CONWAY, S.C. – Former Coastal Carolina women's tennis standout Shelby Bates has earned one of the highest honors in professional pickleball, as the Chanticleer alumna has been named to Team USA for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup. Bates will represent the United States at the international competition, scheduled for Aug. 27-30 in Da Nang, Vietnam, where more than 60 nations are expected to compete in the first Pickleball World Cup ever held in Asia. 

Bates, who competed for Coastal Carolina from 2011-15, has built an impressive professional pickleball career following her collegiate tennis days. Her selection to Team USA marks another milestone in a journey that has seen her emerge as one of the sport's top professionals since transitioning from NCAA Division I tennis. 

"It's such an honor to represent the United States on one of the biggest stages in pickleball," Bates said. "To be able to bring our energy, talent and patriotism while competing against more than 60 countries is going to be something so special. USA brought home the gold in 2025, so we're looking to bring it back home again this year. I'm just so thankful and excited for the opportunities pickleball has given me!" 

During her four-year career at Coastal Carolina, Bates established herself as one of the premier players in program history. A three-time All-Big South selection, she was a consistent force in both singles and doubles competition while helping the Chanticleers compete among the conference's top programs. 

Since turning her attention to pickleball, Bates has steadily climbed the professional ranks by competing against many of the sport's top players on both the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Tours. She has competed in more than 60 professional tournaments and established herself among the sport's respected veterans while continuing to compete internationally. 

The 2026 Pickleball World Cup will bring together national teams from around the globe in Da Nang, Vietnam, highlighting the continued international growth of one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

For complete coverage of Coastal Carolina women's tennis, follow the Chanticleers on X (@CoastalWTennis), Facebook (facebook.com/CCUChanticleers), and Instagram (@GoCCUSports), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at GoCCUsports.com.