U.S. NATIONAL HANDBALL CENTER HOSTS FIRST WPH PRO STOP

A New Era at the National Handball Center

• Watch a full video recap from the WPH HERE

ST. LOUIS — The handball world witnessed a milestone weekend as the World Players of Handball (WPH) Pro Stop No. 3 and the 2026 Missouri State Doubles were played at the National Handball Center in St. Louis Jan. 30–Feb. 1. It was the biggest event to date at the new facility, drawing more than 170 players from across the country and marking a major moment in the Center’s emergence as a national hub for the sport.

For many players and fans, attending this event was their first look at the Center — a facility still less than two years in the making, built to elevate the sport and host championship-level handball. What greeted them was a venue worthy of the moment: a completed championship court, spectator-friendly galleries and an electric atmosphere that reflected the pride of the St. Louis handball community.

From Vision to Celebration

The National Handball Center’s journey to hosting its first major pro event was a story of determination, teamwork and passion for the game. Volunteers, led by Jeff Streibig and Brandon Muir, put in countless hours to get the facility ready for competition. They worked evenings, weekends and long days to finish flooring, build out spaces and prepare the Center for its biggest test yet – hosting a weekend of elite competition. Their efforts were on full display and widely praised by players and spectators alike.

The Championship Court, completed less than two weeks before the tournament, featured all-glass side walls and a glass back wall surrounded by bleachers and overhead viewing. The result was a breathtaking setting that turned professional matches into a true showcase experience.

Men’s Pro: A Final for the Ages

Cordova makes a diving retrieve in the final. (Photo courtesy of Arnold J. Ward)

The WPH Pro Stop delivered compelling matches across both men’s and women’s divisions, but the men’s final in particular will be remembered for years.

Ray Ure and Luis Cordova emerged from a stacked field to meet in a championship match that lived up to every bit of its hype. Ure, coming off his first Pro Stop win in Tucson and additional titles at the Illinois State Singles and Milwaukee Classic, was playing with confidence and swagger. Luis Cordova, a veteran champion, was determined to make his mark despite acknowledging he hadn’t been playing his sharpest leading into the event.

The final was a roller-coaster of momentum. Cordova took game one in a tightly contested battle, only to see Ure roar back in game two and force a tiebreaker. In front of a packed gallery, the decider saw Ure take an early 11-8 lead before Cordova mounted a furious comeback, running off six straight points to lead 14-11 and serve for the match. Ure answered with his own run to 15-11, but Cordova kept fighting and ultimately closed the match 17-15 with a clutch left-hand kill.

In doing so he became the first player in WPH Pro Stop history to face match point in a final and come back to win.

Men’s Race 4 Eight standings:

1st – Cordova

2nd – Ure

3rd – Canales and Doyle

5th – Lenning

6th – M. Mulkerrins

7th – Burgos and Daniel Cordova

9th – McGrath

Women’s Pro: Heffernan Holds the Top Spot

Heffernan serves in the final. (Photo courtesy of Arnold J. Ward)

On the women’s side, Niamh Heffernan continued her dominance of the WR48 tour. The top-ranked pro entered the event with momentum and did not slow down. In the finals she faced Clodagh Munroe, another elite competitor, and played a near-flawless match.

Heffernan kept Munroe off balance with superb placement and aggressive attacking play, sealing her third Pro Stop title and reinforcing her position as the player to beat on tour.

Women’s Race 4 Eight standings:

1st – Heffernan

2nd – Munroe

3rd – Holden

4th – Entzeroth

5th – Ruiz

State Doubles Shine

Jeff Streibig and Sam Esser brought home the MO State Open Doubles Title

Alongside the pro competition, the Missouri State Doubles produced intense matches and several outstanding champions.

• Men’s Open Doubles: Jeff Streibig, Sam Esser def. Sean Lenning, Ross Colyer (tiebreaker)

• Women’s Open Doubles: Taylor Bell, Aoife Holden def. Taylor Rumping, Carly Munson (tiebreaker)

• Big Ball Open Doubles: Anthony “Chopper” Hernandez, Kent Southers def. Will Lemp, Byron Cook (tiebreaker)

Additional doubles champions included:

• Men’s A: Max Chiang, Isaiah Hong (NY)

• Men’s Big Ball A: Andy Gonzalez, David Varela (MO)

• Men’s B: Jason Guliano, Jim Ward (MO)

• Men’s 35: Connor Bacon, Will Lemp (MO)

• Men’s 50: Jared Vale, Joe Kaplan (NY)

• Men’s 60: John Robles, John Bike (CA)

• Men’s 70: Jesse Valera, Craig Chaney (IL)

A Weekend for All Ages

Dave Fink and Juniors

Beyond the pro and state-level play, the weekend included a WPH Junior Clinic and a youth tournament on Sunday with more than 20 kids competing, giving the next generation a chance to play on the same courts as their heroes. A big thank you to Chris Meyer and Justin Buschjost for organizing the tournament. The kids had a blast and put on a show!

From start to finish, the event captured what the National Handball Center aims to be: a home for competition, community and growth at every level of the sport.

Thanks to the volunteers, local leaders and tournament committee for helping make this historic weekend possible. The center’s first major showcase made it clear that St. Louis is now firmly on the map as a premier destination for handball in the United States.