Benjamin Coleman Claims Victory: In 2015, Benjamin Coleman was just beginning to explore pickleball as part of a class at Gallaudet University. Developing lesson plans—particularly for pickleball, a game he had never heard of before. At the time, Coleman was a student in a course on teaching and demonstrating, tasked with learning the sport to better prepare for a future in instruction.
“As students, we had to learn and play the game so we could have a better idea when making lesson plans to lead a class in the topic. It wasn’t easy.” – (Benjamin Coleman)
From Student to Champion: The Rise of Coleman
Fast forward to November 2023, and Coleman’s growth in pickleball is nothing short of remarkable. After discovering the sport six years ago, he won three gold medals at the National Deaf Pickleball Championships in Austin, Texas. At 32, Coleman now stands as the top-ranked deaf men’s pickleball player in the United States and one of the top-rated players worldwide.
His titles at the National Championships included victories in the men’s open singles, men’s open fixed doubles, and doubles scramble divisions. This impressive achievement saw him defeat some of the best players in the country, adding another milestone to his journey.
The Hard Work Behind the Success
Coleman attributes his success not only to his passion but also to his constant drive for improvement.
“I put in a lot of time, travel, work and commitment in being a student of the game. When the tournament lights go on, I just run free with all the knowledge, experience and skill set that I bring to the court.” – (Benjamin Coleman)
At 6-foot-4 inch and 200 pounds, Coleman trains daily, drilling relentlessly to stay sharp. His focus on refining his game has allowed him to push past skill barriers and continue advancing in the sport.
A Competitive Spirit Fueling His Growth
Coleman’s journey began with his first tournament win, where he partnered with his former boss, Will Frazier, in a doubles competition. After securing their medals, the duo immediately began searching for their next tournament.
“We got our medals and right when we stepped off the podium, we were on the web looking for another tournament to play in. We were discussing when we should go up a level so we can push ourselves and be better than yesterday.” – (Benjamin Coleman)
His passion for competition led him to participate in over 50 tournaments across the country from 2018-2019. Often, Coleman would compete in local and weekend tournaments in the same week. Despite having to adjust his schedule after the birth of his son, Coleman continued to prioritize his training, sacrificing sleep to make time for evening practice sessions.
“That’s pretty consistent with the 8-11 p.m. timeframe when my son is in bed. Sacrificing sleep is a part of the process in order for me to chase my goals within the game.” – (Benjamin Coleman)
Balancing Family, Work, and Coaching
In addition to competing, Coleman maintains a busy schedule training in multiple locations, including Frederick, Rockville, and Columbia. He also runs clinics, coaches at Dill Dinkers in Frederick, and offers lessons to the local pickleball community. His advice to anyone wanting to learn the game is simple.
“Be curious, find groups with the same goals, don’t be shy, and don’t be intimidated by the challenge. Millions and millions of people are joining in on pickleball.” – (Benjamin Coleman)
With millions of people joining the sport, Coleman emphasizes that there’s no better time to get started.
“There is not a better time than now to start. Go to the local court, find an open play that’s convenient for you. Participate in the fastest growing sport in the world.” – (Benjamin Coleman)
News in Brief: Benjamin Coleman Claims Victory
Benjamin Coleman, a 32-year-old deaf pickleball player, claimed three gold medals at the National Deaf Pickleball Championships in Austin, Texas, including wins in singles, fixed doubles, and doubles scramble.
Ranked as the top deaf player in the U.S. and among the world’s best, Coleman credits his success to years of dedication, training, and competition. Despite his achievements, Coleman remains committed to ongoing improvement and encourages others to get involved in the rapidly growing sport.
ALSO READ: 2025 ARNOLD Sports Festival Will Host the Ultimate Pickleball Championship Challenge