Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour

The Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour is the latest name for the women's professional racquetball tour. It features the world's best players and several events each season - running from September to May - that are mostly played in the USA.

History

Women's professional racquetball has existed since the 1970s but the women's pro tour began in 1980, when the Women's Professional Racquetball Association (WPRA) was created.[1] The tour was run by International Management Group, and did well in the early 1980s in part due to the great rivalry between Lynn Adams and Heather McKay. The WPRA lasted until 1994, when the Women's International Racquetball Tour (WIRT) was created.

In 2000, the United States Racquetball Association (USRA) took over administration of the WIRT, and renamed it the Ladies Professional Racquetball Association (LPRA). This led to significant growth under the supervision of the USRA, which had a three year plan for the LPRA.[2]

In 2005, the players took over control and ownership of the tour, and again it was reorganized and rebranded as the Women's Professional Racquetball Organization.[3] Shannon Feaster, a former player and marketing executive, served as the WPRO Commissioner from February 2006 to May 2011, when she stepped down to focus on her family. Gigi Rock was then hired as the new commissioner in July 2011.[4]

In 2012, the players decided to reorganize and created the LPRT with T. J. Baumbaugh as President and Andy Kulback Deputy Commissioner. Kulback resigned in October 2016.

Current season

2023-2024 (Tier 1 and Grand Slam Events)
EventChampionRunner UpSemi FinalistsQuarterfinalistsDoubles ChampionsFinalists
KWM Gutterman World Singles and Doubles Open Racquetball Championships

Highlands Ranch, Colorado
August 10-13, 2023

 Paola Longoria
13-15, 15-3, 11-5[5]		 Montserrat Mejía Alexandra Herrera
Brenda Laime		 Samantha Salas
Natalia Mendez
Gabriela Martinez
Erika Manilla
2023 LPRT Turkey Shoot

Lombard, Illinois
November 16-19, 2023

 Maria Jose Vargas
15-9, 15-5[6]		 Erika Manilla Montserrat Mejía
Paola Longoria		 Alexandra Herrera
Brenda Laime
Natalia Mendez
Kelani Lawrence		 Alexandra Herrera
Montserrat Mejía
12-15, 15-5, 11-9[7]		 Paola Longoria
Samantha Salas
31st Annual LPRT Christmas Classic

Millersville, Maryland
December 9–11, 2022

 Maria Jose Vargas
15-8, 15-7[8]		 Montserrat Mejía Paola Longoria
Cristina Amaya		 Alexandra Herrera
Samantha Salas
Kelani Lawrence
Gabriela Martinez		 Alexandra Herrera
Montserrat Mejía
15-10, 15-8[9]		 Paola Longoria
Samantha Salas
Arizona Open

Tempe, Arizona
January 12–14, 2024

 Maria Jose Vargas
15-5, 15-12[10]		 Alexandra Herrera Paola Longoria
Erika Manilla		 Angélica Barrios
Montserrat Mejía
Gabriela Martinez
Brenda Laime		 Alexandra Herrera
Montserrat Mejía
15-9, 15-4[11]		 Paola Longoria
Samantha Salas
Boston Open

Marlborough, Massachusetts
March 1–3, 2024

 Paola Longoria
8-15, 15-11, 11-8[12]		 Montserrat Mejía Maria Jose Vargas
Alexandra Herrera		 Cristina Amaya
Kelani Lawrence
Angélica Barrios
Brenda Laime		 Natalia Mendez
Maria Jose Vargas
8-15, 15-10, 11-4[13]		 Alexandra Herrera
Montserrat Mejía
Battle at the Alamo

San Antonio, Texas
April 25–28, 2024

 Maria Jose Vargas
15-12, 8-15, 11-7[14]		 Montserrat Mejía Alexandra Herrera
Paola Longoria		 Kelani Lawrence
Gabriela Martinez
Jessica Parrilla
Samantha Salas		 Alexandra Herrera
Montserrat Mejía
15-7, 15-10[15]		 Michelle Key
Carla Muñoz
Sweet Caroline Open LPRT Open

