Meet the Skechers Pickleball Athletes: Pros, Rising Stars & the Gear They Wear
Meet the five professional pickleball athletes representing Skechers: Tyson McGuffin, Catherine Parenteau, Chris Haworth, Blaine Hovenier and Yana Newell. Explore their backgrounds, playing styles and 2026 competition gear, including the court-ready features of the Skechers Viper Court Pro™ 2.0.
Sep 29, 2026
Team Skechers’ 2026 pickleball roster brings together proven experience, elite singles play and rising talent. Tyson McGuffin, Catherine Parenteau, Chris Haworth, Blaine Hovenier and Yana Newell have taken different paths to the professional game, but all five wear men’s or women’s versions of the Skechers Viper Court Pro™ 2.0, part of the current Skechers pickleball shoe lineup.
Team Skechers Pickleball at a Glance
| Athlete | Known For | Competition Footwear |
|---|---|---|
| Tyson McGuffin | High-energy all-court play across singles, doubles and mixed doubles | Men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 |
| Catherine Parenteau | Precision across women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles | Women’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 |
| Chris Haworth | A rapid professional rise and standout singles play | Men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 |
| Blaine Hovenier | A competitive tennis background and an emerging professional career | Men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 |
| Yana Newell | An international tennis background and experience across multiple disciplines | Women’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 |
Athlete profiles and competition gear were reviewed in August 2026 and may change.
One Court Shoe, Five Different Games
The Viper Court Pro 2.0 gives all five athletes a shared foundation for distinct playing styles. Its enhanced mesh upper is designed to balance durability, breathability and flexibility. A supportive Arch Fit® EVA insole pairs with responsive Skechers® ULTRA GO® Foam cushioning, while Relaxed Fit® construction provides added room at the toe and forefoot.
The Goodyear® Gold compound outsole is designed for quick stops, explosive starts and controlled slides on court. A rubber toe guard adds durability in a high-wear area.
For shoppers, that combination means court-specific traction, responsive cushioning, underfoot support and comfort, and a roomier forefoot. McGuffin, Haworth and Hovenier wear men’s style 246109, while Parenteau and Newell wear women’s style 172109. Available colors, sizes and widths vary.
Learn how different styles support speed, control and versatile play in the guide to Skechers pickleball shoes.
The Goodyear® Gold compound outsole is designed for quick stops, explosive starts and controlled slides on court. A rubber toe guard adds durability in a high-wear area.
For shoppers, that combination means court-specific traction, responsive cushioning, underfoot support and comfort, and a roomier forefoot. McGuffin, Haworth and Hovenier wear men’s style 246109, while Parenteau and Newell wear women’s style 172109. Available colors, sizes and widths vary.
Learn how different styles support speed, control and versatile play in the guide to Skechers pickleball shoes.
Tyson McGuffin: Competitive Energy
Born: December 16, 1989
From: Lake Chelan, Washington
Follow: @tysonmcguffin
Tyson McGuffin pairs explosive movement with the kind of crowd connection that makes every point feel bigger. His professional experience spans singles, doubles and mixed doubles, reflecting an adaptable, energetic game.
For 2026 competition, McGuffin wears the men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 with the Skechers GO DRI® All Day Tee, a Digiwave short identified as style SH114 and an Adrenaline Pickleball Hat. The tee uses lightweight stretch fabric designed for breathability, moisture management and quick-dry performance.
Away from competition, he enjoys hiking, working out, cooking and golf.
From: Lake Chelan, Washington
Follow: @tysonmcguffin
Tyson McGuffin pairs explosive movement with the kind of crowd connection that makes every point feel bigger. His professional experience spans singles, doubles and mixed doubles, reflecting an adaptable, energetic game.
For 2026 competition, McGuffin wears the men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 with the Skechers GO DRI® All Day Tee, a Digiwave short identified as style SH114 and an Adrenaline Pickleball Hat. The tee uses lightweight stretch fabric designed for breathability, moisture management and quick-dry performance.
Away from competition, he enjoys hiking, working out, cooking and golf.
Catherine Parenteau: Consistent Excellence
Born: August 26, 1994
From: Montreal, Canada
Follow: @catherineparenteau.pb
Catherine Parenteau brings precision and patience across women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Before pickleball, she developed a strong competitive junior tennis background in Canada.
Parenteau wears the women’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 and rotates through Court, Ace and Stride performance tops, dresses and skorts. The Court Tank uses breathable Skechers GO SCULPT™ four-way stretch fabric with moisture-wicking properties and a built-in shelf bra with removable cups.
Away from the court, she enjoys running, skiing in Canada and spending time with her dogs.
From: Montreal, Canada
Follow: @catherineparenteau.pb
Catherine Parenteau brings precision and patience across women’s singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles. Before pickleball, she developed a strong competitive junior tennis background in Canada.
Parenteau wears the women’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 and rotates through Court, Ace and Stride performance tops, dresses and skorts. The Court Tank uses breathable Skechers GO SCULPT™ four-way stretch fabric with moisture-wicking properties and a built-in shelf bra with removable cups.
Away from the court, she enjoys running, skiing in Canada and spending time with her dogs.
Chris Haworth: Singles at Full Speed
Born: April 26, 1993
From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Follow: @chrishaworth.pb
Chris Haworth’s rise has been rapid. He picked up a pickleball paddle in 2022, turned professional in 2023 and developed into a standout singles competitor. His racket-sport experience, reach, intensity and precision have helped drive that development.
