission, we find not just a cause, but a transformative journey towards brighter tomorrows for our student athletes.”
Tickets for Pickle! For Purpose can be purchased through a provided link.
The event has been accompanied by photos of Colton Underwood and his team engaging in various activities, including a trip to Washington, D.C. While in D.C., Underwood and his team advocated for the TEAMS Act and posed for snapshots with influential figures such as Sarah Fuller, the first woman to play in a Power Five conference football game.
The inaugural Pickle! For Purpose tournament promises to be an exciting and meaningful event. With a star-studded lineup, the support of sponsors, and the important cause it represents, the event aims to bring much-needed attention and resources to the mental and emotional well-being of student athletes. Through the efforts of Colton Underwood and the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation, the TEAMS Act is one step closer to becoming a reality and helping student athletes navigate their journeys with the necessary support and resources.