Greenville, South Carolina
May 17-19, 2024

 Maria Jose Vargas
15-12, 7-15, 11-10[16]		 Paola Longoria Alexandra Herrera
Montserrat Mejia		 Carla Muñoz
Natalia Mendez
Gabriela Martinez
Kelani Lawrence		 Alexandra Herrera
Montserrat Mejía
15-10, 15-4[17]		 Natalia Mendez
Maria Jose Vargas
LPRT Battle at the Beach - Season Finale

Chesapeake, Virginia
June 6-9, 2024

 Paola Longoria
15-5, 15-10[18]		 Alexandra Herrera Montserrat Mejía
Maria Jose Vargas		 Brenda Laime
Kelani Lawrence
Natalia Mendez
Carla Muñoz		 Alexandra Herrera
Montserrat Mejía
15-5, 15-9[19]		 Paola Longoria
Samantha Salas

Season Summaries (Tier I and Grand Slam Events)
SeasonWinsUS Open winner
2023-24 Maria Jose Vargas (5), Paola Longoria (3) -
2022-23 Montserrat Mejía (5), Paola Longoria (3), Alexandra Herrera, Gabriela Martinez Paola Longoria
2021-22 Paola Longoria (6), Alexandra Herrera (2), Gabriela Martinez Paola Longoria
2020-21 Paola Longoria (2), Montserrat Mejía No event due to COVID-19 pandemic
2019-20 Paola Longoria (7), Maria Jose Vargas Paola Longoria
2018-19 Paola Longoria (9), Maria Jose Vargas Paola Longoria
2017-18 Paola Longoria (7), Samantha Salas, Maria Jose Vargas Paola Longoria
2016-17 Paola Longoria (10), Frédérique Lambert, Samantha Salas Paola Longoria
2015-16 Paola Longoria (11) Paola Longoria
2014-15 Paola Longoria (10), Maria Jose Vargas (2), Rhonda Rajsich Paola Longoria
2013-14 Paola Longoria (12) Paola Longoria
2012-13 Paola Longoria (11) Paola Longoria
2011-12 Paola Longoria (7), Rhonda Rajsich Paola Longoria
2010-11 Paola Longoria (5), Rhonda Rajsich (4), Samantha Salas (1) Rhonda Rajsich
2009-10 Paola Longoria (5), Rhonda Rajsich (2), Cheryl Gudinas (1) Rhonda Rajsich
2008-09 Paola Longoria (4), Rhonda Rajsich (4), Kristen Walsh Bellows (1) Paola Longoria
2007-08 Rhonda Rajsich (5), Cheryl Gudinas (3), Paola Longoria, Christie Van Hees Rhonda Rajsich
2006-07 Rhonda Rajsich (5), Christie Van Hees (3), Kerri Wachtel, Angela Grisar Christie Van Hees
2005-06 Christie Van Hees (3), Rhonda Rajsich (2), Cheryl Gudinas (2) Christie Van Hees
2004-05 Christie Van Hees (4), Cheryl Gudinas (2), Rhonda Rajsich Cheryl Gudinas
2003-04 Cheryl Gudinas (6), Christie Van Hees (2), Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich
2002-03 Cheryl Gudinas (9), Jackie Paraiso (2), Kerri Wachtel Cheryl Gudinas
2001-02 Cheryl Gudinas (5), Jackie Paraiso (2), Rhonda Rajsich Kerri Wachtel
2000-01 Cheryl Gudinas (9), Jackie Paraiso (2), Christie Van Hees (2), Rhonda Rajsich Christie Van Hees
1999-2000 Jackie Paraiso (4), Cheryl Gudinas Jackie Paraiso
1998-99 Jackie Paraiso (7), Christie Van Hees Jackie Paraiso
1997-98 Michelle Gould (4), Marci Drexler Michelle Gould
1996-97 Michelle Gould (10), Jackie Paraiso, Cheryl Gudinas Michelle Gould
1995-96 Michelle Gould (9) -
1994-95 Michelle Gould (3), Marci Drexler -
1993-94 Michelle Gould (6), Marci Drexler -
1992-93 Michelle Gould (4), Marci Drexler -
1991-92 Michelle Gould (2), Jackie Paraiso (2), Malia Bailey (2), Toni Bevelock -
1990-91 Michelle Gould (5), Lynn Adams (2) -
1989-90 - -
1988-89 Caryn McKinney (4), Lynn Adams (2) -
1987-88 Lynn Adams (4), Caryn McKinney, Marci Drexler -
1986-87 Lynn Adams (6), Caryn McKinney (2), Marci Drexler (2) -
1985-86 Lynn Adams (7) -
1984-85 Lynn Adams (8), Vicki Panzeri -
1983-84 Heather McKay (7), Lynn Adams (5) -
1982-83 Lynn Adams (6), Heather McKay (3), Shannon Wright -
1981-82 Lynn Adams (6), Heather McKay (4) -
1980-81 { Heather McKay (3), Shannon Wright (2), Lynn Adams -

