united pickleball league
The Game Just Got Hotter.
The fastest-growing sport in America just got serious.
Professional Team. Relentless Standard.
LA Heat is a semi-professional pickleball team competing in the Ultimate Pickleball League. Built in Los Angeles. Designed for elite team competition. Driven by performance, discipline, and fire.
Built For The Next Era Of Pickleball
Pickleball is evolving — faster play, deeper strategy, team formats, national exposure. LA Heat represents the modern game: Elite athletes, Team-based competition, National visibility, A brand built for sponsors and fans
ELITE COMPETITION
We recruit athletes who compete at the highest level — disciplined, conditioned, and built for team format intensity.
NATIONAL VISIBILITY
The Ultimate Pickleball League brings structured competition, broadcast opportunity, and sponsor exposure.
LOS ANGELES ENERGY
LA Heat represents West Coast confidence — bold, modern, and impossible to ignore.
If you had told me 30 years ago — back when I was firmly resisting pickleball — that I’d one day be building a team in Los Angeles, I probably would have laughed.
And yet, here we are.
LA Heat was created with intention. I wanted to build a team that values preparation, character, and the kind of competitive spirit that lifts everyone around it. Every player on this roster brings something different — but they all share discipline, heart, and respect for the game.
This inaugural season is about building a foundation and representing Los Angeles with pride.
Thank you for being part of the beginning. We’re just getting started.
— Ayumi Iizuka
Owner, LA Heat
MEET THE HEAT. BORN TO COMPETE.
Ayumi Iizuka (Team Owner)
Michelle Adams (Team Manager)
JEFF SHULEM (CFO)
Farzad Adib (SIGNED PLAYER)
Mark Hamilton (captain/SIGNED PLAYER)
ALEXANDER JUARROS (SIGNED PLAYER)
Matthew Mead (SIGNED PLAYER)
Hayden Rand (SIGNED PLAYER)
Oscar Rodriguez (SIGNED PLAYER)
PK SONI (SIGNED PLAYER)
Gyselle Soto (SIGNED PLAYER)
ANT TRAN (SIGNED PLAYER)
FRIENDS OF LA HEAT
LA Heat was built on community. As we travel, train, and compete this season, we’re thankful for the friends and family who believe in what we’re building.
If you’d like to support a player or the team, your contribution — no matter the size — helps cover travel, fuel, meals, and equipment throughout the season.
Every bit of support carries us forward. Thank you for being part of the journey.
“We’ve built a roster that blends experience with potential, and a strong team ethic that will be vital for success in the UPL.”
— Mark Hamilton, LA Heat Team Captain
powering the heat
Companies Lighting Our Fire
