Max Manthou’s A Pickleball Gospel: Max Manthou, known as “Purple Jesus,” published A Pickleball Gospel in October 2024. The book—originally his master’s thesis at Illinois State University—explores pickleball as both a game and a community. Manthou wrote it after a personal tragedy, focusing on “coopetition” and the emotional bonds formed through the sport.
From Thesis to Paperback
Manthou didn’t plan to publish at first. His advisor, Dr. Jim Stanlaw, encouraged him.
“He was pretty adamant that I write a book because…my writing was good enough that it definitely should see the light of day…” -(Max Manthou)
With the help of a publisher introduced through a pickleball contact, he rewrote his thesis for public readers and released it in October 2024.
Personal Stories Drive the Text
Written in first person, the book begins with Manthou’s own words:
“While distracting you with a bouncy plastic ball and tales of my wandering past, I actually have something to say.”-(Max Manthou)
Two chapters describe his first pro experience at the 2022 APP Daytona Beach Open. The account includes matches against APP pros Ryler DeHeart, Jayden Broderick, and William Sobek.
Pro Pickleball Debut and Success
In spring 2024, APP pro Erik Lange asked Manthou to partner in doubles at the Miami Open. Manthou agreed last minute and helped them win bronze after upsetting a top team. He then earned seven APP Tour medals—four gold, three bronze—and a silver at the USA Pickleball Nationals with Lange.
Beyond Pickleball: A Life of Service
Before pickleball, Manthou graduated from the University of Washington with degrees in History and Sociology and a mathematics minor. He served two years in the Peace Corps in Indonesia, teaching English, then worked with Central American youth. These experiences shaped his empathy and worldview.
A fan of travel, he grew up with a map placemat at home. In college, a course on Baltic history inspired his Peace Corps path. He explained:
“That class really pushed me… the idea of going out… in the margin of the world… Having to adapt and learn and maybe help somebody, but mostly learn and grow, that was so enticing.”-(Max Manthou)
Life Changes, Future Plans
Manthou had planned to pursue a PhD in anthropology. But his success on tour has delayed that. He may return to school as early as next year. For now, he is proud of his book and its reception:
“I think if you put your heart and effort in places you care about and with earnest… you’ll end up somewhere pretty good, or you’ll end up somewhere that was worth it.”-(Max Manthou)
He has no plans for a sequel. He said,
“This book…has been great. I’m really happy to have published it just for myself. I feel like I’ve done something to give back.”-(Max Manthou)
A Unique Voice in Sport and Culture
With humility and integrity, Manthou has earned respect in pickleball, academia, and service. In his book’s foreword, Erik Lange calls him an “extraordinary human.” A Pickleball Gospel offers readers a touching reflection on sport, community, and connection, leaving a lasting feeling, just as Maya Angelou wrote: people remember how you made them feel.
News in Brief: Max Manthou’s A Pickleball Gospel
Max Manthou’s A Pickleball Gospel—based on his master’s thesis—was published in October 2024. It blends personal loss, service, and a rise in professional pickleball. After winning multiple medals in 2024, Manthou delayed his PhD plans but plans to return. The book is praised for its honest, heartfelt voice.
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