Note: The US Open began in 1996.

Rankings

Season ending top 10 rankings
Rank 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23[20] 2023-24
1 Paola Longoria Paola Longoria Montserrat Mejía Maria Jose Vargas
2 Alexandra Herrera Alexandra Herrera Paola Longoria Paola Longoria
3 Montserrat Mejía Maria Jose Vargas Alexandra Herrera Montserrat Mejía
4 Maria Jose Vargas Natalia Mendez Erika Manilla Alexandra Herrera
5 Samantha Salas Gabriela Martinez Brenda Laime Brenda Laime
6 Natalia Mendez Erika Manilla Angélica Barrios Kelani Lawrence
7 Jessica Parrilla Angélica Barrios Maria Jose Vargas Natalia Mendez
8 Angélica Barrios Jessica Parrilla Jessica Parrilla Cristina Amaya
9 Valeria Centellas Rhonda Rajsich Carla Muñoz Carla Muñoz
10 Rhonda Rajsich Montserrat Mejía Natalia Mendez Gabriela Martinez
Erika Manilla
Rank 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
1 Paola Longoria Paola Longoria Paola Longoria Paola Longoria Paola Longoria
2 Rhonda Rajsich Frédérique Lambert Frédérique Lambert Samantha Salas Maria Jose Vargas
3 Maria Jose Vargas Samantha Salas Jessica Parrilla Maria Jose Vargas Samantha Salas
4 Frédérique Lambert Jessica Parrilla Alexandra Herrera Alexandra Herrera Alexandra Herrera
5 Samantha Salas Alexandra Herrera Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich Natalia Mendez
6 Jessica Parrilla Rhonda Rajsich Nancy Enriquez Natalia Mendez Montserrat Mejía
7 Sofia Rascon Cristina Amaya Natalia Mendez Nancy Enriquez Rhonda Rajsich
8 Alexandra Herrera Carla Muñoz Cristina Amaya Cristina Amaya Nancy Enriquez
9 Susana Acosta Susana Acosta Maria Jose Vargas Frédérique Lambert Cristina Amaya
10 Cristina Amaya Adriana Riveros Carla Muñoz Adriana Riveros Jessica Parrilla
Rank 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13[21] 2013-14[22] 2014-15[23]
1 Rhonda Rajsich Paola Longoria Paola Longoria Paola Longoria Paola Longoria
2 Paola Longoria Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich Maria Jose Vargas
3 Samantha Salas Kerri Wachtel Samantha Salas Maria Jose Vargas Rhonda Rajsich
4 Kerri Wachtel Krystal Csuk Susana Acosta Samantha Salas Frédérique Lambert
5 Cheryl Gudinas Adrienne Fisher Cheryl Gudinas Cristina Amaya Samantha Salas
6 Susana Acosta Susana Acosta Adrienne Fisher Frédérique Lambert Cristina Amaya
7 Jennifer Saunders Jennifer Saunders Grace Hughes Aubrey Kirch Michelle Key
8 Adrienne Fisher Cristina Amaya Kerri Wachtel Susana Acosta Sofia Rascon
