Sunday, November 9, 2025

From Rookie to Rival: How Alex Crum Shocked Pickleball’s Elite and Changed His Life Forever

Alex Crum Pickleball Breakthrough Journey: Alex Crum made headlines after defeating the top-ranked players on both the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association Tour and the Association of Pickleball Players Tour. These victories came just eight days apart. Now signed with the Professional Pickleball Association, Alex Crum begins his first full-time tour in August 2025.

From First Swing to Full-Time Athlete

Two years ago, Alex Crum picked up a pickleball paddle for the first time. He said, “Never had a sport felt so natural to me.” As a former tennis player, his skills transferred well, especially his serve and quick movement.

After just a few days of playing, he beat a top-60 pro and believed he would quickly rise in the pickleball world. But his first tournament at the Professional Pickleball Association event in Cincinnati was a setback. He lost in the first round of qualifying within ten minutes.

Winning and Working

Just one month after his early loss, Alex Crum won the USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships. He beat skilled opponents and began to believe in his future again.

While training and competing when possible, he also worked full-time as a tennis coach at country clubs. He said,

“I love teaching and connecting with people. But nothing compares to the adrenaline I feel every time I get to compete.”

He added,

“I kept telling myself: one day, I’ll have my breakthrough. One day, I’ll be able to train and play full time.”

A New Beginning

That day finally arrived when Alex Crum signed a contract with the Professional Pickleball Association. He said,

“My life changed again.”

Starting in August, Alex Crum will travel across the United States to compete in top pickleball events. He shared,

“Now, it’s my turn to give everything I have back.”

Alex Crum’s 2025 Professional Pickleball Association Schedule

  • August 6–10 – Bristol, Tennessee

  • August 27–31 – Las Vegas, Nevada

  • September 5–7 – Orlando, Florida (University of Central Florida – Alpha Tau Omega)

  • September 8–14 – Cincinnati, Ohio (University of Cincinnati – Alpha Tau Omega)

  • September 19–21 – Evansville, Indiana (University of Evansville – Phi Gamma Delta)

  • October 6–12 – Virginia Beach, Virginia (Christopher Newport University)

  • October 22–26 – Las Vegas, Nevada (University of Nevada Las Vegas – Delta Chi)

  • November 3–9 – Dallas, Texas (Southern Methodist University – Phi Delta Theta)

  • November 18–23 – Lakeland, Florida (University of Tampa – Alpha Tau Omega)

  • December 16–21 – Daytona Beach, Florida

News in Brief: Alex Crum Pickleball Breakthrough Journey

Alex Crum rose from beginner to professional in just two years. After beating two #1 players and signing with the Professional Pickleball Association, he begins full-time play in August 2025. His 10-stop tour covers top cities and campuses across the U.S., marking a new chapter in his fast-moving pickleball career.

ALSO READ: How Alex Crum Is Dominating Pro Pickleball—and Dropping Hits Off the Court

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