Alex Crum’s Pickleball Breakthrough Story: Alex Crum, a Louisville native and 2010 St. Xavier High School graduate, is making a name for himself in professional pickleball. A former state tennis champion, Crum began playing pickleball just two years ago and has quickly risen through the ranks. Recently, he competed in the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, where he upset the world’s No. 1 player, Frederico Staksrud.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Alex Crum’s competitive spirit was first seen on the tennis courts, where he traveled to tournaments with his father.
“I love to compete. That was my favorite part about tennis growing up was traveling to tournaments with my dad, getting to the hotel, waking up early, the whole routine. I just loved it so much, and I genuinely thought that part of my life was in the past. So to have this sort of second career as a competitor, again, playing in front of hundreds of people this week was the best part about the whole experience for me.” – (crum)
After a break from competitive sports, he found a new passion in pickleball, starting a “second career” as a competitor.
Big Win and Ranking Rise
At the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, Crum entered ranked No. 65 in the world. He shocked many by defeating Frederico Staksrud, the top-ranked player, two sets to one in the round of 64.
“You don’t get that very many opportunities like that. I was more so proud of myself for keeping my head in it. Because for those who know me, I can occasionally be a basket case out there. I knew it was in the range of outcomes, but to go out there and do it was another thing completely.” – (crum)
His strong performance boosted him to 44th in the global pickleball rankings.
Life Beyond the Court
When not competing, Alex Crum coaches tennis and pursues his music career. Under the artist name AC Baby, his album “Just For Fun” has reached one million streams on Apple Music. Crum plans to record more music this June, hoping to balance his pickleball career with his creative interests.
“As I grow into this space of pickleball, I want to revisit my creative outlets. We’re going to record more music here in June and try to put together a little EP and just have fun with it.” – (crum)
Alex Crum’s success shows how athletes can find new paths and continue competing at a high level. His rise in pickleball may inspire others to try the sport and explore different passions.
News in Brief: Alex Crum’s Pickleball Breakthrough Story
Louisville’s Alex Crum, a former state tennis champion, is excelling in professional pickleball. After only two years in the sport, he defeated the world No. 1 player at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships. Crum now ranks 44th globally and balances playing with tennis coaching and a music career.
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