From 96-year-old grandpas to 12-year-old prodigies, the pickleball craze is sweeping the nation—and the Junior PPA stars are dreaming Olympic-sized dreams.
Introduction:
Pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s a movement. What began as a niche pastime for retirees has surged into a full-blown, multi-generational phenomenon. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), nearly 20 million people played pickleball in 2024, a staggering 46% increase over the previous year. For the fourth year running, it's the fastest-growing sport in America. As Good Morning America reports, the sport's appeal stretches from backyard games with grandpa to high-stakes youth tournaments—and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Pickleball's Intergenerational Boom
At 96, Joe Gada from New York is still hitting the courts, leaving even his doctors astonished by his vitality. “All my doctors think I’m a freak of nature,” Gada quips, embodying the senior enthusiasm that helped launch pickleball into mainstream culture.
But while pickleball’s early reputation was built on retirees staying active, the game has outgrown its origins. Today’s courts feature not just grandparents, but their grandchildren—and even younger stars with professional aspirations.
Meet the Junior Stars with Golden Dreams
Good Morning America caught up with some of the brightest young talents on the Junior PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) circuit, where competition is fierce, and the future is bright.
Among them are identical twins Boon and Ford from California. The duo took home gold in doubles at the Junior PPA Finals last year—then faced off against each other in the singles finals for the 16-and-under division. “That makes me the best in the world,” said the winner. His brother, smiling, responded, “Second best.”
Then there’s Karina, a 12-year-old champion who plays pickleball exclusively. After winning gold in mixed doubles for the 12-and-under division, she proudly noted, “I like that I can play against adults competitively in tournaments.”
Family Bonds and Backyard Beginnings
Few stories capture pickleball’s cross-generational charm like that of “Pickleball Pierce,” a 12-year-old Texan who was introduced to the game by his grandfather, Albert. When Albert built a court in his backyard, Pierce was hooked overnight. “I woke up the next day just thinking... I want to go play pickleball again,” he said.
Now, Pierce and his grandpa are not just training partners but tournament teammates, winning local competitions together and creating memories that transcend the scoreboard.
Eyes on the Olympics
For these young stars, the love of the game goes beyond weekend tournaments. “I definitely want to see pickleball in the Olympics,” one of the kids declared. Boon and Ford, once devoted tennis players, say they’ve switched sports entirely, choosing pickleball for its speed, strategy, and sense of community.
Summary
This Good Morning America segment highlights the extraordinary rise of pickleball as America’s fastest-growing sport. The nearly 46% year-over-year growth in 2024 signals more than just a fitness trend—it reflects a cultural shift. While retirees like 96-year-old Joe Gada remain beloved ambassadors of the game, the new face of pickleball includes a rising generation of juniors training for national—and even Olympic—glory.
The Junior PPA tour features exceptional talents like twin brothers Boon and Ford, who dominate both as a doubles team and individual rivals, and 12-year-old champions Karina and “Pickleball Pierce,” whose stories highlight how the sport fosters both competition and connection.
Beyond the courts and medals, pickleball is uniting families and communities, turning backyards into battlegrounds and bonding grounds. As the sport continues to grow, the dream of Olympic inclusion looks more realistic than ever—driven by a generation that found its passion not just from coaches, but from grandparents.
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