John Gullo Transformed Pickleball and His Life: John Gullo, an Ogden native, is widely regarded as the “father of professional pickleball,” a title that shows his immense contributions to the sport. In November, he will be officially inducted into the Pickleball Hall of Fame in Mesa, Arizona, joining legends Simone Jardim and Kyle Yates. For Gullo, this honor is a result of years of passion, dedication, and community spirit.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with Utah becoming a major hub for players and enthusiasts. Gullo’s tireless efforts helped establish pickleball courts across northern Utah and turn the state into a prime destination for pickleball tournaments, including the prestigious Tournament of Champions. From humble beginnings to nationwide recognition, Gullo’s journey is an inspirational testament to how one person’s vision can impact an entire sport.
A Life-Changing Discovery: From Rehab to Pickleball
In 2008, Gullo’s life took an unexpected turn. Weighing 310 pounds, he underwent five bypass surgeries and entered cardiac rehabilitation. Bored with traditional exercises like walking on a treadmill, Gullo stumbled upon a sign advertising pickleball, and his life was forever changed.
He took up the game and started playing regularly, eventually losing significant weight—he humorously refers to it as “six bowling balls” of weight loss. Pickleball, with its low impact on the knees and joints, proved to be the perfect exercise for Gullo.
“It’s a great sport. You’re bending, stretching, working out, and having fun all at once.” – (Gullo)
His transformation sparked a desire to share the benefits of pickleball with others, particularly in his hometown of Ogden. His mission to spread the joy of pickleball would ultimately lead to the creation of public courts, professional tournaments, and a vibrant pickleball community across Utah.
Building the First Courts in Northern Utah
Gullo’s enthusiasm for pickleball didn’t stop at personal fitness. Soon after discovering the game, he approached the Ogden mayor with a bold idea—build pickleball courts for the city. His proposal led to the development of the first four public pickleball courts in northern Utah. Today, there are over 360 outdoor courts throughout the region, thanks to Gullo’s initial vision.
Gullo’s passion for growing the sport wasn’t just limited to Utah. He expanded the sport to cities across the U.S. and even traveled to Spain to introduce pickleball internationally. His dedication to pickleball is rooted in the community, and his efforts continue to create spaces where people of all ages can come together to play and bond over the sport.
Professionalizing the Sport: From Tournament of Champions to Global Impact
In 2011, Gullo took his efforts to a new level by organizing the first professional pickleball tournament with cash prizes. The Tournament of Champions, held in Ogden, attracted 36 players from across the country and was a resounding success. By the following year, the tournament had grown, offering live-streamed matches, paid officials, and even moving to Brigham City to accommodate the growing interest. Gullo’s ambition was to make Utah the “Wimbledon of pickleball.”
His contributions didn’t stop there. Gullo created the Professional Pickleball Federation, bringing together over 300 pro players to form the sport’s first professional tour. This helped raise the profile of pickleball, transitioning it from an “old person’s sport” to one that appeals to youth and athletes across all age groups. Today, pickleball has multiple professional tours, and top-tier sponsorships, and matches are broadcast on television.
Leaving a Legacy: Pickleball for Youth and Community
Even as the sport exploded in popularity, Gullo remained committed to ensuring pickleball was accessible to all, especially young players. He founded the American Dream Foundation, which provides $25,000 in scholarships to junior players competing in the Tournament of Champions. In Ogden, he funded paddles and nets for high schools and middle schools and donated equipment to non-profit youth organizations.
Gullo’s impact also reached the community of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he is responsible for many gymnasiums now having pickleball lines painted on their courts. His mantra, “Play hard, work hard, and do something for your community,” guided his efforts to promote health, fitness, and camaraderie through pickleball.
News in Brief: John Gullo Transformed Pickleball and His Life
As John Gullo prepares for his induction into the Pickleball Hall of Fame, he remains humble, viewing his accomplishments as something “strictly out of my heart.” At 80 years old, Gullo still plays pickleball several times a week, showing that the game he loves can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of age. His lasting legacy is not just in the courts he built or the tournaments he founded, but in the countless lives he touched by fostering a community built on fun, fitness, and friendship.
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