Coachella Valley Scorpions: Pickleball Pros Make Waves on National TV
The Coachella Valley Scorpions, a senior professional pickleball team, are bringing the excitement of elite-level play to the desert and beyond. As part of the National Pickleball League, the Scorpions are one of 12 teams showcasing the best 50+ talent in the sport. This week, the Scorpions got their moment in the spotlight when “LIVE with Kelly and Mark” highlighted the team during a special broadcast from Palm Springs. Co-owners Kim Jagd, Vincent Van Patten, Mark Consuelos, and Michael Gelman played an exhibition match that put the Scorpions—and senior pickleball—front and center.
The segment, taped at Desert Horizons Golf and Country Club, featured Consuelos and Jagd facing off against Van Patten and Gelman. The game ended with a spirited 11-8 victory for Van Patten and Gelman, following some on-camera coaching from Jagd. The fun continued when Consuelos presented his co-host Kelly Ripa with an honorary Scorpions jersey during a live taping in front of 2,000 fans at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. Ripa’s enthusiastic endorsement, “Thank you, Scorpions, my favorite pickleball team!” brought both laughter and attention to the team’s growing reputation.
The Scorpions, led by captain Kim Jagd, embody the vibrancy of senior professional pickleball. With the National Pickleball League’s 2024 season spanning May to October, the team has been captivating audiences and will be featured in the DreamCloud NPL Championship airing on CBS Sports Network this December. Whether you’re a fan of pickleball or just discovering the sport, the Scorpions’ mix of talent, celebrity backing, and community engagement make them a team worth cheering for. For updates, follow them on Instagram (@ScorpionsPickleball) or visit their official website at www.scorpionspickleball.com.
