Racquetball Star Daniel De La Rosa: Daniel De La Rosa, once the unrivaled king of racquetball from 2021 to 2023, has seamlessly transitioned into pickleball. Now representing the Brooklyn Aces in Major League Pickleball’s Challenger Level, De La Rosa is embracing this new chapter with the same intensity that marked his racquetball career.
Early Beginnings in Mexico
Growing up in San Luis Potosi, a city in central Mexico, Daniel De La Rosa was introduced to racquetball at a young age by his father. San Luis Potosi, with its population nearing 1.3 million, has changed significantly since Daniel’s birth in 1993. His father, a former professional racquetball and soccer player, was instrumental in his early development. Daniel’s younger sister also caught the racquetball bug, and the De La Rosa family’s athletic legacy set a strong foundation for his future.
A Prodigy in Racquetball
Daniel’s journey into professional racquetball began at just 15 years old, competing in the 2008 US Open Racquetball Championships. This early start foreshadowed his rapid rise in the sport. By 2013, at 19, he transitioned to full-time pro racquetball and relocated to the United States to enhance his training and competition opportunities. From San Diego to Arizona and finally to San Antonio, his U.S. journey was marked by his first pro tournament win in 2014 and a slew of significant victories.
De La Rosa’s skills were undeniable as he collected titles across the International Racquetball Tour (IRT). He clinched three consecutive IRT tournaments in 2021, including the prestigious US Open. His dominance continued with additional IRT titles in 2022 and 2023, capping off his tenure as the top-ranked racquetball player globally.
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International Fame and Transition to Pickleball
Internationally, De La Rosa excelled for Mexico, winning gold at the Pan American Championships in 2011 and 2016 and contributing to various other victories in international events. However, in 2023, he switched his allegiance to the United States, earning his first medal for the U.S. at the Pan American Games.
The seeds for De La Rosa’s pickleball career were sown in 2016 when he played casually with friends in Arizona. His swift adaptation to the sport was evident when he won the 4.5 level doubles at Nationals the same year. By 2022, he was competing in Major League Pickleball with the Chimeras, securing victory in the first Pritchard Cup.
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The Brooklyn Aces and Future Aspirations
Drafted 15th overall in the 2024 MLP Draft by the Brooklyn Aces, De La Rosa is now a pivotal player in the Challenger Level. Teaming up with Lina Padegimaite, Martin Emmrich, and Layne Sleeth, De La Rosa’s contributions have been significant. His performance in the MLP Mid-Season Tournament helped Brooklyn secure the Challenger Level title and a $30,000 prize.
Looking ahead, De La Rosa is determined to lead the Aces to the Premier Level in 2025. Currently, the Aces are in a strong position, leading the Challenger Level standings, but there remains a long season ahead.
Balancing Act: Personal Life and Professional Ambitions
Despite his busy pickleball schedule, De La Rosa remains deeply connected to his roots. He continues to play racquetball and dabble in padel, while pickleball takes precedence. He trains regularly with top player Vivienne David and represents ProKennex across all three sports, sporting his signature equipment.
De La Rosa resides in San Antonio with his girlfriend, Hollie Scott, a pro racquetball player herself. His family remains a priority, as he frequently travels back to Arizona to be with his children. His recent surprise visit to his daughter’s racquetball tournament is a testament to his commitment as a father.
As he juggles his commitments in pickleball, racquetball, and family life, Daniel De La Rosa remains focused on his immediate goal: propelling the Brooklyn Aces to the Premier Level.
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News in Brief: Racquetball Star Daniel De La Rosa
Daniel De La Rosa, a former top racquetball player, has made a notable transition to pickleball with the Brooklyn Aces in Major League Pickleball’s Challenger Level. Born in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, he began his professional racquetball career at 15 and dominated the sport from 2021 to 2023. Internationally, he won gold for Mexico and later represented the U.S.
He started playing pickleball casually in 2016, quickly excelling and winning the inaugural Pritchard Cup in 2022. Drafted by the Brooklyn Aces in 2024, De La Rosa has been pivotal in their Challenger Level success. Balancing his sports career with family life, he aims to lead the Aces to the Premier Level in 2025.
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