9 Cristina Amaya Kristen Walsh Bellows Cristina Amaya Veronica Sotomayor Cheryl Gudinas
10 Krystal Csuk Cheryl Gudinas Maria Jose Vargas Da'monique Davis Da'monique Davis
Rank 2005-06[24] 2006-07[25] 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
1 Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich Paola Longoria Paola Longoria
2 Cheryl Gudinas Holmes Kerri Wachtel Cheryl Gudinas Holmes Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich
3 Christie Van Hees Cheryl Gudinas Holmes Kerri Wachtel Cheryl Gudinas Holmes Cheryl Gudinas Holmes
4 Kristen Walsh Bellows Angela Grisar Angela Grisar Kristen Walsh Bellows Kerri Wachtel
5 Angela Grisar Christie Van Hees Kristen Walsh Bellows Kerri Wachtel Adrienne Fisher
6 Diane Moore Brenda Kyzer Paola Longoria Veronica Sotomayor Jo Shattuck
7 Brenda Kyzer Kristen Walsh Bellows Adrienne Fisher Adrienne Fisher Keely Franks
8 Jo Shattuck Samantha Salas Brenda Kyzer Angela Grisar T. J. Baumbaugh
9 Tammy Brown Jo Shattuck Christie Van Hees Jennifer Saunders Vivian Gomez
10 Laura Fenton Diane Moore Doreen Fowler Jo Shattuck Samantha Salas
Rank 2000-01[26] 2001-02[26] 2002-03[27] 2003-04[26] 2004-05[28]
1 Cheryl Gudinas Cheryl Gudinas Cheryl Gudinas Cheryl Gudinas Christie Van Hees
2 Jackie Paraiso Jackie Rice Jackie Paraiso Rice Christie Van Hees Cheryl Gudinas
3 Rhonda Rajsich Kerri Wachtel Kerri Wachtel Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich
4 Laura Fenton Rhonda Rajsich Rhonda Rajsich Kerri Wachtel Kerri Wachtel
5 Kersten Hallander Kersten Hallander Kersten Hallander Kristen Walsh Bellows Kristen Walsh Bellows
6 Susana Acosta Kristen Walsh Bellows Adrienne Fisher Kersten Hallander Angela Grisar
7 Doreen Fowler Claudine Garcia Kim Russell Adrienne Fisher Tammy Brown
8 Kerri Stoffregen Kim Russell Kristen Walsh Bellows Tammy Brown Adrienne Fisher
9 Lori-Jane Powell Lori-Jane Powell Lori-Jane Powell Angela Grisar Diane Moore
10 Kim Machiran Laura Fenton Susana Acosta Jackie Paraiso Rice Brenda Kyzer
  • Note - Christie Van Hees announced she was retiring at the end of the 2000-01 season, and was omitted from the season ending rankings despite winning two tournaments that season and being in the finals of two others. She certainly would have been in the top 10 that season.[29]
Rank 1995-96[30] 1996-97[30] 1997-98[30] 1998-99[30] 1999-2000[30]