Haworth competes in the men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 with a Skechers Performance™ Pace Tee and Digiwave 5 Inch Short, style SH85. The Pace Tee uses moisture-wicking Skechers GO DRI VAPOR™ fabric with quick-dry, breathable and active-stretch properties. The SH85 short uses SKECHWEAVE™ fabric in a lined design with a drawcord waistband and multiple pockets.
From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Follow: @chrishaworth.pb
Chris Haworth’s rise has been rapid. He picked up a pickleball paddle in 2022, turned professional in 2023 and developed into a standout singles competitor. His racket-sport experience, reach, intensity and precision have helped drive that development.
Haworth competes in the men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 with a Skechers Performance™ Pace Tee and Digiwave 5 Inch Short, style SH85. The Pace Tee uses moisture-wicking Skechers GO DRI VAPOR™ fabric with quick-dry, breathable and active-stretch properties. The SH85 short uses SKECHWEAVE™ fabric in a lined design with a drawcord waistband and multiple pockets.
Blaine Hovenier: From Tennis to Professional Pickleball
From: Los Angeles, California
Follow: @blainehov
Blaine Hovenier discovered pickleball in summer 2023 after a competitive tennis career. He brings that tennis foundation, along with his reach, movement and versatility, to professional pickleball.
His 2026 competition kit includes the men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0, Pace Tee and Digiwave 5 Inch Short, style SH85. Tennis, travel and food are among his interests away from competition.
Follow: @blainehov
Blaine Hovenier discovered pickleball in summer 2023 after a competitive tennis career. He brings that tennis foundation, along with his reach, movement and versatility, to professional pickleball.
His 2026 competition kit includes the men’s Viper Court Pro 2.0, Pace Tee and Digiwave 5 Inch Short, style SH85. Tennis, travel and food are among his interests away from competition.
Yana Newell: An International Route to Professional Pickleball
Born: February 2, 1998
From: Vladimir, Russia
Follow: @yana_pickleball
Yana Newell began her athletic career in tennis, turned professional in tennis at 17 and later continued her competitive tennis career in the United States. That combination of technical training and match experience helped her transition to pickleball.
Her professional résumé includes experience across multiple disciplines. Newell competes in the women’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 and rotates through Court, Ace and Stride performance tops with coordinated skorts.
Away from competition, she enjoys books, hiking and travel.
From: Vladimir, Russia
Follow: @yana_pickleball
Yana Newell began her athletic career in tennis, turned professional in tennis at 17 and later continued her competitive tennis career in the United States. That combination of technical training and match experience helped her transition to pickleball.
Her professional résumé includes experience across multiple disciplines. Newell competes in the women’s Viper Court Pro 2.0 and rotates through Court, Ace and Stride performance tops with coordinated skorts.
Away from competition, she enjoys books, hiking and travel.
What the Pros’ Gear Offers Everyday Players
| Product | Worn By | Shopper Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Viper Court Pro 2.0 | All five athletes | Court-specific traction, responsive cushioning, underfoot support and comfort, and a roomier forefoot |
| GO DRI All Day Tee | Tyson McGuffin | Lightweight stretch, breathability, moisture management and quick-dry performance |
| Pace Tee | Chris Haworth and Blaine Hovenier | Moisture-wicking fabric, active stretch and flatlock seams |
| Digiwave 5 Inch Short | Chris Haworth and Blaine Hovenier | Breathable quick-dry fabric, lined coverage, an adjustable waistband and multiple pockets |
| Court Tank | Catherine Parenteau and Yana Newell | Four-way stretch, moisture management and built-in shelf-bra support |
Professional gear can reveal useful priorities, but the best choice is still the one that fits your feet and your game. Look for a secure heel, comfortable forefoot room and support during side-to-side movement. For apparel, breathable stretch fabrics and low-profile details can help players stay comfortable and focused through warmups, drills and long match days.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2026 Team Skechers lineup featured here includes Tyson McGuffin, Catherine Parenteau, Chris Haworth, Blaine Hovenier and Yana Newell. Together, they bring professional experience across singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
All five athletes wear a version of the Skechers Viper Court Pro 2.0. McGuffin, Haworth and Hovenier wear men’s style 246109, while Parenteau and Newell wear women’s style 172109.
Core features include an enhanced mesh upper, Arch Fit EVA insole, responsive ULTRA GO Foam cushioning, Relaxed Fit room at the toe and forefoot, a rubber toe guard and a Goodyear Gold compound outsole designed for quick starts, stops and controlled slides on court.
Yes. Its court-specific traction, cushioning, support and fit options can appeal to recreational and competitive players. Personal fit, playing surface and movement preferences should guide the final choice. The Viper Court Pro 2.0 is also indoor and outdoor approved and the outsole is non-marking.
Five Athletes, One Performance-Minded Team
McGuffin brings high-energy all-court play. Parenteau brings precision across all three disciplines. Haworth brings singles speed and precision. Hovenier brings tennis-based movement and versatility. Newell brings an international tennis foundation and experience across multiple disciplines.
Together, they show that there is more than one route to the professional game—and that thoughtful footwear and apparel choices can help players stay focused on the next point.
Together, they show that there is more than one route to the professional game—and that thoughtful footwear and apparel choices can help players stay focused on the next point.
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