St. Albert Teens Dominate at USA Pickleball Nationals: In a remarkable display of skill and sportsmanship, two young athletes from the St. Albert Pickleball Club (SAPC) returned home from the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships with four medals. Jacob Bolkowy, 14, and Benjamin Lim, 16, showed their prowess on the court during the Nov. 9-17 event, which featured some of the top pickleball players from across North America.
A Competitive Tournament in the Desert
Held in the arid landscape of Mesa, Arizona, the USA Nationals attracted fierce competition from around the continent, including professional-level players. The tournament, which was broadcast live online, provided Bolkowy and Lim with an invaluable opportunity to compete against opponents of all ages.
Despite their youth, both athletes proved themselves more than capable in the face of such high-level competition. As two of the youngest members of SAPC, Bolkowy and Lim have been regularly testing their skills against older players, a fact that SAPC president Eileen McClean has praised.
“They’re great examples of fantastic players and great sportsmanship. I’d be so proud of them if they were my students.” – (McClean)
A Partnership in Success
Lim, a resident of Edmonton and a student at Archbishop MacDonald High, first discovered pickleball when he saw a group of women playing at a tennis court. He later joined SAPC, where he met Bolkowy. Together, they decided to compete at the USA Nationals in a bid to gain experience and improve their game.
“It’s really fun to compete with anybody.” – (lim)
Bolkowy, a student at Paul Kane High School in St. Albert, began playing pickleball at the age of 11 after watching a game at Servus Place. The strategic nature of the sport quickly captured his attention, and his dedication has since paid off. Bolkowy won the 2024 Pickleball Alberta Junior of the Year Award, and now, his accomplishments are continuing to grow.
During the pickleball tournament, Bolkowy paired with Darcy Shore of Las Vegas to win gold in the junior mixed doubles event. The duo, who practiced together for just one day before the event, found immediate success, owing to their similar playing styles.
“It’s kind of like Mexico, but more urbanized.” – (Bolkowy)
Later, Bolkowy teamed up with Lim to secure silver in the junior boys doubles (15-16) event. Lim also earned a bronze medal in the junior boys singles (15-16) event, rounding out a highly successful showing for the St. Albert athletes.
Lessons Learned and Future Goals
For Lim, the experience was an opportunity to compete with players who were of a similar age and skill level.
“It was kind of nice to know there are other juniors out there that are just as good as us and that the competition is out there.” – (lim)
Bolkowy echoed this sentiment, recognizing the competition as a learning opportunity that will help him grow as a player. Both Lim and Bolkowy were grateful for the chance to participate in the prestigious tournament, with neither expecting to win medals.
“We just wanted to experience it and become better players.” – (lim)
Looking ahead, both athletes have set their sights on the professional level. Bolkowy plans to compete in a Professional Pickleball Association Tour event later this year. Lim, who plays pickleball nearly every day, encourages people of all ages to give the sport a try. “It’s super easy to get into,” he said, reflecting the sport’s accessibility and appeal to players of all backgrounds.
News in Brief: St. Albert Teens Dominate at USA Pickleball Nationals
At the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball National Championships, young athletes Jacob Bolkowy (14) and Benjamin Lim (16) from the St. Albert Pickleball Club made a strong impression, earning four medals. Bolkowy and Lim took home gold in junior mixed doubles, silver in junior boys doubles, and bronze in junior boys singles.
Competing against professional-level players, the two showed tremendous sportsmanship and skill, with plans to continue advancing in the sport. Both athletes hope to play professionally, with Bolkowy aiming for a future Professional Pickleball Association Tour event.