The Los Angeles Mad Drops announced this past weekend that they are promoting Athena Trouillot from head coach to general manager.

Trouillot—who is married to top pro and Mad Drops team captain Catherine Parenteau—spoke about what it means to earn this position with an organization that she’s spent a lot of time becoming familiar with over the past two years.

“Being a part of this amazing organization since our first full MLP season, it feels full circle to accept this leadership position after two seasons of growth and success. My deep commitment to this team and our strong work ethic fuels my excitement for the future. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of this exceptional organization as we build on our foundation,” she said in a statement released by the team.

Trouillot was first introduced to the Mad Drops in 2023, when Parenteau was drafted by the team.

That squad—which also included Thomas Wilson, Julian Arnold, and Irina Tereschenko—won two titles together, including a memorable 3-0 sweep of the Seattle Pioneers (now Carolina Pickleball Club) in the Premier level Finals.

When Los Angeles again drafted Parenteau in 2024, Trouillot stepped into the role of head coach.

One year later, she’s the GM.

This season, she will take the reins of an LA squad that includes Parenteau, Wilson (IR), Jade Kawamoto, and Hunter Johnson returning from 2024, as well as new additions Quang Duong, Angie Walker, and Wes Burrows.

With one of the most storied histories in Major League Pickleball, the Mad Drops will be looking to make a return to the postseason under Trouillot’s guidance in 2025.