Let’s look at three players and how they journeyed to pro status in this up-and-coming sport.
Pickleball has exploded from a hobby to a competitive sport in an extremely short time. As its popularity has grown, professional-level play has emerged, and some players have risen to the top of the ranks as pickleball champions. Here are three.
Courtesy Naples Illustrated
Simone Jardim, From Tennis Glory to Pickleball Stardom: Simone Jardim originally made her name as a professional tennis player, competing in all four Grand Slam events and reaching a career-high ranking of #97 in the world in singles play. She also succeeded in doubles, winning two WTA doubles titles during her career. However, as with many pros, injuries took their toll on Jardim’s tennis career, and she retired from pro tennis in 2013. After tennis, Jardim searched for her next passion. She eventually discovered pickleball at a club in California in 2015 and instantly took to the sport. Her athleticism and competitive spirit from tennis translated well to excelling at pickleball. Jardim committed to training hard and entered her first professional pickleball tournament in 2016. She quickly became known by winning the pro women’s doubles event at the 2016 USA Pickleball National Championships. Since turning pro, Jardim has amassed an impressive array of major pickleball titles. She won the prestigious US Open Championships two years in a row (2018 and 2019). Jardim’s powerful serves, quick reflexes at the non-volley zone, and ability to precisely place shots make her a force to be reckoned with. Her wide range of strokes and strategic court coverage allows her to defeat opponents of all styles and skill levels. Now age 50, Jardim shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to be ranked among the world’s top professional women pickleball players. Her decorated resume proves that dedication and natural athletic prowess can allow champions to transition smoothly between racquet sports and rise to the top once again.
Courtesy USA Pickleball
Tyson McGuffin, Rapid Rise to Pickleball Fame: Unlike Jardim, Tyson McGuffin did not have an extensive background as a professional athlete before finding pickleball. He first discovered the sport in 2010 while looking for racquet games to play for fun and exercise. McGuffin instantly felt drawn to the competitive nature, quick pace, and community around pickleball. He started entering local tournaments in his hometown of Phoenix in 2011. It quickly became apparent that McGuffin had a natural gift for the game. He advanced rapidly through the amateur skill rankings. His athleticism, quick reflexes, and ability to place precise shots enabled him to defeat more experienced players. McGuffin’s passion for the sport also set him apart – he relentlessly studied professional matches and practiced difficult shots to sharpen his game. By 2015, he had turned professional and immediately made his presence known by winning a gold medal at the USA National Championships. This marked the start of McGuffin’s reign as one of the top pros in the sport. He has since claimed numerous major titles on the professional circuit, including back-to-back silver medals at the US Open in 2017 and 2018. McGuffin’s universal skills make him a versatile and feared opponent. He has excellent groundstrokes, a potent serve, outstanding non-volley zone play, and the ability to place touch shots precisely. This well-rounded game has earned McGuffin the #1 overall world ranking multiple times since turning pro. Now just 33 years old, he remains one of the most dominant forces in pickleball.
Courtesy LaPresse.ca
Catherine Parenteau, Late Bloomer Finds Her Calling: Catherine Parenteau discovered pickleball by chance at age 60 when she was looking for a fun hobby in retirement. Parenteau quickly realized she had an affinity for the sport and a gift for paddle play. She honed her skills at her local club in Naples, Florida, and began entering regional tournaments. Parenteau started racking up wins and titles on the amateur circuit. At age 63, Parenteau decided to try her hand at professional competition. She entered some pro events in 2016 and realized she could hold her own with the world’s best—her steady, consistent play and ability to keep the ball in play frustrated younger opponents. Parenteau also had outstanding control that allowed her to place shots accurately time after time. In 2017, a year into her pro career, Parenteau won a bronze medal at the USA National Championships. This marked her arrival as a rising star on the scene. The following year, she achieved her most significant accomplishment to date by winning a gold medal in women’s singles at the Huntsman World Senior Games. She defeated players 20 years younger to claim the title. Parenteau’s story proves it is never too late to develop prowess in a new sport—her passion for pickleball and willingness to learn and improve paid off tremendously. At age 68, Parenteau continues to be a role model and inspiration. She shows that pickleball is welcoming and rewarding for players of all ages.
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As pickleball’s popularity explodes, more talented players like Jardim, McGuffin, and Parenteau will emerge as champions. But the sport remains accessible and open to players from all backgrounds. Former pros from other racquet sports have found new glory in pickleball, and athletes with pure natural ability have risen rapidly in the ranks. Even seniors have discovered the joys of pickleball later in life and have become national and world champions through passion and dedication. As public awareness and participation grow, there will be no limit to who can become the next breakout pro pickleball player.
