The Milwaukee Mashers drafted Andrei Daescu, the Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. club’s Head Racquet Sports Professional, who is currently ranked as one of the top 10 players in the world. In December 2021, BallenIsles unveiled a new $1.3 million pickleball complex that features the latest LED lighting, drink stations and comfortable seating. Seven new courts expanded the club’s pickleball offerings from two to nine total courts.

Andrei Daescu, Head Racquet Sports Professional at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., was drafted by the Milwaukee Mashers of Major League Pickleball. Daescu, also known as “Andrei the Giant” as he stands 6’4, was drafted No. 35 overall (the 11th male selected) and is currently ranked as one of the top 10 players in the world.

Daescu’s Mashers contract will have him play in six Major League Pickleball events in 2023, competing in different locations throughout the country, including the March 23-26 event hosted in Daytona Beach, Fla. In 2021/2022, Daescu played for the Pickle Ranchers and the California Hard Eights of the Major League Pickleball tour.

The MLP Premier Level is home to the top 48 (24 men and 24 women) players in the world and the most in-demand team players in all of pro pickleball. These elite players have a winning track record on the court and a Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating to match. Daescu’s Milwaukee Mashers co-ed team is one of 12 teams of four to represent the gold standard in the sport.

In addition to the Milwaukee Mashers news, Daescu also signed a two-year contract with the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP Tour). He will participate in 16 events in 2023, including the recently concluded Punta Gorda Open where Daescu and partner Kyle Yates won a gold medal in the Men’s Pro Doubles.

Daescu is excited about representing BallenIsles in such prestigious events for this fast-growing sport. He has been the Head Racquet Sports Professional at BallenIsles Country Club since 2017. In addition to his on-court duties, Daescu is also heavily involved with the club’s team tennis program and was also an important factor in the development of BallenIsles’ successful junior program. When not traveling, Daescu will continue to serve as the club’s Head Racquet Sports Professional.

Daescu was introduced to the game of pickleball at BallenIsles during a pro exhibition at the club in 2017. The game has grown a lot since then and Daescu has been advancing his pickleball skills as well, competing in pro tour events in 2018 and 2019. Daescu also competed in the 2021 Pickleball World Championships where he was a bronze medalist and represented Team World in the Team USA vs Team World challenge.

In December 2021, BallenIsles unveiled a new $1.3 million pickleball complex, that features the latest LED lighting, drink stations, comfortable seating areas, and beautiful landscaping, which complements the entirety of the BallenIsles community. Seven new courts expanded the club’s pickleball offerings from two to nine total courts.