Miranda Cabieses’ Pickleball Journey: Miranda Cabieses, a professional pickleball player from Peru, has turned personal adversity into success, both on and off the court. Now competing in her fifth professional tournament at the U.S. Pickleball Open in Naples, Cabieses’ journey to this moment is nothing short of inspiring.
A Rocky Start
Cabieses’ athletic journey nearly ended before it even started. At just 9 years old, she was in a serious accident that left her with a dislocated hip. Doctors warned her she might never walk again, let alone play sports. However, Cabieses defied the odds and made a full recovery, not only walking again but running and playing sports with determination.
“I got in an accident when I was 9 years old, so I dislocated my hip and I couldn’t play sports at all. All the doctors told me to forget about tennis, forget about running. We don’t even know if you’re going to walk again.” – (Cabieses)
Discovering Pickleball
It was her brother, Hercilio, who introduced her to pickleball.
“My brother called me and said, ‘Why don’t you come to the States? I’m playing pickleball and I’m traveling.’ I’m like, what’s that? I don’t even know what that is?” – (Cabieses)
At first, she didn’t know what pickleball was, but her curiosity led her to try the sport while attending Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Since then, she has become a world ambassador for pickleball, competing at top levels and sharing her love for the game.
“People would say, ‘Oh, she’s from Peru. Pickleball is in Peru.’ But I was like, pickleball is not in Peru.” – (Cabieses)
Giving Back to Peru
Through the Cabieses Foundation, which she started with her brother, Cabieses is helping bring pickleball to kids in Peru.
“To see that I can give back to these kids and community…it feels good in my heart.” – (Cabieses)
The foundation has donated thousands of paddles and supplies, allowing children across Peru to learn and enjoy the sport.
Looking Ahead
As Cabieses prepares to graduate from FGCU in May, she continues to inspire others.
“I was a kid who couldn’t walk. And now I’m here sharing the love. Sharing the pickleball love.” – (Cabieses)
Through her story and efforts, Cabieses hopes to prove that with determination, anything is possible.
News in Brief: Miranda Cabieses’ Pickleball Journey
Miranda Cabieses, a professional pickleball player from Peru, competes in her fifth U.S. Pickleball Open. After recovering from a serious injury, she found success in the sport and now gives back to Peru through the Cabieses Foundation, donating thousands of paddles to kids.
ALSO READ: Bobbi Oshiro’s Pickleball Journey: Love, Gold Medals, and Future Aspirations!