Daniel Moore’s Path to National Pickleball Championships: Daniel Moore, originally from Atlanta, experienced a distinctive childhood when his family relocated to Japan when he was only seven months old. His father’s pursuit of a master’s degree at a Japanese university initially meant a two-year stay, but opportunities arose, and the family spent the next 16 years in Japan. “Growing up in Japan felt normal at times since it was what I knew from infancy,” he recalls. However, he also became keenly aware of being one of the few Westerners in his city.
“At other times, I recognized how much I stood out as one of the only westerners in my city.” – (Daniel Moore)
While in Japan, Daniel Moore’s love for tennis developed. Alongside his father and siblings, he trained every day after school, refining his skills and competing in local and national tournaments.
In his junior year of high school, the family returned to the U.S., settling in Colorado Springs, where Daniel Moore would experience culture shock but find success on the tennis court. He led his school to a state championship, eventually earning a spot on the Azusa Pacific University tennis team.
Tennis Success at APU and the Middle East Experience
At Azusa Pacific University, Daniel Moore flourished on the tennis team, with a remarkable 15-5 singles record in his freshman year. However, during his junior year, he made the bold decision to leave the team and study abroad through the Middle East Studies Program in Egypt.
The program, which included trips to Israel, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan, provided Daniel Moore with a broader perspective on global issues.
“That was a really formative experience for me which broadened my horizons and helped me to look at what’s going on in the world through different perspectives.” – (Daniel Moore)
Returning to Azusa Pacific University for his final semesters, Daniel Moore joined the Third Culture Kids Club, bonding with peers who had grown up in multiple countries.
“TCK had a strong community camaraderie. Even though we grew up in lots of different countries, we had similar experiences. It was great to have that core group of friends from TCK at school.” – (Daniel Moore)
He also thrived in a senior seminar class led by former APU President Jon Wallace, where he wrote a thesis on the economic challenges in Africa. This experience, he says, was a highlight of his academic career.
“One of my favorite memories from APU is listening to Jon Wallace read my paper in front of the class as an example of what a good thesis should look like.” – (Daniel Moore)
Discovering Pickleball and New Ventures
After graduating, Daniel Moore moved to Kenya to work for a social enterprise selling fuel-efficient stoves. He spent a year and a half learning about the culture before quitting his job to travel across five countries in Africa.
During this period, Daniel Moore was introduced to pickleball, and his pickleball journey with the sport took off. He won his first national championship and quickly became involved in the growing pickleball community.
“Back then, pickleball was so much smaller than it is today. Everybody knew each other. It was very welcoming and inclusive. I could show up in pretty much every state in the country and there would always be a place for me to stay, a couple who wanted me to put on a pickleball clinic for their friends.” – (Daniel Moore)
While competing, Daniel Moore also worked as a tour guide for Japanese tourists in Colorado, and in 2013, he returned to Japan to work at a ski resort.
“Although that job was just for a few months, when I went back to Japan, it really felt like home, and I realized I had to figure out a way to move back permanently.” – (Daniel Moore)
This marked the beginning of his return to Japan, where he would later become a key figure in introducing pickleball to the country. Today, Daniel Moore estimates there are about 10,000 pickleball players in Japan, with the sport continuing to grow.
“It feels like we’re still gathering more momentum as we grow the sport professionally. I’m privileged to know that anyone who plays or will play pickleball in Japan will have some connection to me. It’s so cool to see people having fun and making friends on the court.” – (Daniel Moore)
Building a Legacy in Japan and Beyond
Daniel Moore’s impact on pickleball didn’t stop at teaching the game. In addition to coaching players, he founded two companies: Pickleball Trips and Active Travel Japan. Pickleball Trips, run alongside his father and brothers, offers pickleball expeditions across Japan and worldwide.
“It’s truly a family business. We love showing people around our favorite spots and sharing Japan’s awesome culture with them.” – (Daniel Moore)
Active Travel Japan, which Daniel Moore started after the pandemic, offers unique travel experiences in Japan, combining pickleball with hiking, biking, and snowshoeing tours. He also runs AirNBs called “the Snow Monkeys.” where guests can stay while attending pickleball camps. His passion for tour guiding and pickleball shines through in his work.
“I love the variety my jobs provide. Every day is different. Tour guiding and teaching pickleball keeps things interesting. I’ve tried to settle down and focus on one in the past, but I realized I need them both.” – (Daniel Moore)
He’s also written travel blogs to promote Nagano Prefecture and frequently appears on TV to promote pickleball. For Daniel Moore, his diverse career keeps him engaged and connected to a community he helped build.
News in Brief: Daniel Moore’s Path to National Pickleball Championships
Daniel Moore ’11, a former tennis player at Azusa Pacific University, transitioned to pickleball in 2014, winning multiple national championships and eventually introducing the sport to Japan and Kenya.
He founded two companies—Pickleball Trips and Active Travel Japan—and regularly teaches the sport while promoting tourism in Japan. His journey, marked by international experiences and a deep love for pickleball, continues to inspire players worldwide.
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