PLAYER PROFILE

Will Howells

PPA Tour pro · New Jersey 5s player · 2026 MLP champion

Will Howells is a 27-year-old professional pickleball player from Richmond, Virginia, who lives in Boca Raton, Florida. The former Notre Dame tennis player became an APP triple-crown winner and helped the New Jersey 5s capture the 2026 MLP championship.

September 4, 2026Self-audited revision
USA · NEW JERSEY 5S81
No. 81PPA men's world rankingObserved September 4, 2026 · 672.5 points

Notre Dame tennis · Pro since 2023

Tennis foundation · rapid ascent

From Notre Dame to the professional court

Howells did not spend years working through pickleball's lower levels. A friend brought him to Caloosa Park in Boynton Beach in February 2023, and his nearly two decades of tennis translated quickly. Six months later he was testing himself in an APP professional field.

He initially trained around a demanding sales job, using evenings and weekends to improve. In May 2024, after winning his first APP titles, he left the beverage industry and committed to pickleball full-time.

AGE AND HOME BASE

How old is Will Howells and where does he live?

Will Howells was officially listed as 27 years old and residing in Boca Raton, Florida, when this profile was reviewed in September 2026.

Career timeline

One of pickleball's fastest professional climbs

Four seasons of Notre Dame tennis

A blue-chip junior recruit, Howells fulfilled a childhood goal by earning a tennis scholarship to Notre Dame. He played four seasons, reached the ITA singles top 50 and graduated with a finance degree in 2021.

First picked up a pickleball paddle

After returning to South Florida, Howells was introduced to pickleball at Caloosa Park. Andrew Loftin connected him with Marisa Ruiz, who became his first mixed doubles tournament partner.

Entered the APP professional scene

At the APP St. Louis Open, Howells finished in the top 10 in singles and men's doubles. The result convinced him that he could compete at the professional level.

Won in doubles and singles

Howells and CJ Klinger won men's doubles at the APP Punta Gorda Open. He then won singles at Sacramento, where he also earned men's doubles silver with JW Johnson.

Completed an APP triple crown

At the Fort Lauderdale Open, Howells won singles, men's doubles with Jack Munro and mixed doubles with Bobbi Oshiro during the same tournament weekend.

Signed with the PPA Tour

Howells agreed to a three-year PPA contract beginning in 2026 after finishing a dominant APP season.

Became an MLP champion

New Jersey swept St. Louis 2–0 in the championship series. Howells and Federico Staksrud won Sunday's men's doubles game 12–10 over Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio.

DUPR ratings displayed September 7, 2026

Will Howells’ DUPR ratings

Doubles DUPR
6.526
Singles DUPR
6.365
2026 Major League Pickleball

The 5s finally finished the job

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES2–0NEW JERSEY OVER ST. LOUIS

After consecutive runner-up finishes, New Jersey won both Finals matches through DreamBreakers. On Sunday, Howells and Federico Staksrud reversed their opening-day men's doubles loss with a 12–10 victory over Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio.

Team result
2026 MLP champion
Finals series
New Jersey 2–0 St. Louis
Sunday doubles
Staksrud / Howells 12–10
Opponents
Patriquin / Tardio

Explore the New Jersey 5s championship team →

How he plays

A tennis backhand built for modern pickleball

Howells has described his game as a blend of traditional dinking and aggressive speedups. His favorite shot is the two-handed backhand, including topspin attacks taken out of the air near the kitchen.

Signature shot
Two-handed backhand
Attacking identity
Topspin and aggressive speedups
Foundation
Traditional dinking plus modern pace
Pressure experience
College tennis and MLP DreamBreakers
Dated equipment observation

What paddle was Will Howells documented using?

FRANKLIN

C45 Dynasty

14mmDocumented September 4, 2026

The PPA Tour player profile lists the Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mm for Howells. Franklin also markets Will Howells signature C45 paddles in both 14mm and 16mm configurations, so the 14mm claim is presented as a dated competition listing rather than a permanent specification.

SHOP THE DOCUMENTED MODEL

Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mm

This listing matches the documented paddle model and thickness above. Confirm the selected option before buying. Price and availability can change.

Check price at Pickleball Central →Affiliate link: Good Day Pickleball may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Compare the C45 Dynasty 14mm and 16mm →
Interview, MLP and singles

Watch Will Howells

Player interview

Leaving the APP and Teaming Up With Anna Leigh Waters

The Kitchen · 2026

Championship-era MLP

New Jersey 5s vs. Orlando Squeeze

Major League Pickleball · Dallas 2026

Singles championship

Will Howells Claims APP Men's Singles Gold

APP Tour · Fort Lauderdale

Public player account

Follow Will Howells

Quick answers

Will Howells FAQs

How old is Will Howells?

Will Howells was officially listed as 27 years old when this profile was reviewed in September 2026.

What are Will Howells’ DUPR ratings?

Ratings powered by DUPR and displayed on September 7, 2026 listed Will Howells at 6.526 in doubles and 6.365 in singles.

Where is Will Howells from?

Will Howells is from Richmond, Virginia, and is listed as residing in Boca Raton, Florida.

Did Will Howells play college tennis?

Yes. Howells played four seasons of tennis at the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a finance degree in 2021.

What paddle does Will Howells use?

The PPA Tour listed Will Howells with the Franklin C45 Dynasty 14mm when his equipment was reviewed on September 4, 2026.

What MLP team does Will Howells play for?

Will Howells plays for the New Jersey 5s and helped the team win the 2026 Major League Pickleball championship.

Transparent sourcing

Primary evidence