Clayton Powell’s Big Dream: Clayton Powell, a 17-year-old from Redmond, is emerging as a prominent figure in the world of pickleball, a sport that has seen explosive growth in recent years. Powell’s dedication to the game was recently showcased when he clinched second place at the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Next Gen tournament held in St. Louis, Missouri. “It felt really great to see all the hard work paying off,” Powell said, reflecting on his achievement. His commitment to the sport is evident through his extensive travel and competitive spirit.
From Backyard Games to Professional Play
Powell’s introduction to pickleball came in 2018, when his grandmother introduced him to the sport at Thousand Rivers in Sunriver. His passion quickly escalated, and by 2021, he transitioned to professional play. Powell’s daily routine involves four to six hours of practice, including early morning sessions and additional training after lunch.
His dedication led him to the Tres Palapas Baja Pickleball Resort in Mexico, where he realized his deep affection for the game and his desire to pursue a professional career. “What truly makes me love this sport is that the community is so amazing with all the people I’ve met,” Powell said,”I really fell in love with the game and the strategies behind it.”
Strategic Depth and Personal Growth
Powell’s fascination with pickleball goes beyond its physical demands; he’s particularly drawn to the sport’s strategic elements. He enjoys the “soft game” at the kitchen area—a non-volley zone that adds a distinctive tactical layer, setting pickleball apart from tennis. Despite a stint with tennis in high school, Powell found the sport’s demands too conflicting with his pickleball ambitions.
Diane Baumgartner, an instructor at the Premier Pickleball Club, highlights Powell’s remarkable dedication, noting that his success is partly due to his mindset and the support from his parents. “He’s very dedicated,” said Diane Baumgartner,“I mean, he is one of those people that wants to excel and that’s part of being a good player; it’s having the mindset to do it.”
Training, Traveling, and Future Goals
Training primarily takes place in Portland, where Powell works closely with his doubles partner and coach. During his time in Portland, Powell stays either at his coach’s house or his aunt’s residence. Although he misses his family during his travels, Powell embraces the journey and the experiences it offers. “I just love what I do, and (traveling) is what it requires,” he explained.
Powell’s competitive schedule has taken him across various states such as Kansas, Arizona, Missouri, Claifornia, Washington, New York also including a notable appearance in New York at the U.S. Open Tennis Center, where pickleball courts were temporarily installed.
Education and Upcoming Tournaments
To balance his sports career with his education, Powell is enrolled in online classes through Baker Web Academy. “Online school and all of its flexibility has been instrumental in me pursuing pickleball,” Powell said. As he recovers from the St. Louis tournament, Powell is gearing up for the APP event in Chicago, aiming to continue his ascent in the pickleball world. “My goal that I set a few years ago is to be the best player in the world,” Powell affirmed. With his sights set on becoming a top player, Powell remains focused on his dream, driven by his passion and the unwavering support of his family and mentors.
News in Brief:Clayton Powell’s Big Dream
Clayton Powell, a 17-year-old from Redmond, has made a name for himself in pickleball, recently securing second place at the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) Next Gen tournament in St. Louis. Introduced to the sport in 2018 by his grandmother, Powell transitioned to professional play in 2021 and now trains four to six hours daily.
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