Rise of Pickleball Pro Allyce Jones: Pickleball, a sport invented in the 1960s, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Despite its long history, most professional players only picked up their paddles recently. One such player is Allyce Jones, a 36-year-old pro pickleball star, teacher, and mother of three, whose journey to the professional circuit is as inspiring as it is unexpected.
Discovering Pickleball During the Pandemic
Allyce Jones was a standout high school and college volleyball and tennis player, but she never imagined that pickleball would become her professional calling. Her introduction to the sport came during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When COVID hit, I have three kids, so we needed something to do after I taught my students in the mornings. We had high school keys, so we went to the gym, and my mom was like, ‘Hey, we have to play this game called pickleball.’” – (Jones)
Jones, her husband, and her parents began playing while her kids rode their bikes around the gym. “Then I got addicted like everyone else,” she admitted. What started as a family activity quickly became a passion.
Dedication and Training
Jones’s commitment to pickleball was unwavering. “I started training every morning at 5:00 a.m., till I had to get the kids off to school,” she said. “Then after school, I’d go to their after-school activities, and at night I would train again.” This rigorous routine lasted for a year and a half, leading her to the pro scene.
In 2022, Jones signed with the PPA (Professional Pickleball Association) tour, marking the beginning of her professional career. “Now, I’m living the dream,” she said with a smile.
The Explosion of Major League Pickleball
Jones’s story is part of a larger trend in the explosive growth of Major League Pickleball (MLP). In just a few years, the sport has seen substantial financial growth and increased visibility. Professional teams and players can now earn between $100,000 and $2 million annually.
To illustrate this growth, consider that owning a professional pickleball team cost about $100,000 two years ago. Today, the price has skyrocketed to around $10 million. High-profile athletes such as Patrick Mahomes, who founded the Miami Pickleball Club, and Tom Brady have invested in the sport, further elevating its status.
News in Brief: Rise of Pickleball Pro Allyce Jones
Allyce Jones’s journey from a pandemic pastime to a professional pickleball career is a testament to the sport’s growing appeal and her incredible dedication. As pickleball continues to attract new players and fans, stories like Jones’s highlight the opportunities and excitement the sport offers.
Whether it’s for fitness, fun, or professional ambition, pickleball is capturing the hearts and minds of people worldwide, proving that it’s never too late to find your passion and live the dream.
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