The Columbus Sliders’ decision to bring in Tyra Hurricane Black is already showing early signs of impact. After joining the franchise before MLP St. Petersburg, Black showcased commanding performance in the event and has now carried that momentum into the MLP Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids. The timing of the move is crucial as Columbus aims to strengthen its position in the standings during one of the most important stages of the 2026 Major League Pickleball season.
Columbus enters the Mid-Season Tournament fourth in the overall standings with 61 standing points across 22 matches. The team has won 14 matches while holding a 56-34 game record and 62% game win percentage. Earlier in the season at MLP St. Petersburg, the Sliders finished fifth with 10 standing points after winning four matches and recording a 14-9 game record.
Black joins the team with a strong overall record. The 25-year-old American, who turned professional in 2023, has a DUPR rating of 6.297. Across her pro tours, she has secured a 62-21 overall match record with an approximately 75% match win rate and has won 63% of the total points she has played.
Her doubles performances have been particularly consistent. In gender doubles, Black has registered a 33-10 record, winning 77% of her matches whereas, in mixed doubles, she holds a 29-11 record and a 72.50% match win rate.
Black joined the Columbus lineup that has already produced solid results this season. At MLP St. Petersburg, Parris Todd contributed the most to the team with 128 total points, while Black earned 104 points. Andrei Daescu added 110 points and CJ Klinger gained 86 and helped Columbus secure fifth place at the event.
As the Mid-Season Tournament starts today, Columbus will look to build on its strong position in the standings. The team will be counting on Black to continue her consistent performances in the second half of the season.
Written by Aditi Jain
