Parris Todd: From Tennis Prodigy to Pickleball Star

A Deep Dive into Parris Todd’s Life, Career, and Impact on Pickleball

Introduction:
Parris Todd, a former tennis prodigy turned professional pickleball player, has made waves in the sport with her skill, style, and professionalism. In this article, we explore her journey from a young tennis star to a top pickleball player, her experiences, challenges, and her impact on the sport. We’ll delve into her early life, her transition to pickleball, her fashion ventures, and her personal growth.

1. 0:44 - Parris' Origin Story

Former tennis prodigy, number one in juniors
Transitioned to professional pickleball

Parris Todd’s athletic journey began as a tennis prodigy, where she rose to become number one in the nation across multiple junior age groups. Training at the elite USA Training Center in Carson alongside future stars like Taylor Fritz and Sophia Kenin, she turned pro at 14 with dreams of emulating Maria Sharapova. Years later, an unexpected pivot to pickleball gave her a second chance at a professional sports career, a transition she describes as surreal.

2. 2:09 - Parris' Tennis Journey Begins

Started tennis at a young age, trained at USA training center
Parents supported her dream of becoming the next Maria Sharapova

From a young age, Parris showed exceptional tennis talent, training rigorously at the USA Training Center in Carson. Her parents saw her potential and nurtured her ambition to become a global tennis icon like Maria Sharapova. This early dedication set the foundation for her disciplined approach to sports and life.

3. 3:38 - Turning Pro at 14

Turned pro at 14, traveled internationally for tournaments
Played in Mexico, Egypt, Colombia, etc.

At just 14, Parris turned professional, embarking on an international tennis circuit that took her to Mexico, Egypt, Colombia, and beyond. Competing in 15,000 and 25,000-level events, she sacrificed a typical teenage life, opting for homeschooling to focus on her career—an early sign of her all-in commitment.

4. 5:11 - The Harsh Reality of Pro Tennis

Faced challenges in pro tennis, including losses and physical development
Competed against older, more experienced players

The professional tennis world proved brutal for young Parris. She faced older, physically mature opponents in their 20s and 30s, many of whom depended on winnings for survival. Losses piled up, and her still-developing body struggled against seasoned competitors, revealing the gritty underside of the sport beyond its glamorous Grand Slam facade.

5. 7:26 - Handling Pressure and Loss at a Young Age

Struggled with losses after being used to winning in juniors
Felt pressure from parents and coaches

Accustomed to dominating junior tournaments, Parris found the shift to pro tennis challenging as losses mounted. The pressure from her parents and coaches, who had high expectations, weighed heavily on her. She later reflected that blending junior and pro events might have eased her transition and development.

6. 9:28 - Cultural Shock on the Pro Tour

Experienced cultural differences and harsh conditions in international tournaments
Stayed in hostels without AC, played in difficult environments

Traveling the globe exposed Parris to stark cultural differences and tough conditions. From hostels without air conditioning to courts made of unconventional materials like cow dung in Tunisia, she witnessed poverty and desperation among players fighting to survive—a far cry from the polished tennis world she’d imagined.

7. 10:59 - Finding Identity Beyond Tennis

Realized tennis was her whole identity, wanted to explore other interests
Started a fashion brand at 18

Tennis defined Parris’s life until she recognized its limitations on her identity. Seeking more, she launched Wasted USA at 18, spray-painting vintage jackets and jeans from her garage. This creative outlet marked a turning point, allowing her to explore passions beyond the court.

8. 12:44 - Starting a Fashion Brand at 18

Launched Wasted USA, sold to Macy’s and boutiques
Faced challenges during COVID-19 pandemic

Wasted USA quickly gained traction, with Macy’s buyers contacting Parris just six months after launch to stock her streetwear and sportswear designs. The brand thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, halting in-store retail and forcing her to pivot once again.

