Naples, FL – VAIR, the AI‑driven pickleball rating and performance platform, has been named the official rating system of the National Collegiate Pickleball Association (NCPA). The partnership, unveiled on September 11, 2026, will provide every NCPA member with access to VAIR+, a suite of tools designed to help players track, understand, and improve their game.
What the partnership delivers
Through VAIR+, collegiate athletes will receive integrated performance statistics, deeper insights into their play, and a rating that reflects true on‑court ability rather than simple win‑loss records. The system blends advanced technology, performance data, certified human evaluation, and AI analysis to produce a trusted assessment of each player’s skill level.
Path to becoming “VAIRified”
In addition to the rating, the agreement establishes a clear pathway for players to become “VAIRified.” This designation signals that a player’s rating has been verified through the full VAIR evaluation process, giving coaches, recruiters, and opponents a reliable measure of talent.
Leadership comments
“This partnership represents exactly what VAIR was built to do,” said Mike Barker, CEO of VAIR. “By making VAIR the official rating system, the NCPA is giving its players a transparent, data‑rich experience that supports long‑term development.”
Noah Suemnick, CEO of the NCPA, added, “Our athletes will receive more than a number. They’ll have meaningful statistics, improvement tools, and a trusted process for becoming VAIRified, strengthening the competitive experience across the collegiate tour.”
Impact on collegiate pickleball
The NCPA runs a 14‑event national collegiate tour, junior camps, and club programs that funnel young athletes into the sport. By adopting VAIR’s rating ecosystem, the association aims to raise competitive standards, provide clearer player development pathways, and attract more schools and sponsors to the growing collegiate pickleball landscape.
Further details about VAIR+ access and the VAIRification process will be released as the partnership rolls out.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
