Pickleball Rising Star Ella Evans: Ten-year-old Ella Evans from Charlotte, North Carolina, is a rising star in pickleball, winning gold in doubles at the 2025 Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships. She continues to compete at a high level while coping with the loss of her father, Jake Evans, who passed away in February at the age of 57.
Young Talent Shines on the Court
Ella Evans is one of the top-ranked players in the Junior Professional Pickleball Association for the 12-and-under category. Her love for the game started at age seven and has only grown since. “Once I get pretty hype, I get like so powerful!” Evans told Queen City News.
“And then once I get powerful, I’m like winning, winning, winning, winning!” – (Evans)
Ella first felt she was becoming a strong competitor during a North Carolina tournament.
“It probably started at the NC tournament. Like at NC, I was playing like a baller.” – (Evans)
Her mother, Monica Evans, remembered being amazed by her daughter’s energy.
“When she steps on the court and she’s so fierce, it was just like, ‘Oh my goodness, who’s this little girl?’ Like ‘Where did she come from?’” – (Monica Evans)
A Strong Spirit Through Personal Loss
Ella plays almost every day. She remains focused, even after losing her father, Jake Evans, who died after a long illness.
“He was just the greatest father I could ask for.” – (Ella)
Though his death was painful, she uses it to push herself.
“Even though his loss hurt me, that just encouraged me to get better and better and tell myself that he’s cheering for me every single tournament.” – (Ella)
Coach Wynn Johnson, director of pickleball at the Tipsy Pickle, praised Ella’s mental strength.
“She is an absolute dog out there. She doesn’t lose her focus; she really wants to win.” – (Wynn Johnson)
During one practice session, Johnson asked her what she was thinking about. Ella replied simply, “Just singles.”
“A lot of players, a lot of people, that would break them. I mean, that’s her dad. She has used it almost as an instrument, a tool to motivate her to play for something.” – (Wynn Johnson)
Supporting Dreams and Inspiring Others
Monica Evans said her daughter’s happiness matters most.
“She just wants to be happy and dream big. And wherever that falls, wherever she lands, it’s going to be amazing.” – (Monica Evans)
Pickleball is now America’s fastest-growing sport. The Association of Pickleball Professionals reports the average player is around 35 years old, but more young players are joining. “I’ve seen the kids spike in the last year,” Johnson said.
At the Tipsy Pickle at Camp North End, children and adults of all ages are welcome. Adam Doane, one of the players there, said,
“This gentleman’s pretty old, but there’s some of us young guns here who like to play. Old guys are always ready.” – (Adam Doane)
College scholarships are not yet offered in pickleball, but Johnson believes that will change. When it does, youth participation could grow even more.
Looking Ahead with Hope
Ella continues to practice hard with big goals.
“She wants to be the best pickleball player in the world. I love that she has that desire to win every single point she plays.” – (Monica EVANS)
Together, Ella and her mom started a magazine called The Junior Spin to celebrate the game and inspire other kids. “I am proud to be the co-founder of this movement,” Ella read aloud.
She wants her story to encourage others. “I would love to inspire the other juniors in pickleball,” Ella said. For her, the court is a special place. Even when life is hard, the game gives her peace.
“Every single time you play pickleball, it makes you feel good.” – (Ella)
News in Brief: Pickleball Rising Star Ella Evans
Ten-year-old Ella Evans from Charlotte is one of the best young pickleball players in the country. After losing her dad, Jake Evans, she found strength in the game. Ella now competes nationally, inspires other kids, and co-founded The Junior Spin magazine to grow youth interest in pickleball.