Tama Shimabukuro Pickleball Prodigy: At just 14 years old, Tama Shimabukuro from Kakaʻako, Hawaiʻi, has signed a three-year contract with the PPA Tour, making him one of the youngest athletes in professional pickleball. His contract came a year earlier than planned after standout performances at the PPA Asia Fukuoka event in August 2025.
Early Path to Pickleball
Tama started as a skateboarder, earning sponsorships and competing nationwide. His family discovered pickleball at a skateboarding event in California in 2023, and they soon all took up the sport together. Without a coach, Tama relied on family guidance and natural ability to rise quickly through local and national tournaments.
His early competitive success included appearances at APP Next Gen and PPA 5.0 events, where he tested himself against high-level players. From the start, his ambition was clear: qualify for the PPA Tour by the time he turned fifteen.
Breakthrough in Japan
At the PPA Asia Fukuoka tournament, Tama advanced through qualifiers to the main draw in both singles and mixed doubles. There, he faced seasoned opponents, including Tyler Loong in singles, and Tyler Loong with Pei Chuan Kao in mixed doubles. Against the odds, Tama defeated both higher-seeded players, gaining recognition across the sport.
That success helped secure his PPA contract. In his first tournament as a signed pro, Tama teamed up with AJ Marrero in doubles. The pair nearly upset Donald Young and Jack Sock, former professional tennis players, in a close 10-12 first game. In singles, Tama led No. 1 Hunter Johnson 7-1 before falling short.
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Looking Ahead
With his new contract, Tama can compete in both U.S. and international events. His immediate goal is to become a top-20 PPA player within a year. Still in the early stages of his career, he represents a new wave of teenage talent emerging in professional pickleball.
News in Brief: Tama Shimabukuro Pickleball Prodigy
Tama Shimabukuro, a 14-year-old from Hawaiʻi, has signed a three-year PPA Tour contract after standout wins at the PPA Asia Fukuoka event. Once a skateboarder, he quickly rose in pickleball through APP and PPA tournaments. His goal now is to break into the PPA’s top 20 rankings within a year.
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