Donald Young, a former tennis prodigy, who retired on a high note with reaching U.S. Open Mixed Doubles Final alongside his long-time friend Taylor Townsend this past September. He transitioned to professional pickleball in 2024, quickly showing promise with his athleticism and left-handed spin. A Chicago native, Young was once the No. 1 junior tennis player in the world at age 16, later reaching top-50 rankings on the ATP Tour. His tennis highlights include making the 4th round of the US Open in 2011 and 2015, and reaching the 2017 French Open men’s doubles final. Now in pickleball, Young’s quick hands and experience make him one of the most exciting crossover athletes to watch.
Kate Fahey, a former standout at the University of Michigan, became the all-time wins leader in the school’s tennis history and earned multiple All-American honors during her collegiate career. After transitioning to professional pickleball, she quickly made her mark by securing her first PPA title at the Utah Pickle Open in 2024, defeating top players. Earlier that year, she also earned a silver medal at the Kansas City PPA event. Fahey’s strong groundstrokes and athleticism have positioned her as one of the rising stars in women’s singles on the pro pickleball circuit.
Roscoe Bellamy, a former UCLA standout and professional tennis player, made the switch to pickleball in early 2023. Drawing on his experience as a #1 ranked national junior tennis player, Bellamy transitioned smoothly into pickleball, where his competitive instincts and strategic prowess have set him apart. His impressive debut came in March, when he won the Pickleball Slam on ESPN, triumphing over tennis legends like Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick. Most recently, Roscoe Bellamy has been making a name for himself as a commentator, providing insightful commentary during top pickleball matches. His engaging style and deep understanding of the game enhance the viewing experience for fans, bringing the excitement of each match to life.
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Since turning pro in 2019, Jessie Irvine has made significant strides in the pickleball scene, achieving impressive victories in both mixed and women’s doubles. She is ranked in the Top 5 in all three divisions of women’s pro pickleball. Notably, she won gold in Mixed Doubles at the Las Vegas Open and in Women’s Doubles at the Rocky Mountain Championships. She also showcased her versatility by earning multiple medals at the 2019 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships and the Tournament of Champions. Additionally, she secured a bronze medal in Women’s Doubles at the 2021 PPA Championships and earned silver at the 2022 USA Pickleball National Championships, further solidifying her status as a top competitor.
Connor Garnett holds a top 5 PPA singles pickleball ranking and has earned over 10 pro medals across various events. He currently competes with the premier MLP team, the Utah Black Diamonds. Garnett’s athletic journey began with D1 tennis at Santa Clara University, where he ranks in the top 10 for most wins in school history. His background also includes investment banking and serving as a hitting partner at the US Open for top players like Novak Djokovic and Simona Halep. His quick reflexes, explosive play, and strong backhand continue to drive his success in pickleball, while his grounded mindset fuels his constant drive for improvement.
