74th USHA National Four-Wall Championships
Lenning and Cordova Capture Doubles Crown; Esser Completes Championship Slam with Holden
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. –The 74th USHA Four-Wall National Championships couldn’t have ended on a better note than it did this Memorial Day at the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts. The Women’s Open Doubles final kicked off the day with singles finalists Mikaila Esser and Aoife Holden teaming up against Suz Entzeroth and Carly Munson. Entzeroth and Munson jumped out to an early lead in game one, looking poised to make an upset.
Things changed though when Entzeroth rolled her ankle midway through the first game. After an injury timeout, Esser and Holden regained control of the match and never looked back, winning 21-13, 21-11. The victory marked the first ever National Four-Wall Open doubles title for the duo.
The Men’s Open Doubles featured top seeded Luis Cordova and Sean Lenning against Martin Mulkerrins and Diarmuid Mulkerrins. Despite being a first time pairing, Cordova and Lenning were in sync on the court and always had each other’s back. They comfortable took game one 21-14. A strong 7-1 start from Cordova and Lenning suggested the match might be over quickly but the Mulkerrins brothers refused to quit. They dominated the match from there and built a 20-14 lead.
They say the last point is the hardest point though, and that rang true for the Mulkerrins brothers. Given three chances to serve for game point in the second game, they ould not convert; Cordova and Lenning took advantage and hit two back wall kills to seal the match and win the championship.
Monday’s finals delivered exceptional action and unforgettable finishes across all divisions, capping off an outstanding championship weekend at Missouri State University.
Planning is already underway for the next major event—stay tuned to ushandball.org and watch for updates in Court Shorts.
It was an incredible weekend of handball at the Thomas H. Burnett Handball courts and couldn’t of been pulled off without an incredible group of people.
Thank you to our hosts at Missouri State University, especially Christian Madsen, Jeni Hopkins, and Brian Watson. Another BIG thank you to Dale Bolin who kept matches on time all weekend while being the first person their every day and the last to leave.
Lastly, thank you to all the players who supported the tournament and made it a great weekend. It’s not possible without you.
Coming Up: On Tuesday, May 27, the USHA will host the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the National Handball Center in Hazelwood, Mo. Players, families, and friends are invited to celebrate this historic occasion, featuring guest speakers, local officials, handball exhibitions, and facility tours. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Central. Watch the ceremony live on the USHA YouTube channel.
See the draws and final results HERE.
Watch the exhibition court action and replays on the USHA’s YouTube channel HERE. Don’t forget to subscribe!
Follow us on Instagram for daily photo feeds, match stories, live reels, and more behind-the-scenes action! There’s always strength in numbers, so please share, subscribe, follow, or leave us a “like!”
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The 74th USHA Four-Wall National Championships may have signaled a changing of the guard, as current Men’s Collegiate Champion Ray Ure powered his way to the Men’s Pro final. A similar moment occurred 12 years ago in Des Moines, Iowa, when a then 20-year-old collegiate champion named Martin Mulkerrins reached the final. This time, however, the roles were reversed: it was the experienced Mulkerrins who defeated the rising star Ure in two games, 21-10, 21-14, to capture his second national title in three years.
On the familiar Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts, it was fitting that awards were presented by the late legendary coach’s daughter, Jeni Hopkins, who also interviewed the finalists after the match.
By staying aggressive while slowing the pace, Mulkerrins controlled the match from start to finish. He kept Ure off balance and never allowed him to build the kind of momentum he displayed in earlier rounds.
“At 19-12, I was worried he might rattle off a few serves and get back into it,” Mulkerrins said.
“Ever since the World Championships, I strayed from my usual game plan and wasn’t playing as aggressively,” he added. “Getting back to that made all the difference.”
Reflecting on his fourth consecutive USHA final, Mulkerrins said, “It’s tough when you put so much into it, but I was really focused this week.”
The victory capped an outstanding four-wall season for Mulkerrins, who reached all eight finals on the WPH R48Pro Tour. Meanwhile, Ure showed immense promise and is expected to return stronger as he gains experience against top-tier opponents and commits more training time exclusively to handball. “He has a very bright future.” Mulkerrins stated.
Martin teamed with Diarmaid Mulkerrins to defeat Ure and Ivan Burgos in the Men’s Pro Doubles semifinal, 11-21, 21-15, 11-8.
They’ll face Luis Cordova Jr. and Sean Lenning in Monday’s pro final. Cordova and Lenning stopped Leo Canales and Sam Esser, 21-12, 21-7.
In the Women’s Pro Singles final, Mikaila Esser delivered a storybook performance on the courts where she first learned the game. Esser hit timely shots and held her lead in both games to defeat Aoife Holden and secure her first four-wall national title, 21-14, 21-15.
After match point, she paused to take in the moment.