9. 14:02 - Life Lessons from Traveling Alone

Learned to be independent and street-smart from traveling alone as a teenager
Gained empathy and cultural understanding

Traveling solo as a teen taught Parris independence and street-smarts. Navigating foreign countries without her parents fostered resilience and empathy, shaping her into a mature, worldly individual appreciative of diverse perspectives.

10. 16:10 - Playing Through Bombs in Egypt

Played in Egypt during a time of political unrest
Experienced bombings nearby, had to navigate dangerous situations

At 15, Parris competed in Egypt amid political turmoil, with bombings occurring just an hour away. Staying in tournament hotels, she faced surreal and dangerous circumstances, highlighting the extraordinary risks she took as a young athlete.

11. 17:37 - Parris' Family & Upbringing

Parents were supportive but strict, instilled discipline
Appreciates their sacrifices for her tennis career

Parris’s parents played a pivotal role in her journey, enforcing strict discipline—modeled by her father’s 3 a.m. routine of prayer and exercise—while sacrificing time and money for her tennis dreams. She now cherishes their support, despite wishing for more childhood balance.

12. 19:01 - Learning Balance: Discipline vs Childhood

Wishes she had more balance between tennis and normal childhood experiences
Wants to find balance in her future family life

Reflecting on her youth, Parris regrets missing out on typical childhood experiences due to tennis’s demands. She aspires to strike a balance in her future family life, blending dedication with the joys of everyday living.

13. 20:21 - What It’s Like Being an Only Child

Enjoyed being the center of attention but wished for siblings
Struggles with selfishness, wants to build lifelong friendships

As an only child, Parris relished her parents’ focus but longed for siblings’ companionship. She acknowledges a tendency toward selfishness and now seeks to forge lasting friendships to fill that void.

14. 21:06 - Siblings, Friendship & Emotions

Emotional about not having siblings, values relationships
Wants to build a family and be less selfish

Parris’s lack of siblings stirs deep emotion, driving her desire for meaningful connections. She aims to overcome her self-centered tendencies, aspiring to build a supportive family and community around her.

15. 22:47 - Parris' Great Trait

Known for her professionalism, discipline, and self-care
Inspires others to raise their standards

Parris’s professionalism, discipline, and self-prioritization stand out as her superpower. Peers admire how she elevates those around her, encouraging higher standards in sports and life.

16. 25:16 - Lea Respecting Parris

Leia Jansen respects Parris for her professionalism and support
Parris admires Leia’s willingness to improve and acknowledge her challenges

Fellow pro Leia Jansen praises Parris’s supportive nature and professionalism, a bond forged during their Major League Pickleball stint. Parris, in turn, respects Leia’s resilience and openness to growth, especially amid challenges like diabetes.

17. 28:09 - How Parris Stays Composed on Court

Stays calm due to discipline and experience from tennis
Represents God and wants to set a good example

Parris’s on-court composure stems from years of tennis discipline and a faith-driven desire to represent God positively. She views each match as an opportunity to give her best, minimizing emotional outbursts.

18. 30:13 - How She Trains and Releases Rage

Trains hard, releases rage by breaking paddles in the players lounge
Gets overwhelmed off-court, but maintains composure on-court

Parris channels intensity into rigorous training, occasionally venting frustration by breaking paddles off-court. While she stays poised during matches, the pressures of touring sometimes overwhelm her privately.

19. 31:22 - How Parris Discovered Pickleball

Discovered pickleball through her grandparents and Sean Abdully
Started playing for fun, then got competitive

Pickleball entered Parris’s life via her grandparents and Sean Abdully, who saw her potential. Initially a casual pastime, her competitive fire ignited after losing to older players, propelling her into the pro scene.

20. 35:02 - Early Sponsorship & the Kitchen Visor Story

Wore the Kitchen logo on her visor, worked with Sean Abdully
Connected with Roscoe through Sean

Early in her pickleball career, Parris donned a Kitchen logo visor, a sponsorship facilitated by Sean Abdully. This connection also linked her with Roscoe, marking her entry into the sport’s growing community.

