In just four months, 12-year-old Rocco Monteleon has skyrocketed from pickleball beginner to medaling in 4.0 tournaments and winning two bronze medals at his first national junior tournament. A former USTA tennis player, Rocco made the switch to pickleball and hasn’t looked back—so much so that his family is moving to Florida so he can train year-round and chase his dream of going pro. With a natural talent, fierce dedication, and a big personality that shines on and off the court, Rocco is a rising star you need to know. Tune in for an episode full of passion, energy, and the future of pickleball! Follow this page if you like our content.

For the first time ever, an 11-year-old is joining the podcast! Ethan Lefkowitz is one of the youngest rising stars in pickleball, competing on the junior tour and already making a name for himself. Growing up in New York City, he learned the game by playing against adults, facing challenges and proving that age is just a number. Now a Selkirk-sponsored athlete, Ethan shares what it’s like to be the youngest player on the court, how he handles expectations, and his dreams of going pro. This episode is a glimpse into the future of pickleball.

What does it take to thrive in the fastest-growing sport in America? Evan Specht, Co-Founder of Diadem Sports, knows firsthand. Starting in his garage, Evan built a tennis brand that quickly pivoted into pickleball, driven by his love for innovation and the challenge of a fast-paced industry. In this episode, he unveils Diadem’s latest breakthrough: BLUCORE Technology, the first solid-core paddle made with aerospace-grade materials and backed by a lifetime warranty. Get an insider look at the future of paddle design and an exclusive preview of Diadem’s 2025 product lineup, including their cutting-edge footwear collection. Give us a follow if you like our stories!

In this heartfelt episode, Stephen Jones shares his deeply personal journey with Stage 4 cancer and how the pickleball community has shown up for him in extraordinary ways. While he’s no longer able to play the sport he loves during his chemotherapy treatments, Stephen’s connection to the pickleball world has remained stronger than ever. He reveals how this community has inspired him, lifted him up, and even performed what he calls “miracles” during one of the most challenging times of his life. Tune in to hear an inspiring story of resilience, hope, and the power of community both on and off the court. Link to Stephen's GoFundMe: http://bit.ly/3Emj0Wu

Christine and Peter Burrows started PB-CB to provide corporate teams the opportunity to learn and play the fastest-growing sport while also enjoying some cohesion, communication, collaboration and fun! Whether you’re a small team or an enterprise organization that wants to build departments or cross-functional teams, PB-CB provides a unique and engaging experience. By integrating the camaraderie of sport with the nuances of professional development, they've crafted a holistic approach to team building that uses the pickleball court as our whiteboard.

Doug Snelson is the author of the award-winning book Pickleball Poetry: Fun and Whimsical Verses to Dink About. Collaborating with renowned referees and players, Doug crafted 32 playful and insightful poems that celebrate the techniques, emotions, and camaraderie of the pickleball community. His book, which has earned rave reviews and accolades like the Pinnacle Achievement Award, is designed to make readers smile. Doug’s personal touch shines through as he takes the time to autograph several copies and he sometimes includes a heartfelt note. Join us as he shares the inspiration behind his work and the joy pickleball brings on and off the court.

Anthony Flores, a Charlotte native with a lifelong passion for sports, turned a post-injury spark into a thriving entrepreneurial venture. After discovering pickleball in 2021, Anthony combined his competitive spirit with his love for building community to create CLT Paddle Battle, a flexible pickleball league that’s now the largest in Charlotte with over 3,000 participants. What began as a grassroots effort with a few players has grown into a massive league featuring innovative scheduling tools, social events, and unmatched camaraderie. Driven by his entrepreneurial goals, Anthony has developed a scalable platform and plans to expand CLT Paddle Battle’s unique concept nationwide. Tune in to hear how he turned a setback into a booming success and the exciting plans he has for the future of pickleball.

Step into pickleball history with Jesse Knutson, a trailblazer who grew up on one of the first backyard pickleball courts in Seattle, dating back to 1969. As the #1 junior player in the U.S., Jesse dominated the game before most even knew it existed. Now the Head of Publicity for the Academy of Country Music, Jesse takes us on a captivating journey through the sport’s infancy—sharing how tournaments, terms, and the culture of pickleball have transformed. Don’t miss this inspiring tale of a true pickleball pioneer!

This week, we welcome Michael Loyd back to the podcast to relive his remarkable journey at the Pickleball World Championships. Michael shocked the pickleball community with a Cinderella run, taking down legends like Ben Johns, JW Johnson, and Quang Duong to claim silver. Now, his name is on everyone’s radar, with fans and players alike recognizing him at tournaments and celebrating his meteoric rise.

In this episode, Michael shares the story behind his breakout performance, the role of faith in his journey, and how finding happiness both mentally and physically has been the key to his success. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of pickleball’s newest stars!

Stephen Grich is the Founder and CEO of Apex Pickleball and he brings Middle Tennessee its very first outdoor, dedicated pickleball facility. With 11 courts, a championship court, and a deep commitment to growing the sport, Stephen shares the inspiring story behind transforming an empty property into a bustling pickleball hub in just a few months. From his start in pickleball a decade ago to becoming a sponsored player and PPR-certified instructor, Stephen has been all in on the game he loves. Now, he’s ready to take Murfreesboro's pickleball scene to the next level—one serve at a time. Don’t miss this episode packed with passion, perseverance, and a vision to bring the community together through pickleball!