Tanner Tomassi: Paperback/Kindle Book Coming Soon

 

   

Available: December 9, 2025
Pickleball in 60 Seconds: Everything You Need to Know to Master the World’s Hottest Sport

Kindle
$13.99

Paperback
$25.99

Everything you missed in Pickleball Pop Culture in July 2025

 

0:00 Intro 0:14 Hottest male pickleball pros 0:20 Hunter and Parris breakup 0:58 Jay Devillier's welcomes baby girl 1:05 Ben Johns guest on CNN 1:10 MLP NYC 2:18 Meghan Dizon bodybags boyfriend 2:28 Dallas Flash win 2:58 Ruston Kelly's "Pickleball" song 3:47 Justin and Hailey Bieber play pickleball 4:05 ALW Featured in Paddletek ad 4:45 ALW at ESPY awards 5:12 Ben Johns traded to LA Mad Drops

5:19 ALW featured in Door Dash Ad 5:50 MLP St. Louis 6:52 MLP Dallas 7:30 MLP Salt Lake City 7:42 Dua Lipa, Jelly Roll play pickleball 8:30 Outro

Pickleball Phenomenon | A KING 5 News Sports Special

 

The Pickleball Phenomenon: How a Backyard Game Became America’s Fastest-Growing Sport

Subtitle: From Humble Beginnings to Professional Leagues and Olympic Dreams, Pickleball is Capturing Hearts and Courts Nationwide

Introduction

In the summer of 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, three friends—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCollum—cobbled together a game to entertain their restless families. Using a badminton court, ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball, they created pickleball, a sport that has since exploded into a national craze. Today, nearly 20 million Americans play it, transforming public parks, fueling a multi-billion-dollar industry, and drawing everyone from kids to celebrities. This article traces pickleball’s improbable journey from a backyard diversion to a cultural juggernaut, blending firsthand accounts, professional insights, and data from its rapid ascent.

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1) 0:05, The Origins: A Game Born from Boredom

Pickleball began with a challenge. As Joel Pritchard’s son recalled, “We used to make games up, and I said, ‘Oh really? Why don’t you go make a game up?’” In 1965, Pritchard, Bell, and McCollum did just that, lowering a badminton net and volleying a wiffle ball with table tennis paddles. The name “pickleball” nods to “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a crew of leftovers, reflecting the sport’s scrappy start. Far from a polished invention, it was a practical solution to summer boredom that stuck.

Summary:
What began as a family-friendly experiment has grown into a sport with universal appeal. Its simplicity—requiring minimal equipment and space—laid the groundwork for its widespread adoption across generations.

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2) 0:33, Explosive Growth: A Nationwide Craze

Pickleball’s rise is staggering. The Sports and Fitness Industry Association reports a 311% increase in participation since 2021, with nearly 20 million players in 2024. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for four consecutive years, spanning every region. Public courts have surged by 650% in major cities over seven years, with 68,000 courts nationwide, some repurposed from tennis facilities or vacant stores. The average player is just 34, debunking the retiree stereotype, while 1 million kids under 18 joined in 2024.

Summary:
This growth reflects pickleball’s accessibility and versatility. Its ability to thrive in diverse settings—from parks to old retail spaces—has made it a fixture in American life, appealing to a broad demographic.

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3) 2:02, The Professional Scene: From Amateurs to Stars

The sport’s professional landscape is flourishing. The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) host elite tournaments, offering six-figure contracts to talents like Annalee Waters, who turned pro at 12, and Connor Garnett, a former tennis standout who left investment banking for pickleball in 2022. Major League Pickleball (MLP) has drawn investors like LeBron James and Tom Brady, with franchise valuations hitting $15 million. Garnett’s story—he medaled 20 times and won two PPA titles—highlights the sport’s professional allure.

Summary:
Pickleball’s pro scene is a testament to its maturation. With rising prize money and celebrity backing, it’s shedding its amateur roots to become a serious competitive arena.

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4) 1:26, Health and Social Benefits: A Lifeline on the Court

Pickleball isn’t just fun—it’s good for you. Studies cited in the transcript link racket sports to greater life expectancy, surpassing running or cycling. Players burn 400 to 600 calories hourly, boosting heart health and balance. For older adults, it’s a social anchor, reducing depression and sharpening minds. Cliff Avril, a former NFL star turned MLP team owner, notes, “You can get on the court with a 65-year-old, and he might wear you out,” underscoring its intergenerational draw.

