Dylan Frazier Became a Pickleball Sensation: It was 2016, and boredom had taken hold of Dylan Frazier and his mother, Cindy, during a family trip to Punta Gorda, Florida. As they searched for an activity to break the monotony of the day, Cindy suggested, “Let’s give pickleball a try.” Little did they know, that impulsive decision would set Dylan on a path to becoming a prominent figure in the world of pickleball.
Fast forward eight years, and Frazier finds himself on the Professional Pickleball Association’s No. 3-ranked men’s doubles team. Hailing from Ashland, he’s now a senior at the University of Missouri (Mizzou), where his passion for the sport has only intensified since that fateful day.
The Pickleball Bug
The moment Frazier picked up a paddle, something clicked. Initially dabbling as a recreational player, he began to take pickleball seriously in 2020.
“I really got the pickleball bug. By 2020 is when I really started kind of taking it seriously and thought that maybe I could make a living out of this in some form or fashion.” – (Frazier)
Today, the 22-year-old is not just a player; he’s among the elite in the sport, competing weekly in PPA tournaments and accumulating a collection of trophies that validate his hard work.
A Season of Victory
The 2023 season proved to be a remarkable one for Frazier and his men’s doubles partner, the fourth-ranked James “JW” Johnson. Together, they achieved an impressive 15 podium finishes, including five gold medals. Their standout moment came at the Vulcan Indoor National Championship on February 26, 2023, in Lakeville, Minnesota, where they captured their first gold medal of the year.
Frazier’s success extends beyond doubles. He claimed his first singles gold medal on January 14 at The Masters tournament in Palm Springs, California, and recently secured a second-place finish at the Las Vegas Pickleball Cup on September 1. This string of achievements has propelled him to the No. 6 spot in the PPA men’s singles rankings.
The Weight of Expectations
Despite his accolades, Frazier feels the pressure that accompanies his rising status.
“It feels like the expectations are a little bit higher when you get the No. 1 or No. 2 ranking behind your name. At the same time, it’s an honor to kind of hold that No. 1 spot.” – (Frazier)
Frazier’s journey from the amateur leagues to the pinnacle of professional pickleball shows his dedication and resilience. “A lot of people are striving to get there and would like to see that No. 1 behind their name,” he said, expressing pride in achieving a ranking he once aspired to.
A Supportive Network
His friends and family credit not just his skill and hard work but also his competitive spirit. “He’s very competitive,” said Doug Schwandt, Frazier’s longtime friend and training partner.
“No matter what he does, whether we play ping pong or different games besides pickleball, he’s just got a very competitive spirit.” – (Doug Schwandt)
Schwandt first met Frazier at Albert-Oakland Park in Columbia, proposing a match that blossomed into a lasting friendship and a pickleball partnership. Whenever Frazier returns to Columbia, Schwandt is there to lend support. The two even captured a high-level amateur tournament together before Frazier turned pro. “It also speaks to the inclusivity of pickleball,” Schwandt remarked about their age-defying friendship.
Balancing Act
Off the court, Frazier juggles a busy schedule. Competing in about two PPA tournaments each month while pursuing a business degree at Mizzou requires meticulous time management. During his freshman and sophomore years, he managed a full course load of 15 credit hours per semester. Now, with his intensified tournament schedule, he’s transitioned to online classes, participating in roughly 30 tournaments annually that span the country.
“He’s got a high level of aptitude, and he’s also dedicated. He made a commitment to himself to get his degree, and he hasn’t let his pro pickleball career derail that.” – (Schwandt)
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Frazier hopes to remain involved in the pickleball community long after his playing days are over.
“There are a lot of different ways to get involved with pickleball right now, especially on the business side of things. I’d like to find a way to get involved, whether it be teaching or opening up some courts or something along those lines.” – (Frazier)
As an emerging star in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, Frazier is also a passionate advocate for pickleball. He envisions its inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the 2032 Summer Games in Brisbane, Australia. Most importantly, he encourages everyone to try the sport, just as he and his mother did eight years ago.
“It’s really easy to get started. I always encourage people to get out and give it a try, pick up a paddle.” – (Frazier)
Dylan Frazier is set to compete next in the Stratusphere Gin Virginia Beach Cup from Monday through October 6 in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
News in Brief: Dylan Frazier Became a Pickleball Sensation
Dylan Frazier, a 22-year-old pickleball star from Ashland, has risen to prominence in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), currently ranked No. 3 in men’s doubles with partner James “JW” Johnson. Frazier’s journey began in 2016 during a family trip to Florida, and his commitment to the sport has earned him multiple accolades, including gold medals in the 2023 season.
Balancing a busy tournament schedule with his studies at Mizzou, Frazier aspires to contribute to pickleball’s growth in the future and demands its inclusion in the Olympics. He next competes in Virginia Beach from October 1-6.
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