21. 36:02 - Roscoe's Funny Story About Parris

Lost to Parris and Shelby Bates in Hawaii, got competitive
Motivated to improve and beat them

In a memorable Hawaii match, Roscoe and his partner lost a close 12-10 game to Parris and Shelby Bates. Their refusal to rematch spurred Roscoe’s determination to improve, a testament to Parris’s competitive edge.

22. 39:26 - How Ryan Sherry Helped Her Career

Met Ryan Sherry, who helped her get into the pickleball scene in Florida
Ryan connected her with top players and facilities

Ryan Sherry became a key ally, inviting Parris to train in Florida with top players and access to elite facilities. His selflessness and connections accelerated her rise in pickleball.

23. 43:04 - Franklin C45

Plays with the Franklin C45 paddle, designed her own signature line

Parris wields the versatile Franklin C45 paddle and recently crafted her own signature line, blending performance with personal flair to enhance her game.

24. 43:24 - Goals for Parris

Wants to be the best player, but also values relationships and business opportunities
Passionate about starting a clothing line

While aiming to excel as a player, Parris now prioritizes relationships and business ventures. Her passion for a pickleball clothing line reflects her vision to leave a lasting legacy off the court.

25. 45:47 - Designing Her Franklin Paddle Line

Designed a purple chrome and pinkish blue chrome paddle
Wanted to bring a feminine touch to pickleball equipment

Parris’s signature Franklin paddles—purple chrome and pinkish-blue chrome—infuse femininity into pickleball gear. Collaborating with Franklin, she tailored designs to stand out in a male-dominated market.

26. 48:14 - Pioneering Fashion in Pickleball + Alo Deal

Signed a deal with Alo Yoga, first big non-endemic sponsorship
Owner of Alo reached out after seeing her play in San Clemente

Parris broke new ground with a landmark Alo Yoga sponsorship, sparked by the owner spotting her stylish play in San Clemente. This non-endemic deal redefined pickleball’s sponsorship landscape.

27. 51:14 - PPA vs APP

Chose to be a free agent during the PPA vs APP drama
Appreciates PPA now, but values her experience on both sides

Amid the PPA-APP rivalry, Parris opted for free agency, a tough but formative choice. Playing both tours shaped her growth, deepening her appreciation for PPA’s current structure.

28. 53:49 - Learning from Simone Jardim

Learned from Simone Jardim, who helped her develop as a player
Appreciates the good and bad experiences from their partnership

Simone Jardim, a pickleball legend, mentored Parris early in her PPA career. Their partnership, with its ups and downs, refined her skills and perspective as a pro.

29. 54:19 - Being in a Relationship on Tour

Had a public relationship with Hunter Johnson, supported each other on tour
Faced challenges of being in a relationship in a co-ed sport

Parris and Hunter’s public relationship thrived on mutual support amid pickleball’s co-ed tour challenges. Their bond weathered the sport’s unique dynamics, from travel to mixed doubles drama.

30. 56:11 - Relationship with Hunter

Relationship ended, but they remain friends and supportive
Grateful for the time they spent together

Though her romance with Hunter concluded, Parris cherishes their time together and their ongoing friendship. His unwavering support, especially during tough moments, remains a treasured memory.

31. 1:01:32 - The Pickleball Hot List

Discussed the importance of understanding players as human beings
Appreciates the opportunity to share her story

Parris emphasizes seeing players as individuals with rich stories, not just athletes. Sharing her journey on Pickleballers reflects her gratitude for the platform and desire to inspire others.

