Ella Cosma Becomes PPA’s 1st Female Triple Crown Champion: In a groundbreaking moment at the Select Medical Orange County Cup this June, Ella Cosma etched her name in Junior PPA history by becoming the tour’s inaugural female Triple Crown champion. Aged just 15, Cosma’s remarkable journey began a mere two years ago when she first discovered pickleball—a sport that quickly attracted her and even prompted her mother, Angie, to join in.
Reflecting on her historic achievement, Ella Cosma expressed her excitement and humility: “It felt really cool because there are so many talented junior players out there, and I know that there’s going to be many others. I’m excited I got to be the first girl to win a Triple Crown.”
Ella and Angie’s Journey to Victory
Angie, who has been not only Ella’s mother but also her women’s doubles partner, shared in the joyous moment: “I think that the support pouring in for her was very appreciated. It made it that much sweeter.”
However, Ella’s path to success hasn’t been without its challenges. Battling through physical and emotional setbacks due to medical issues, her resilience has been nothing short of inspirational. Angie recounted the emotional journey from hospital beds to championship courts: “To see her from being in a hospital bed to now on the court looking strong, powerful, and mentally tough, it was emotional for me.”
Their mother-daughter bond extends beyond personal triumphs, permeating their on-court chemistry and mutual growth. Ella reflected on their unique partnership: “We’ve had a really special bond our entire lives, so being on the court with her is like a reflection of our relationship because we’re still learning and growing together.”
Cherishing Every Moment
Navigating the complexities of competitive doubles as a family has its highs and lows, a fact not lost on Angie: “We’re both competitive and driven, so it can get emotional if we’re having a tough time. But, I’m proud of how we have conversations afterwards and we figure out how to grow, improve, and apply it to our next tournament.”
For Angie, the opportunity to share these moments with Ella is a cherished privilege: “It’s really special for me to share the court with Ella because of our backstory, and I don’t think a lot of parents get to share sports with their kids in this way. I know how lucky I am, I also know it’s not going to last very long because Ella’s just getting so good. I’ll be supporting her from the sidelines pretty soon. But, it’s one of the greatest times of my life right now and I’m excited to let the story unfold.”
As Ella continues to shine brightly in the realm of pickleball, her infectious enthusiasm for the sport is palpable. “I was so surprised, and it was really cool to hear my name,” she remarked with a smile after receiving recognition on the “King of the Court” podcast.
Returning home to Washington state, Ella wasted no time in pursuing her passion, eager to hit the pickleball courts once more. With her energy and dedication, this rising star of the Junior PPA is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with—a testament to both her athletic prowess and the unwavering support of her family.