Pickleball’s Rising Stars: Non-Tennis Players Dominate the PPA Tour
Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America, has traditionally been associated with tennis. However, a growing number of professional pickleball players are emerging without a tennis background.
Chuck Taylor, a 41-year-old PPA Tour competitor, is one such player. Growing up near the birthplace of pickleball in Washington state, Taylor’s passion for the game began in high school. Today, he remains a top-level competitor.
Taylor is not alone. Approximately 10% of pro pickleball players on tour have no tennis background. Dylan Frazier, Hayden Patriquin, and Gabriel Tardio are among the highest-ranked non-tennis players.
These players have diverse backgrounds. Patriquin transitioned from baseball, while Tardio picked up pickleball at age 14. Some have developed unique trick shots and nicknames, such as Mary Brascia’s “Mary-Go-Round” and Callan Dawson’s “high choke” paddle grip.
Dawson’s parents are also professional pickleball players, making them a unique family trio with a combined 40 major titles.
Other non-tennis players on tour include:
* Daniel Jensen: Former Division I soccer player at Ohio State
* Daniel De La Rosa: Former world No. 1 racquetball player
* Luke Wasson: Former semi-pro golfer and soccer player
* Monica Paolicelli: Former fitness instructor and director of Dill Dinkers
As pickleball continues to gain popularity, the percentage of non-tennis players on the PPA Tour is expected to increase. The next generation of athletes is discovering pickleball as an afterschool hobby, and many are choosing it over traditional sports like tennis.