Tulsa Soccer Star to Pickleball Prodigy: Former University of Tulsa soccer player Tom Protzek has traded the soccer pitch for the pickleball court. The German athlete joined the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour in May 2025 and now trains full-time in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as he works toward becoming one of the sport’s top players.
From Soccer to Pickleball
Tom Protzek played Division 1 soccer for the University of Tulsa from 2021 to 2023. He first tried pickleball with his teammates, but quickly realized he had talent.
“I was actually in New Mexico to try out for professional soccer, but I met this group that played pickleball at 7 a.m. I was always playing, and I won most of my games, and they were all like you are decent at it, you should maybe try to play some tournaments,” Protzek said.
First Steps in Competition
Protzek entered his first PPA tournament in November 2024 and reached the Round of 16. He even faced the top-ranked player in the world, pushing the match to three games.
“I lost in three, but it showed me, hey, if I can do this without really practicing with good players, I might have a shot,” he said.
Life on the PPA Tour
Protzek has been competing on the PPA Tour since May 2025. Facing top-seeded players early in tournaments has been a challenge, but he sees it as a valuable test.
“It is a little frustrating, but good for me to know that usually in my first round I always win, which shows I am definitely better than the average pro and then there is a tiny bit more to be like the best in the world, but, it will come,” he explained.
Training in Tulsa
Though Tulsa does not have a large pro pickleball community, Protzek has stayed in the city.
“I just fell in love with the city and it is funny because I am at the tournaments and they ask me where are you from? Now, they know, oh, this guy is from Tulsa, Oklahoma and they always start laughing and I am like, you just have to be here for a little bit and then you will understand,” he said.
Practice opportunities are limited, but Protzek works with Wade Bryant of Oklahoma City, who travels 1.5 hours twice a week to train with him.
“Yes, if I really want to get good practice games in I have to travel out of town or, obviously, play in the tournaments. I do have one guy from Oklahoma City, Wade Bryant, he is always driving 1.5 hours in the mornings at least twice a week and he definitely gives me a better practice,” Protzek shared.
Future Goals
Protzek hopes to secure a professional athlete visa so he can continue training and competing in the United States.
“The next goal for me is that I can stay in the United States and play on the highest level because if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best and that is only possible here in the states. So, I am trying to figure out how to get my professional athlete visa and then, hopefully, make it to the Top 10 and then even higher,” he said.
Looking Ahead
Protzek’s journey reflects the rapid growth of pickleball and its ability to attract athletes from other sports. His determination to rise in the rankings shows the opportunities the sport offers for players who commit to developing their game.
News in Brief: Tulsa Soccer Star to Pickleball Prodigy
Tom Protzek, a former Division 1 soccer player at the University of Tulsa, has transitioned to professional pickleball. He joined the Professional Pickleball Association Tour in May 2025 and now trains in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Protzek hopes to earn a U.S. athlete visa and aims to break into the world’s Top 10 players.
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