1 Michelle Gould Michelle Gould Michelle Gould Jackie Paraiso Jackie Paraiso
2 Cheryl Gudinas Cheryl Gudinas Jackie Paraiso Cheryl Gudinas Cheryl Gudinas
3 Amy Kilbane Jackie Paraiso Marci Drexler Christie Van Hees Christie Van Hees
4 Marcy Lynch* Laura Fenton Cheryl Gudinas Kersten Hallander Kersten Hallander
5 Anita Maldonado* Molly O'Brien Laura Fenton Lydia Hammock Susana Acosta
6 Kim Machiran Lynne Coburn Lynne Coburn Robin Levine Lisa Hjelm
7 Molly O'Brien Marcy Lynch Molly O'Brien Molly O'Brien Kim Machiran
8 Jackie Paraiso Janet Myers Lorraine Galloway Michelle Wiragh Phyllis Morris
9 Dina Moreland Lydia Hammock Lydia Hammock Janet Myers Doreen Fowler
10 Lynne Coburn Randi Friedman Doreen Fowler Lori-Jane Powell Michelle Lucas
  • Note - Marcy Lynch and Anita Maldonado tied for 4th in 1995-96.
Rank 1990-91[31] 1991-92[31] 1992-93[31] 1993-94[31] 1994-95[30]
1 Michelle Gilman Jackie Paraiso Gibson Michelle Gould Michelle Gould Michelle Gould
2 Lynn Adams Malia Kamahoahoa Bailey Marci Drexler Marci Drexler Robin Levine
3 Malia Bailey Toni Bevelock Malia Bailey Robin Levine Marci Drexler
4 Caryn McKinney Michelle Gilman Gould Jackie Paraiso Gibson Cheryl Gudinas Cheryl Gudinas
5 Jackie Paraiso Dottie Fishl Kelly Lynne Coburn Lynne Coburn Lynne Coburn
6 Toni Bevelock Marci Drexler Kaye Kuhfeld Molly O’Brien Chris Evon
7 Kaye Kuhfeld Marcy Lynch Toni Bevelock* Laura Fenton Laura Fenton
8 Marci Drexler Lynne Coburn Molly O'Brien* Chris Evon Molly O'Brien
9 Lynne Coburn Kaye Kuhfeld Chris Evon Ellen Crawford Marcy Lynch
10 Marcy Lynch Robin Levine Caryn McKinney Roz Olson Amy Kilbane
  • Note - Toni Bevelock and Molly O'Brien tied for 7th in 1992-93.
Rank 1985-96[31] 1986-87[31] 1987-88[31] 1988-89[31] 1989-90[31]
1 Lynn Adams Lynn Adams Lynn Adams Caryn McKinney Lynn Adams
2 Caryn McKinney Caryn McKinney Caryn McKinney Lynn Adams Michelle Gilman
3 Marci Drexler Marci Drexler Kaye Kuhfeld Toni Bevelock Caryn McKinney
4 Vicki Panzeri Molly O'Brien Marci Drexler Marci Drexler Toni Bevelock
5 Terri Gilreath* Vicki Panzeri Molly O'Brien Kaye Kuhfeld Kaye Kuhfeld
6 Bonnie Stoll* Kaye Kuhfeld Jackie Paraiso Molly O'Brien Malia Bailey
7 Molly O'Brien* Terri Gilreath Vicki Panzeri Dottie Fishl Molly O'Brien
8 Sandy Robson* Marcy Lynch Liz Alvarado Jackie Paraiso Jackie Paraiso
9 Fran Davis Chris Evon Toni Bevelock Cindy Doyle Dottie Fishl
10 Trina Rasmussen Jackie Paraiso Cindy Doyle Marcy Lynch Chris Evon