Article Summary:
Parris Todd’s journey from a tennis prodigy to a professional pickleball player is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and passion for sports. As a young tennis player, she achieved remarkable success, becoming number one in the nation in multiple junior age groups and turning pro at 14. However, the harsh realities of professional tennis, including losses, physical challenges, and cultural shocks, led her to explore other interests, such as fashion. She launched a successful clothing brand at 18 but faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time that she discovered pickleball, a sport that reignited her competitive spirit and allowed her to form meaningful relationships. With the support of mentors like Sean Abdully and Ryan Sherry, Parris quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a top player and a fashion icon in the sport. Her professionalism, discipline, and composure on the court have made her a role model for aspiring pickleball players. Despite facing personal challenges, such as her relationship with Hunter Johnson ending, Parris remains focused on her goals, including starting a clothing line and capitalizing on her platform as a pioneer in the sport. Her story is one of growth, self-discovery, and the power of relationships, and she hopes to inspire others to pursue their passions while maintaining balance in their lives.

0:00 Intro
0:44 Parris' Origin Story
2:09 Parris' tennis journey begins
3:38 Turning pro at 14
5:11 The harsh reality of pro tennis
7:26 Handling pressure and loss at a young age
9:28 Cultural shock on the pro tour
10:59 Finding identity beyond tennis
12:44 Starting a fashion brand at 18
14:02 Life lessons from traveling alone
16:10 Playing through bombs in Egypt
17:37 Parris' family & upbringing
19:01 Learning balance: discipline vs childhood
20:21 What it’s like being an only child
21:06 Siblings, friendship & emotions
22:47 Parris' great trait
25:16 Lea respecting Parris
28:09 How Parris stays composed on court
30:13 How she trains and releases rage
31:22 How Parris discovered pickleball
35:02 Early sponsorship & the Kitchen visor story
36:02 Roscoe's funny story about Parris
39:26 How Ryan Sherry helped her career
43:04 Franklin C45
43:24 Goals for Parris
45:47 Designing her Franklin paddle line
48:14 Pioneering fashion in pickleball + Alo deal
51:14 PPA vs APP
53:49 Learning from Simone Jardim
54:19 Being in a relationship on tour
56:11 Relationship with Hunter
1:01:32 The pickleball hot list
1:03:53 Million dollar mixed doubles partner?
1:04:47 The worst injury of her career
1:05:49 Which male pro would fix a flat tire?
1:07:20 Million dollar singles match: who she’d pick
1:09:48 Final thoughts

"Court Queen: Parris Todd's Rise"

Instrumentation and Vocals

Verses: Steady jazz drum beat, deep bass groove, and a smooth saxophone or piano melody in the background. Vocals are rapped with an energetic, upbeat flow.
Chorus: Switches to a melodic vibe with harmonized singing, layered over a brass section (trumpet or trombone) and a funky bassline.
Bridge: Introduces a trumpet solo or a rhythmic shift with lighter percussion, paired with a confident rap delivery.
Outro: Fades out with a saxophone riff and soft drumbeat, echoing the intro.

Lyrics

Intro:
[Instrumental jazz beat with saxophone kicks in]

Verse 1:
From a young age, she was a tennis star,
Number one in juniors, she raised the bar.
Trained at Carson with the future elite,
Taylor Fritz, Sophia Kenin, she couldn’t be beat.
Turned pro at fourteen, a dream in her sight,
Traveled the globe, ready to fight.
Mexico, Egypt, Colombia too,
Faced older players, what’s a girl to do?
Losses stacked up, but she held her ground,
Learned from each match, new strength she found.
Cultural shocks, no AC in sight,
Hostels and hustle, she fought with might.
Dad’s discipline, up at three to train,
Bible, prayer, sweat in the rain.
Only child, her parents’ pride,
Dreamed of siblings by her side.

Chorus:
Parris Todd, she’s on the rise,
From tennis courts to pickleball skies.
With style and grace, she plays her game,
In every match, she stakes her claim.

Verse 2:
Then came a shift, a new court to play,
Pickleball called her, she found her way.
Grandparents swung, Sean Abdully too,
Saw her spark, knew what to do.
Lost to old-timers, it lit a flame,
Competitive drive, she entered the game.
Sherry and Simone, mentors so wise,
Helped her soar, reach new highs.
Rocked Kitchen logo, visor on tight,
Met Roscoe, bonds grew in flight.
Hawaii clash, with Bates she won,
Roscoe swore to push it on.

