Ross Chaifetz (left) and Erik Lange (right) cheering on the St. Louis Shock during the 2025 MLP season.
Ross Chaifetz (left) and Erik Lange (right) cheering on the St. Louis Shock during the 2025 MLP season. Major League Pickleball

Shock name Erik Lange as head coach

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This news comes in the aftermath of a 2025 campaign that saw the Shock boast a 24-1 regular season record before winning the inaugural MLP Cup in November.

Lange has spent two seasons with the team previously, playing for the Shock in 2023 and serving as a bench player in 2025.

He has also won 19 professional medals, including an MLP title with the Chicago Slice.

Now, he will lead a squad featuring Anna Bright, Kate Fahey, Hayden Patriquin, Gabe Tardio, and Judit Castillo.

“I couldn’t be more excited to become head coach of the Shock—undoubtedly the leading franchise in MLP—and continue building off our 2025 success. Ownership’s dedication to excellence combined with our fan-favorite collection of players makes this the perfect place for me. Championships are the ultimate goal, and player development and personal growth will be the cornerstones of this pursuit.”

Shock owner and general manger Ross Chaifetz echoed Lange’s championship ambitions.

“Erik brings the strategy, organization and experience that our team demands in order to maintain its status as the premier MLP franchise,” he said. “Since our founding of the St. Louis Shock as an expansion franchise in early 2023, we have continuously stated our goal of being MLP’s north-star franchise. As the undisputed leader in nearly all on- and off-court categories, we have realized that goal… and more. Erik’s signing ensures the Shock will continue to compete for championships year after year.”

Click here to read the full announcement.