Summary:
The sport’s blend of physical exertion and community connection fuels its popularity. It’s a rare activity that promises both longevity and camaraderie.

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5) 8:02, The Business Boom: A Multi-Billion Dollar Industry

Pickleball is big business. Valued at $2.2 billion in 2024, the industry could reach $7.9 billion by 2033, per Market.us. Equipment sales—paddles, balls, apparel—lead the charge, but court construction and venues like Chicken and Pickle thrive too. Selkirk Sport, founded in 2014, saw revenue jump 1,900% since 2019, expanding to 100+ countries and donating 25,000 paddles to schools. The sport’s economic ripple is reshaping retail and recreation.

Summary:
From gear to infrastructure, pickleball’s commercial success mirrors its cultural impact. It’s a goldmine for entrepreneurs and a catalyst for community investment.

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6) 18:29, The Future: Olympic Dreams and Global Reach

Pickleball’s ambitions are global. The PPA Tour is expanding to Asia and Europe, with Deputy Commissioner Chris Patrick eyeing an Olympic debut—perhaps as an exhibition in 2028 and a medal event by 2032. A junior league and youth movement, exemplified by players like 16-year-old Redmond, WA based Ella Cosma, signal a shift to a “young game.” International federations, like China’s Tennis Association, are embracing it, paving the way for broader recognition.

Summary:
With international tours and Olympic potential, pickleball is poised for a global stage. Its focus on youth ensures a pipeline of talent and fans for decades to come.

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Article Summary

Pickleball’s ascent from a 1965 backyard brainstorm to a 20-million-player phenomenon is a story of ingenuity, community, and unstoppable momentum. Its growth—311% since 2021—spans ages and regions, driven by accessibility and health benefits that extend life and lift spirits. Professionally, it’s a rising star, with six-figure contracts and celebrity investors signaling mainstream clout. Economically, it’s a $2.2 billion behemoth, projected to nearly quadruple by 2033. As it eyes Olympic glory and global courts, pickleball proves that a simple idea, born of boredom, can become a transformative force in sports and society. Whether you’re a dinker or a smasher, this quirky-named game is rewriting the rules of recreation.

MLP News FLASH! Ben Johns TRADED To Mad Drops

 

Pickleball All-Access with No. 1 ranked Anna Leigh Waters 💪 | SportsCenter

  

On SportsCenter, Christine Williamson goes all-access with Anna Leigh Waters to learn the game of pickleball as part of SportsCenter's 50 States in 50 Days series in Michigan.

Anna Leigh Waters on SportsCenter: The Face of Pickleball Talks Growth, Legacy, and the Future of the Game
America’s No. 1 Pickleball Player Shares Her Journey and Vision on ESPN’s 50 States in 50 Days

Introduction
As part of ESPN’s “50 States in 50 Days” tour, SportsCenter landed in Grand Rapids, Michigan for a special spotlight on the fastest-growing sport in America: pickleball. At the center of the broadcast stood 17-year-old Anna Leigh Waters, the undisputed No. 1 player in the world. Waters joined the segment with confidence and humility, sharing insights on the sport’s explosive growth, her own unlikely start at age 10, and the deeply personal dynamic of competing with — and against — her mother.

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A Championship Mindset

Waters arrived in Michigan to compete in a weekend tournament with her team defending their championship title. “I’m very excited,” she told the host, explaining that the path to the title would be a grind, but one she was ready for. Her philosophy? “Match by match.” That grounded mentality reflects the maturity of someone who’s spent years at the top — and who knows what it takes to stay there.

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“Try It for Yourself”: Defending the Sport’s Credibility

Despite pickleball's rapid rise, skeptics still question its legitimacy as a sport. Waters, once a skeptic herself, acknowledged that she thought the game involved hitting an actual pickle when she was ten. But her views changed the moment she stepped on court. “It takes athleticism. It takes hard work,” she said. Her message to the doubters? “Get out on the court and try it.”

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Pickleball’s Olympic Potential

When asked about pickleball’s future, Waters didn’t hesitate: “It definitely should be [in the Olympics].” She acknowledged that getting there would be a personal dream — representing the United States on the Olympic stage — but she also emphasized what that would mean for the sport: “It would add another level of legit.”

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Why It’s the Fastest Growing Sport in the World

Waters credits pickleball’s meteoric growth to its accessibility. “Any age, any gender can play,” she said. She fondly recalled rallying with her 70-year-old grandfather as a child — something few other sports could offer. But beyond that, she highlighted the community it builds. “In pickleball, we’re just all friends,” she said. “It makes people’s lives better.”

