The Texas Ranchers announced that Michael Loyd will be the head of the team’s player development pipeline program in a social media post Friday afternoon.

In this role, Loyd will be responsible for “leading the vision, curriculum, and development of the Texas Ranchers Academy.”

Though Loyd is currently a member of the California Black Bears, he has no shortage of familiarity with the Ranchers organization; he was selected 26^th overall by Texas in the 2025 Premier level draft and went 2-0 for the team before being traded to California midway through the regular season.

“Stoked to be leading the Texas Ranchers Academy Program,” Loyd said in a statement. “All-in on pickleball and helping make Texas the center of talent development in this growing game.”

Ranchers Head of Community Virginia Reyna took a moment to reflect on how far the academy has come since its inception.

“I’m so excited about where the Texas Ranchers Academy is headed. We had our first tryout last April for one DUPR 22 team. By December, we were sending 17 teams to MiLP Nationals, and this weekend we’ll welcome over 100 players to our Austin tryout. As we expand next month into Houston and then Dallas and San Antonio, I’m incredibly grateful to help build a Texas pickleball community where every player feels welcomed, supported, and proud to be part of the Ranchers family.”

Click here for more information about the Texas Ranchers Academy Program.