Meet the Icons Shaping Pickleball: Pickleball, once a backyard sport, has become America’s fastest-growing game. Along the way, many influential figures have left their mark, shaping the game into what it is today. But if a monument were created to honor the most pivotal contributors, who would cut it? Pros in the sport offered their thoughts on which legends belong on the Pickleball Mount Rushmore.
Ben Johns: The Unquestioned G.O.A.T.
When it comes to legendary players, Ben Johns is always part of the conversation. His dominance in the sport is unmatched, with title after title to his name. From his powerful strokes to his all-around game, he has set a standard that few can touch.
“He’s won so many titles, he’s always elevating the game, and he’s just been great.” – (Jay Devilliers)
“Because he doesn’t really miss.” – (James Ignatowich)
The consensus is clear—Ben Johns is the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.), and his influence has paved the way for future stars in pickleball. Yates Johnson echoed the sentiment, saying, “He’s the best by far, and he’s paved the way for pickleball.”
Joel Pritchard: The Founding Father
Pickleball wouldn’t even exist without the vision of Joel Pritchard. Alongside Bill Bell, Barney McCallum, and his wife Joan, he helped create the sport back in 1964 on Bainbridge Island, WA.
“Joel Pritchard founded pickleball along with a few other people, but I think he is the most famous.” – (Anna Bright)
As the sport’s inventor, Joel Pritchard’s contribution extends beyond just creating the game—he laid the foundation for what has become a movement in sports culture.
Connor Pardoe: The Architect of the PPA Tour
Connor Pardoe’s vision of professionalizing pickleball led to the creation of the PPA Tour, now the most prestigious circuit in the sport. His drive has transformed pickleball from a recreational activity into a legitimate professional sport.
“We are all here because of this crazy dream that he had four years ago.” – (Lea Jansen)
By building a platform for the best players in the world to compete, Connor Pardoe’s influence has been instrumental in growing the sport’s fanbase and elevating its visibility.
Anna Leigh Waters: The Teen Sensation
At just 17 years old, Anna Leigh Waters has already established herself as a dominant force in pickleball. Her consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made her a fixture at the top of the sport. Lacy Schneemann, a fellow competitor, noted the challenge of facing Anna Leigh Waters.
“Unreal records, and it’s really annoying to play her and lose mostly.” – (Lacy Schneemann)
Anna Leigh Waters earned her place among the legends with a combination of sheer talent and unrelenting drive, making her one of the youngest players ever to achieve “legend” status in the sport.
Honorable Mentions: Other Mount Rushmore Contenders
Though only a few can claim spots on Pickleball’s Mount Rushmore, other names are often mentioned in the same breath.
- Tyson McGuffin: Known for his unique style, mullet, and tattoos, Tyson McGuffin has not only wowed fans with his play but also contributed to growing the sport through education and outreach. “I think it’d be funny with all his tattoos on Rushmore,” Johnson quipped.
- Simone Jardim: Before Anna Leigh Waters, there was Simone Jardim, dominating the women’s game with her trademark defensive style. Pat Smith noted, “When I started playing, on the female side, the best player was Simone Jardim.” Her influence on the women’s side of the sport is undeniable.
As pickleball continues its meteoric rise, the list of names deserving a spot on its symbolic Mount Rushmore will only grow. For now, these figures stand as trailblazers, each contributing in their own way to the sport’s remarkable journey.
News in Brief: Meet the Icons Shaping Pickleball
As pickleball grows into a national phenomenon, several key figures have shaped its success. Ben Johns, often regarded as the G.O.A.T., dominates the professional scene, while Joel Pritchard’s role as the sport’s founder is undeniable.
Connor Pardoe’s creation of the PPA Tour professionalized the game, and Anna Leigh Waters’ rise at 17 has made her a pickleball legend. Honorable mentions include Tyson McGuffin and Simone Jardim, both influential in their own right. Pickleball’s legacy is still continuing, and these pioneers are at the heart of its history.
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