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The Tournament Vibe: Loud, Friendly, Inclusive

Waters invited viewers to attend a tournament for the experience alone. Unlike tennis, where silence and etiquette rule, pickleball tournaments are noisy, cheerful, and full of camaraderie. “Everyone's talking, cheering, clapping,” she said. “It’s immaculate.” That sense of connection and energy, she says, is part of the sport’s appeal.

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Life as the #1 Player in the World

Being on top hasn’t gotten to Waters’ head — though she admits it’s surreal to hear the title spoken out loud. “I try not to think about it too much,” she said. Instead of pressure, she sees challenge. “You definitely get people’s best when they play you,” she noted. But she believes that pressure has helped her grow stronger and more confident.

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A Mother–Daughter Legacy

Waters’ mother, Leigh Waters, is more than just her coach. She was also the No. 1 player in the world before Anna Leigh took the throne. Their bond is both competitive and collaborative. “The first time I beat my mom, I was 11,” Anna Leigh recalled, laughing. “It was a little strange.” After that, they teamed up — traveling the country together, playing and winning. “It was a crazy bond,” she said, reflecting on memories she’ll always cherish.

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The Future: Global and Youth-Driven

Waters hopes to see pickleball grow even more internationally and among young players. When she first started, she was often the only kid on court. Now, tournaments draw hundreds of youth competitors. “It’s growing, but we can definitely do more there,” she said.

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In Her Element

As the segment wrapped up, Waters’ joy was unmistakable. Her groundedness, humor, and passion were on full display — qualities that have made her both a champion and a true ambassador of the sport. Her final message? “Thank you for having me.” And with a smile, she turned back toward the courts, ready to compete, connect, and continue leading pickleball into the future.

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In-Depth Summary:

Anna Leigh Waters’ SportsCenter feature captured the essence of a sport in transition — and a young woman leading that charge with grace and grit. From humble beginnings at age 10 to becoming the world’s No. 1 pickleball player, Waters’ journey highlights the unique spirit of pickleball: its inclusivity, its community, and its rapid ascent into mainstream culture. She debunked stereotypes, called for Olympic recognition, and shared the powerful bond she’s built with her mother through competition. Perhaps most importantly, she illuminated the welcoming, high-energy environment that has helped pickleball capture hearts across generations. Waters isn’t just defending titles — she’s helping define a movement.

Anna Leigh Waters On ESPN Sports Center v2

Lyrics

Verse 1 (Jazz Tune):
On Grand Rapids courts we meet under bright arena lights,
Champion hearts beat in sync with the swing of night,
Defending gold, match by match, feel the rhythm in the air,
Every serve, every volley, syncopated flair.
Crowd roars like brass, cheering loud in perfect swing,
Athletic poetry in motion, freedom on string,
out the gate, passion sets the pace,
We glide, we slide, we own this place.

Rap Bridge 1 (90’s Rap):
Yo—we rise, Anna Leigh on the grind,
she’s the best you’ll find, world-class state of mind.
hit the shot, no doubt, skeptics get schooled,
every point, every round, she’s breaking every rule.
Fastest-growing sport, we rep it coast to coast,
Olympic dreams, we boast without a ghost.
Get on court, feel the hype, it’s athletic art,
Pickleball flame ignites, we play it from the heart.

Chorus (Folk Tune):
Come gather ‘round and rally, feel the sun on your face,
With paddles raised together, we’re bound by friendly grace.
Every clap, every whistle, every step in time,
In this game of life and laughter, our spirits always climb.

Verse 2 (Jazz Tune):
Bloodlines meet the baseline—tossed paddles in the fray,
Mother and daughter dancing, forging legacy each day.
Born at eleven, beating mom, that bronze—heated groove,
Now champions side by side, with every serve we prove.
Community in every corner, age and gender blend,
Generations rally on—new friendships never end.

Rap Bridge 2 (90’s Rap):
we narrate the rise,
Post‑COVID boom, courts in every town arise.
Youth squads growing strong, grassroots global spawn,
echoing the vibes until the break of dawn.
Energy’s contagious—rowdy, joyous, free,
ALW flow meets the daily grind harmony.
We beat adversity, adversity, adversity,
Pickleball’s the unity, defying adversity.

Chorus Reprise (Folk Tune):
Come gather ‘round and rally, feel the sun on your face,
With paddles raised together, we’re bound by friendly grace.
Every clap, every whistle, every step in time,
In this game of life and laughter, our spirits always climb.