Waiver Wire Madness: 5 Moves, a Blockbuster Trade, and a Shocker in the Sub Pool - Pro League This Week Ep. 10

There was no pickleball on the courts of the All Florida Pro League last week, but don't let that fool you: this was one of the busiest weeks of the season. Episode 10 of Pro League This Week is all about the second waiver wire period, and it delivered five waiver moves, the second trade in league history, and one jaw-dropping name left sitting in the sub pool.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/96CYUognEHM

The Trade: Duncan for Nealy

For two full seasons, the AFPL didn't see a single trade. Now we've had two in one year. The St Pete Iceburgs sent Hanna Duncan to the Punta Gorda Tide in exchange for Arielle Nealy, a deal that swaps consistency for raw athleticism.

For the Tide, sitting in last place but hungry for a late playoff push, Duncan's steady right-side game is exactly the stabilizer they've been missing. For the Iceburgs, locked in a battle with the Jacksonville Ballers for the top seed, the bet is on Nealy's ceiling. St Pete is banking on her high trajectory continuing. And as Hugh pointed out on the show, don't be surprised if Duncan comes out at Stop 4 with a serious point to prove. Nobody likes getting traded.

Waiver Wire Winners

The bottom of the standings got busy. The Tide struck first, grabbing super sub Caden Salefsky, who has delivered for every team he's filled in for this season, while TC Anderson heads to the sub pool. The GNV Chomp made the boldest moves of the period, bringing in Sam Gabet and Carlos Subero, two players with built-in chemistry from the Florida circuit, while parting ways with Noah Haslbeck and Noah Waddell.

The Lakeland Palms, clinging to the sixth and final playoff spot, added two new faces: Madelyn Porter comes in for Maddy Stone-Wheatley, and hometown favorite Eli Curls steps in for Drew Holder, whose physical issues sadly cut his season short. Curls is a Lakeland kid who trains with Michael Shaw, already subbed for the Palms in Miami, and might be the most universally liked pickup of the year.

The biggest stunner? Noah Waddell, considered one of the most talented men in the entire league, cleared waivers untouched. There were trade conversations, but no takers, and one of the AFPL's loudest competitors is now sitting in the sub pool waiting for a call.

Meet Madelyn Porter

This week's interview featured the newest Palm. Madelyn Porter's story is pure modern pickleball: she picked up a paddle in April 2024 to kill a boring afternoon, got hooked instantly, played college pickleball for UNF, and worked her way through the AFPL sub ranks until the call came.

Her approach stood out as much as her game. Porter talks about focusing on learning something new every match rather than obsessing over results, and her trick for staying out of her own head is hyping up her teammates until the energy comes back around. With Stop 4 in Jacksonville doubling as her home stop, and both parents finally in the stands, expect a big debut.

Bangers Stand Pat, Macon Goes Wild

While the bottom four scrambled, the O-Town Bangers didn't touch their roster, and the film explains why. Episode 10 breaks down their bronze medal midseason run, headlined by Mia Turcsany, who plays women's doubles, mixed, and singles with a motor that never stops. Her mixed pairing with Emanuel Dickson, a player David believes could be a number one overall pick next season, looked every bit like a contender's core. With BK back at Stop 4, O-Town is dangerous.

Beyond league play, the PPA Macon Challenger turned into an AFPL showcase: current and former league players medaled across divisions, rivals partnered up, and fans were literally asking for the league to expand to the Southeast.

Looking Ahead

The Stop 4 pools are out, and they're brutal: the top seeds are stacked into one pool, guaranteeing the standings get shaken up in Jacksonville. Sporting Club Jax is even bringing soccer-style fan energy to The Hub in support of the Ballers. And keep an ear out: an off-season circuit is coming, and the guys teased that it won't be a format anyone is used to.

Catch the full breakdown, the interview, and all the film on Episode 10: https://youtu.be/96CYUognEHM

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