U.S. Open Pickleball Family Record: Crozet athlete Meg Knutson and her family set a new record by winning 11 medals at the amateur U.S. Open Pickleball Championships last month in Naples, Florida. The family’s success spanned three generations, marking a historic moment for the sport and showcasing how pickleball can bring families together.
A Family’s Pickleball Journey
Meg Knutson grew up playing tennis in Minnesota. Just a few years ago, her sister Jenny Johnson and mother Marnie Whelan encouraged her to switch to pickleball.
“My sister pulled me aside and said I think you could get good at this if you tried,”. “I kind of caught the bug.”(Meg Knutson)
Meg Knutson started playing two to three hours every day. Her friend Megan Washburn from Charlottesville, who knows pickleball well, coached her on skills and strategy.
“The IQ that she has developed for the game has been fun to watch,”. “She has a lot of nuance to her game. She can dink, she can drive she can do all of it.”(Megan Washburn)
Winning Big at the U.S. Open
Meg Knutson now holds a 5.0 rating, showing she has reached an elite level.
“You can really learn that those soft shots and placement can matter a lot more than power,”. “It becomes more of a game of chess.”(Meg Knutson)
At the tournament, Meg Knutson won gold medals in women’s doubles with Jenny Johnson in the 40-44 age group and in mixed doubles in the 4.5 double elimination 40-49 age group.
Her niece Volly Johnson and 74-year-old mother Marnie Whelan also brought home several medals.
“I was surprised at my age how many people coming from all over,”. “And my granddaughter winning, what a great family experience.”(Marnie Whelan)
Making History Together
The three generations earned 11 medals, breaking the U.S. Open amateur record for the most medals won by a single family.
“To be there with my family and be able to complete, as a 41-year-old mom and worker, to get to go and live this athletic dream for a week, I never thought that would happen,”. “It’s incredibly motivating for next year. We’re already training.”(Meg Knutson)
Impact and What’s Ahead
The Knutson and Johnson family’s story shows how pickleball is growing across all ages. Their success inspires others to start playing and reach for their goals. The family plans to keep training and return to the U.S. Open to compete again next year.
News in Brief: U.S. Open Pickleball Family Record
Meg Knutson and her family from Crozet made history by winning 11 medals at the U.S. Open amateur pickleball tournament in Naples. Three generations, including her mother Marnie Whelan and niece Volly Johnson, competed together. The family plans to keep training and return next year.
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