STL Shock Picks #1 in MLP Draft, Secures Return of Kate Fahey for 2025 Season

ST. LOUIS, MO — The St. Louis Shock has finalized its roster for the 2025 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season through three strategic draft selections – highlighted by the return of emerging female superstar Kate Fahey – strengthening the team’s returning core of Anna Bright, Gabe Tardio, Hayden Patriquin and reuniting a roster that earned a third place finish in the 2024 MLP Playoffs. 

The Shock were forced to drop one player from the team’s 2024 roster, which was highly regarded for its in-court flare and dynamic play and energy. Following her drop, Kate Fahey was instantly regarded as the highest ranked female in MLP’s 2025 free agent draft and was held in high regard from leading coverage outlets including Forbes and The Dink after a breakout 2024 season. It was widely speculated that the Shock’s intention was to drop Kate and immediately re-draft her which - following MLP’s rule changes – allows the Shock to re-sign Kate for a multi-year period.

The organization has also secured Felicity Di Laura and veteran MLP leader Erik Lange with its 5^th and 6^th roster spot, positioning the team advantageously for the league's transition to a six-player format which now allows for roster-swapping and more optionality around gender, mixed, and singles play flexibility.

2025 Draft Acquisitions include:

• Kate Fahey (1st Overall) — The former NCAA tennis superstar returns for another season with the Shock, bringing proven performance, established team chemistry, and elite singles play
• Felicity Di Laura (25th Overall) — A former All-American Division 1 tennis player, Di Laura joins the Shock roster following her transition to pickleball
• Erik Lange (28th Overall) — A seasoned pickleball champion with extensive tournament experience, Lange contributes advanced technical skill, power, and leadership

"This draft represented a critical opportunity to fill our open fourth spot and optimize our player bench for the new six-player format," said Ross Chaifetz, General Manager of the St. Louis Shock. "We were forced to make a tough decision to drop Kate, but it was clear that getting her back was our highest priority. We did what it took to secure the #1 pick, and are ecstatic to welcome Kate back to the team. Kate will proudly wear the Shock uniform for years to come, and we’re thrilled to keep the comradery, on-court energy and performance that made our team an MLP fan-favorite last season,” he added.

“Erik Lange is a proven champion and was a key member of the Shock in our 2023 season. He will bring strength, leadership, and stability to our roster. Felicity ‘City’ Di Laura is an up-and-comer in the sport who has a chance to touch the highest levels of the game. We cant wait to see City develop and grow under the Shock brand and believe she has uncapped potential,” Ross Chaifetz added.

The Shock enters the 2025 season following an impressive 2024 campaign, having secured second place in regular-season standings and earned bronze medal recognition during the MLP Playoffs. The team will participate in eight league events throughout the season, including hosting MLP St. Louis at Chaifetz Arena from July 17-20, 2025— expected to be the largest and best indoor professional pickleball event ever. Tickets for MLP St. Louis are available at https://www.ticketmaster.com/major-league-pickleball-saint-louis-4day-saint-louis-missouri-07-17-2025/event/06006190935D1B83 

For additional information and team updates, connect with the St. Louis Shock on social media platforms @STLSHOCKMLP or visit www.stlshock.com.