“It all started here, on these courts,” Esser reflected. “That makes this so special. And to use what Jennifer said last night: ‘You have to go through some losses to get that big win.’” Esser was referencing Hall of Fame inductee Jennifer Schmitt’s heartfelt speech the evening before.
The win marked a banner year for Esser, who also claimed her first National Three-Wall Singles title last September.
Esser and Holden will pair up in Monday’s Women’s Pro Doubles final against second seed, Carly Munson and Suz Entzeroth.
Draws, updated results and match times are HERE.
The night before the finals was a special one, as the USHA inducted two outstanding contributors into the Handball Hall of Fame: Don Quinlan, as a Contributor, and Jennifer Schmitt, as a Player.
Quinlan was introduced by several juniors who came through his program: Bill Mehilos, Kyle Kloss, and Izzy Klicker. Another former junior, Carlos Zamora, could not attend in person but sent a touching voice recording sharing what Don Quinlan had meant to him. Ever gracious, Quinlan accepted the honor with humility and credited the incredible people he met through handball over the decades—including the privilege of working with Hall of Famer Vern Roberts.
Jennifer Schmitt was introduced by her siblings, Vern and Allison Roberts, both Hall of Fame players themselves. They shared stories of growing up together through handball and spoke about the deep bonds and support that defined their family. Allison recalled playing Jennifer in the 2005 final, while Vern reflected on the challenging roads both sisters took to reach their championships.
After receiving her Hall of Fame jacket, plaque, and portrait, Schmitt expressed deep gratitude to her family, friends, and especially her mother, who made the trip from Florida for the occasion. It was a truly special night, and a moving ceremony honoring two deserving members of the handball community.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Leo Canales Jr. pumped his fist as Paul Brady’s final return attempt—a drive down the right wall—failed to reach the front wall. That match point in the tiebreaker not only sealed a thrilling 21-8, 17-21, 11-5 victory over Paul Brady, but also secured Canales a spot in the semifinal, where he’ll face Martin Mulkerrins.
A large crowd packed around the main exhibition court to witness the dramatic three-game clash, leaving spectators on their feet and hungry for more.
From the start, Canales played with purpose. He delivered shot after shot with sharp precision, staying locked in with a competitive intensity that mirrored the approach Brady has brought to the court for over 25 years. Remarkably, both players are former USHA Collegiate champions on this very court—Brady in 2000 and Canales in 2018, 18 years apart. But on this day, the spotlight belonged to Canales.
The match marked a rare setback for Brady, who has enjoyed a stellar season, capturing his sixth World title and an unprecedented eleventh All-Ireland crown. As both players exited the court to a standing ovation, murmurs spread through the gallery: was this Brady’s final U.S. Nationals appearance?
In other Men’s Pro Singles action, Luis Cordova Jr. looked sharp, dispatching Sam Esser in straight games, 21-7, 21-8. Martin Mulkerrins also advanced, defeating David Walsh, 21-10, 21-11.
Ray Ure, the current USHA Collegiate Men’s Open champion, topped veteran Sean Lenning in another thrilling quarterfinal, 21-18, 7-21, 11-1. Ure set the tone early, capitalizing on every opportunity and forcing Lenning onto the defensive. Though Lenning mounted a furious comeback in the second game, Ure calmly regrouped and dominated the tiebreaker, showing the poise of a rising star. Remarkably, three of the men’s semifinalists are former USHA Collegiate National champions—a clear indicator of a new generation rising through the collegiate ranks and now making their mark on the pro stage
Play continued Friday across several divisions, with some semifinal matchups setting the stage for Saturday’s finals.
Draws and the updated results are HERE.
Watch Saturday’s live streamed action and Day 2 replay on the USHA’s YouTube channel HERE. Don’t forget to subscribe!
Follow us on Instagram for daily photo feeds, match stories, live reels, and more behind-the-scenes action! There’s always strength in numbers, so please share, subscribe, follow, or leave us a “like!”
Paul Brady first made waves in Springfield, Mo., in 2000 by capturing the Men’s Open Singles title at the Collegiate Nationals. Twenty-five years and a legendary career later, he returned to those same courts on Thursday—this time as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Beneath the towering shadow of Missouri State’s Robert W. Plaster Stadium, the 74th USHA Four-Wall National Championships officially got underway at the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts. While the university’s football program ushers in a new era by joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)—set to face perennial powerhouses like the University of Southern California and Southern Methodist University—it was business as usual for the handball program, which proudly hosted the USHA Four-Wall Nationals for the first time.
