In Jacksonville, Florida, Robby Rivera stands out as a leader of pickleball’s next-generation players. At just 15 years old, he has made history as the only junior player in the state-sponsored by HEAD. As pickleball surges in popularity across the United States, tennis courts are transforming into vibrant pickleball venues, and young athletes like Robby Rivera are seizing the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The Journey Begins
“A lot of my friends say it’s super easy. Yeah, they’re right, it’s really easy to get into it and learn it. But, moving up, it gets difficult,” Robby Rivera reflected, showing the balance between accessibility and the hard work required to excel. His journey into pickleball began as a casual vacation activity.
“Mom booked a vacation in Port St. Lucie, and they had some courts down there. We just got thrown into some mini tournaments. We had no idea what we were doing when we were playing.” – (Robby Rivera)
Little did he know, this light-hearted introduction would ignite a fierce passion within him.
Family Support and Competition
From that point, the dynamics of Robby Rivera’s family changed. He enlisted his father, Rob Rivera, as his first doubles partner.
“When we first started tournaments, it was me and my dad. You know, we were losing, and at that time, my dad was kicking my butt. He was moving me all around the court in singles. And for a while, I was getting super upset that he was better than me because he’s not supposed to be. But now, I’ve surpassed him in my game.” – (Robby Rivera)
As Robby Rivera’s passion flourished, so too did his family’s commitment. “We started, just he and I having fun with the game, and he’s taken it seriously, so we’ve been committed. We’ve done tournaments in California, Texas, Naples, and Atlanta,” Rob Rivera shared, highlighting the lengths to which the family has gone to support his aspirations. They even built a pickleball court in their backyard, ensuring he has every opportunity to practice and refine his skills.
The Future of Pickleball
While dreams of professional play are on the horizon, young athletes like Robby Rivera are beginning to see tangible pathways to success. Universities such as the University of North Florida have already established club teams, paving the way for potential NCAA certification. This could offer youth athletes not only a chance to turn pro but also to secure an education through their passion for the sport.
As Robby Rivera continues his ascent in pickleball, he shows the spirit of a new generation of players who are ready to redefine the game and seize the opportunities that come with its growth.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Next-Generation
Robby Rivera, the only junior pickleball player in Florida sponsored by HEAD, has rapidly ascended in the sport since starting just three years ago. His journey began during a family vacation, leading to competitive play with his father as his doubles partner.
The family’s commitment to his development has included building a court at home and participating in tournaments across the country. As universities form pickleball teams, there’s potential for NCAA certification, offering young players like Robby Rivera opportunities to balance their athletic aspirations with education.
