Ella Cosma Makes Nerve-Wrecking Junior PPA Debut: Junior pickleball sensation Ella Cosma continues to make waves in the sport, and her partnership with Ella Yeh at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships was a moment to remember. The two young stars, seeded at No. 40, had the rare opportunity to showcase their skills on the prestigious Proton Championship Court—an experience that left an indelible mark on both players, especially Cosma, who had never played at such a high level before.
At just 15 years old, Cosma is ranked No. 1 in the 16-and-under division on the Junior PPA Tour, and she’s already garnered attention for her remarkable talent. Sponsored by Proton, she has been playing the sport for two years and is considered one of the rising stars in the pickleball world.
Her partner for the World Championships, 14-year-old Ella Yeh, hails from Dallas, Texas, and has been playing pickleball for six years. Yeh, sponsored by Volair, brings valuable experience to the table, making for a dynamic partnership. Together, the two Ellas were seeded to face seasoned competitors Genie Bouchard and Kaitlyn Christian, a formidable pair known for their skill and experience.
The Center Court Experience
As they prepared to take the court, Cosma couldn’t hide her excitement, but the nerves were palpable. “I’m so excited but I am really nervous,” she said, moments before walking onto the Proton Championship Court. For the 15-year-old, this wasn’t just another match; this was her first time playing in a pro main draw event, and it was all happening under the bright lights of the tournament’s biggest stage. To make things even more surreal, the match was being broadcast live on PickleballTV.
Despite the nerves, Cosma and Yeh took to the court with determination. They faced Bouchard and Christian in the Round of 64, ultimately losing 11-5, 11-6. But the scoreline didn’t diminish the significance of the moment for Cosma and Yeh, both of whom were playing on center court for the first time in a major tournament.
A Milestone for Cosma
For Cosma, the match marked a personal milestone. “I haven’t had an experience like this before and it was really fun either way,” she said. Despite the loss, the experience of playing on center court in front of a global audience was something neither player would forget.
This event also marked Cosma’s first pro event—a huge achievement for a 15-year-old who has already impressed with her dominance in the junior ranks. Her debut was something she had been looking forward to for a while, especially with her friends and family tuning in from home to watch the match on PickleballTV.
Transitioning to Pro Pickleball
Reflecting on the transition from the Junior PPA to the pro level, Cosma shared how she had prepared for this moment, noting that her time spent competing against adults had helped ease the shift. “I usually play against adults all the time at home, so I am used to it,” she explained. “But definitely having my first pro match on center court is kind of crazy for me but so cool.”
Her words reflect a maturity well beyond her years, a testament to her readiness for the challenges ahead in the world of professional pickleball. With her impressive debut on such a grand stage, it’s clear that Ella Cosma is a player to watch in the years to come.
News in Brief: Ella Cosma Makes Nerve-Wrecking Junior PPA Debut
Ella Cosma, the No. 1 ranked 16-and-under player on the Junior PPA Tour, made her professional debut alongside Ella Yeh at the Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships. The young duo, seeded No. 40, faced seasoned competitors Genie Bouchard and Kaitlyn Christian on the Proton Championship Court. Although they lost 11-5, 11-6, Cosma highlighted the experience as a major milestone, noting it was her first pro event. The match was broadcast live on PickleballTV, marking a significant moment for the rising star.
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