Note: In the 1986-85 season, Terri Gilreath and Bonnie Stoll tied for 5th and Molly O'Brien and Sandy Robson tied for 7th.

Rank 1980-81[31] 1981-82[31] 1982-83[31] 1983-84[31] 1984-85[31]
1 Heather McKay Lynn Adams Heather McKay Heather McKay Lynn Adams
2 Lynn Adams Heather McKay Lynn Adams Lynn Adams Vicki Panzeri
3 Shannon Wright Shannon Wright Shannon Wright Shannon Wright-Hamilton Terri Gilreath
4 Marci Greer Marci Greer Laura Martino Janell Marriott Caryn McKinney
5 Karin Walton-Trent Peggy Gardner Vicki Panzeri Vicki Panzeri Marci Drexler
6 Peggy Gardner Laura Martino Janell Marriott Terri Gilreath Janell Marriott
7 Laura Martino Terri Gilreath Marci Greer Laura Martino Heather McKay
8 Linda Prefontaine Rita Hoff Terri Gilreath Caryn McKinney Liz Alvarado
9 Francine Davis Jennifer Harding Peggy Gardner Marci Greer Diane Bullard
10 Janell Marriott Vicki Panzeri Heather Stupp Brenda Barrett Cindy Baxter

Most seasons in top 10
RankPlayerYears
1. Rhonda Rajsich22
2. Cheryl Gudinas21
3. Paola Longoria17
4. Jackie Paraiso16
5. Kerri Wachtel12
5. Molly O'Brien12
7. Cristina Amaya11
7. Maria Jose Vargas11
7. Samantha Salas11
7. Lynn Adams11
7. Marci Drexler11
11. Susana Acosta9
11. Kristen Bellows9
11. Adrienne Fisher9
11. Michelle Gould9
11. Caryn McKinney9

Players ranked #1 at season's end
Seasons ended No. 1
1. Paola Longoria13
2. Michelle Gould7
3. Lynn Adams6
4. Cheryl Gudinas4
4. Rhonda Rajsich4
6. Heather McKay3
6. Jackie Paraiso3
8. Montserrat Mejía1
8. Maria Jose Vargas1
8. Caryn McKinney1
8. Christie Van Hees1

References
  1. "Video". CNN. October 29, 1984.
  2. "Racquetball: May/June '03 Feature". Archived from the original on 2003-08-02. Retrieved 2003-08-02. Racquetball Magazine article
  3. https://web.archive.org/web/20050824155731/http://ladiesproracquetball.com/ 2005 WPRO website
  4. http://wprotour.com/documents/Rock_And_The_Role.pdf WPRO Press Release
  5. "KWM Gutterman World Singles and Doubles Open Racquetball Championships - LPRT Singles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  6. "2023 LPRT Turkey Shoot". R2 Sports. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  7. "LPRT Turkey Shoot - Doubles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  8. "LPRT 31st Annual Christmas Classic". R2 Sports. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  9. "LPRT 31st Annual Christmas Classic - Doubles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 12 December 2023.
  10. "LPRT 2024 Arizona Open". R2 Sports. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  11. "LPRT 2024 Arizona Open - Doubles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
  12. "2024 LPRT Boston Open - Singles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  13. "2024 Boston Open - Doubles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  14. "LPRT 2024 Battle at the Alamo". R2 Sports. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  15. "LPRT 2024 Battle at the Alamo - Doubles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  16. "LPRT 2024 Battle at the Alamo". R2 Sports. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  17. "LPRT 2024 Sweet Caroline Open - Doubles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 8 June 2024.
  18. "2024 LPRT Battle at the Beach - Singles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  19. "2024 LPRT Battle at the Beach - Doubles". R2 Sports. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  20. "End of season rankings 2023". Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour. LPRT. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  21. "LPRT - Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour" (PDF). Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  22. "LPRT - Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour" (PDF). Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  23. "LPRT - Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour". Retrieved 9 November 2015.
  24. "Ladies' Pro Raquetball - LPR Association". Archived from the original on 2006-07-03. Retrieved 2006-07-03. Women's Professional Racquetball Organization
  25. "Ladies' Pro Raquetball - LPR Association". Archived from the original on 2007-06-09. Retrieved 2007-06-09. Women's Professional Racquetball Organization
  26. "Ladies' Pro Raquetball - LPR Association". Archived from the original on 2003-02-14. Retrieved 2003-02-14. Ladies Professional Racquetball Association
  27. https://web.archive.org/web/20030720144454/http://ladiesproracquetball.com/ Ladies Professional Racquetball Association
  28. "Ladies' Pro Raquetball - LPR Association". Archived from the original on 2005-08-26. Retrieved 2005-08-26. Ladies Professional Racquetball Association
  29. Racquetball magazine, July–August 2001
  30. "WIRT Results". Archived from the original on 2003-06-07. Retrieved 2003-06-07. Women's International Racquetball Tour
  31. "Ladies' Pro Raquetball - LPR Association". Archived from the original on 2003-06-07. Retrieved 2003-06-07. Women's Professional Racquetball Association
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