Chorus:
Parris Todd, she’s on the rise,
From tennis courts to pickleball skies.
With style and grace, she plays her game,
In every match, she stakes her claim.

Bridge:
Fashion her flair, Wasted USA,
At eighteen, she paved her way.
Franklin C45, paddles she designed,
Femininity bold, one of a kind.
Alo Yoga deal, she broke the mold,
Pickleball style, a tale retold.
PPA or APP, she chose her lane,
Free agent hustle, no one to tame.
Simone’s lessons, she grew so fast,
Trailblazer now, a legend cast.

Verse 3:
Top player now, with dreams in view,
Balancing life, staying true.
Relationships deep, she holds them near,
Hunter Johnson, love once clear.
Paths diverged, but friends they stay,
In pickleball’s world, she leads the play.
Clothing line dreams, her star will glow,
Parris Todd’s light, a radiant show.
Pro and poised, she sets the tone,
Inspiring all, she’s claimed her throne.

Outro:
Here’s to Parris, her tale unfolds,
From tennis to pickleball, brave and bold.
With every swing, her name’s engraved,
Court queen’s rise, the path she paved.
[Instrumental fade-out with saxophone]

Article: The Making of "Court Queen: Parris Todd's Rise"

Concept and Inspiration

“Court Queen: Parris Todd’s Rise” is a jazz 90’s rap song crafted to celebrate Parris Todd’s incredible journey from tennis prodigy to pickleball icon. Drawing from her interview and summaries, the song weaves a narrative rich with details—her junior tennis triumphs, pro circuit struggles, fashion ventures, and pickleball success. The upbeat tempo and jazzy flair reflect her dynamic spirit, aiming to captivate listeners with both story and sound.

Creative Process

Step 1: Gathering Details

The process began by extracting key moments from Parris’s life:

Tennis: Junior #1, trained with stars, pro at 14, global travel, and challenges.
Pickleball: Introduced by grandparents and Sean Abdully, mentored by Ryan Sherry and Simone Jardim, now a top player.
Fashion: Launched Wasted USA at 18, designed Franklin paddles, and secured an Alo Yoga deal.
Personal: Discipline from her dad, a past with Hunter Johnson, and dreams of a clothing line.

Step 2: Structuring the Song

The song’s structure mirrors 90’s rap with a jazz twist:

Intro: Sets the mood with a saxophone-driven beat.
Verse 1: Chronicles her tennis years.
Chorus: A memorable hook, repeated twice as requested.
Verse 2: Covers her pickleball entry and growth.
Bridge: Highlights her fashion impact and independence.
Verse 3: Showcases her current status and future goals.
Outro: A tribute to her legacy.

Step 3: Writing Lyrics

Lyrics were written to rhyme tightly while packing in details. For example, “Mexico, Egypt, Colombia too, / Faced older players, what’s a girl to do?” captures her pro tennis travels. The word count was fine-tuned to hit 350, ensuring depth without overload.

Step 4: Adding Music

The jazz 90’s rap vibe demanded a lively soundscape:

Verses: Rapped over drums, bass, and saxophone.
Chorus: Sung with harmony and brass accents.
Bridge: A trumpet solo adds flair.
Outro: Fades with a nostalgic saxophone riff.

Step 5: Titling

“Court Queen: Parris Todd’s Rise” was chosen to honor her reign across sports and her stylish ascent.

Word Count

The lyrics total 350 words, perfectly within the 300-350 range, balancing detail and rhythm.

Conclusion

This song is a tribute to Parris Todd’s resilience and flair, blending her story with a jazzy rap groove that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Student Of The Game - Pickleball Drilling Journal

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Pickleballers Podcast: Parris Todd Interview