Sammy Lee’s Pickleball Journey: When Sammy Lee joined a local pickleball practice five years ago, he was unfamiliar with the sport. Little did he know, this casual outing would ignite a passion that would propel him to national prominence.
A Rapid Rise
Lee, a 2024 Coon Rapids graduate, is now a force on the pickleball court. At just 18, he holds a top-10 ranking in both singles and doubles for his age group in the United States.
“I was 13 years old when I started playing, and began to take it more seriously about a year after starting. I never really heard of pickleball until my uncle Will played for the first time.” – (Lee)
Understanding the Game
Pickleball combines elements of tennis and table tennis, played on a scaled-down tennis court with a hard plastic ball. The sport’s unique aspects, such as the no-volley zone or “kitchen” introduce strategic depth and make for engaging rallies.
“Really anyone can play pickleball. Also, there is so much variety to the game which keeps it interesting and fun to play.” – (Lee)
From Novice to Expert
Lee’s initial fascination with pickleball quickly turned into a serious pursuit.
“At first, I had no idea what the strategy or technique was. I was just a kid who loved to play sports and compete. I found it extremely fun, and after a short while, I really wanted to improve and take it more seriously. I have this thing where if I watch someone do something, I can mimic it quite well. So, I started watching pickleball and others play, which helped me tremendously.” – (Lee)
His baseball background contributed to his skills. “Playing baseball my whole life has definitely helped me with hand-eye coordination, quick reactions, and even my mental game,” Lee explained. Opportunities to play with more experienced players further accelerated his development.
Future Goals and Growing the Sport
Lee practices 2-3 times a week and competes in 6-8 tournaments annually, often traveling out of state. Currently, he is ranked in the top 10 in doubles in the Middle States region and the top 10 nationally in singles and doubles for his age group.
“My goal, although very difficult, is to get to top 10 in the world someday. But mainly, I just want to be the best that I can be and have fun while doing it.” – (Lee)
The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) has recognized pickleball as America’s fastest-growing sport. USA Pickleball reported a 223.5% increase in players over four years, reaching 13.6 million in 2023. Lee is contributing to this growth by teaching pickleball across the Twin Cities metro.
“I think pickleball has exploded because it is a very easy game to learn, it’s fun, and still can be very competitive. When the pandemic hit, everyone was desperately searching for things to do, which got many younger people and kids into the game. The game continues to get younger which is amazing to see.” – (Lee)
News in Brief: Sammy Lee’s Pickleball Journey
Sammy Lee, a 2024 Coon Rapids graduate, has surged to national prominence in pickleball, ranking top 10 in singles and doubles for boys 18 and under. Starting at 13, Lee quickly advanced by using his baseball skills and intense practice. He aims to break into the world’s top 10 while contributing to the sport’s growth.
Pickleball, named the fastest-growing sport by the SFIA, saw a 223.5% increase in players from 2019 to 2023. Lee is also teaching the sport throughout the Twin Cities metro, highlighting its appeal and rapid expansion.
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