Missouri State’s powerhouse collegiate handball program boasts multiple team championships and All-American honors, prominently showcased on a display between the two exhibition courts—part of the 12 regulation four-wall courts now alive with nonstop action leading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
While the opening day typically offers more routine results, this year’s first round brought intense tiebreakers that had fans pressed against the glass. In Men’s Pro action, Sam Esser and Ivan Burgos delivered a thrilling three-game battle, with Esser ultimately prevailing 21-18, (9-21), 11-4. The Tucson Racquet Club sparring partners made the most of their matchup more than 1,000 miles from home—no surprise, as they’ve clashed across multiple cities on the WPH R48 Pro Tour.
Another highlight in the Men’s Pro division was the return of Ireland’s Paul Brady to the very court where he captured a Collegiate title 25 years ago. While some of today’s competitors weren’t even born when Brady first made his mark—like Tucson’s Ayden Brule, born in 2006—his Round of 16 opponent, Matt Job of Cincinnati, would have been just six years old at the time. But age has rarely been a factor in Brady’s storied career, and he advanced to the quarterfinals with a decisive 21-9, 21-1 win over Job.
All other top seeds advanced as expected, including All-Ireland finalist David Walsh of Cork, who handled Tucson’s Max Langmack with a commanding 21-10, 21-5 victory. Notably, Walsh also won a Collegiate title on these courts in 2022.
Thursday’s action also featured exciting finishes in several other divisions. See the day’s results and draws HERE.
Friday’s matches kick off at 10 a.m. Central time. Watch the live stream on the main exhibition court on the USHA YouTube Channel HERE.
Follow us on Instagram for daily photo feeds, match stories, live reels, and more behind-the-scenes action! There’s always strength in numbers, so please share, subscribe, follow, or leave us a “like!”
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Missouri State University Handball Club and the U.S. Handball Association are excited to host the first ever USHA Four-Wall National Championships on the Dr. Thomas H. Burnett Handball Courts, located at the Plaster Sports Complex.
Tentative Start Times are now posted. Draws will be made LIVE Monday, May 19 at 8 p.m. Eastern. Main exhibition court matches will be streamed LIVE on the USHA YouTube Channel HERE. Follow us for more updates on Instagram.
About the courts: Named after their legendary handball coach, and USHA Hall of Fame Contributor, Tommy Burnett, features 12 courts, all with back-wall viewing and two with side-wall glass viewing. Plus, there’s an amazing display of team trophies and the MSU Handball Team history in the lobby!
Play begins Thursday morning, May 22, with Men’s Singles divisions. Preliminary rounds may be scheduled early in the day, with subsequent rounds played in the afternoon. After the first day, one round will be played per day through the finals.
All Doubles divisions will conclude on Monday, May 26, with one round played per day. Example: A round of 16 would begin on Friday and finish with the final on Monday. All Women’s and Juniors divisions will also conclude on Monday, following a one-round-per-day format.
USHA Hall of Fame Induction – Saturday, May 24, at the University Plaza Hotel.
Don Quinlan and Jennifer Schmitt will be formally inducted during the Saturday night banquet on May 24, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions and achievements in the sport.
Don Quinlan fostered one of the nation’s most successful junior handball programs at the Lattof YMCA in Des Plaines, Illinois, for over four decades—until the facility’s closure in 2020. He personally recruited most of his players from the YMCA, where he not only coached but also mentored them on and off the court, often traveling with them to tournaments nationwide. Many of his former students continue to play handball today and credit Don for their lifelong connection to the game.
Jennifer Schmitt, a standout member of the legendary “Roberts” handball family, has accomplished just about everything there is to achieve in the sport. She captured her first national title in the Girls 15-and-under division, launching a career that would include multiple collegiate open championships, as well as national titles in both four-wall and three-wall competition. Known for her fierce play and sportsmanship, Schmitt remains not only one of the greatest women to ever play the game—but also a passionate ambassador for handball’s growth. Join us in Springfield to honor these two legends and take part in the tournament festivities.
This year’s Four-Wall Nationals Banquet will be held at the University Plaza (host hotel). Players entry is included. Additional guests are $35/each and may be purchased prior to the event.
Springfield has plenty to do so bring the whole family!
Top attractions include the original and largest Bass Pro Shop in the country with a huge aquarium, Dickerson Park Zoo, Lake Springfield, and more! Branson, Missouri is only an hour drive and is one of the best touristy places to visit in the country with plenty to do and see.
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United States National Handball Center Grand Opening, May 27.
Just one day after the Four-Wall Nationals conclude, we will be holding the Grand Opening of the new National Handball center in St. Louis, MO! We invite everyone playing or attending the tournament to join us. St. Louis is a three hour drive from Springfield and a convenient place to fly out of after the tournament.
The Grand Opening Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m., concluding at 1 p.m. allowing out of town visitors ample time to fly out Tuesday afternoon. We will have snacks and refreshments, tours of the building, a pro exhibition match, speeches from key officials and a ribbon cutting ceremony!
