Daria Walczak

Daria Walczak is a professional pickleball player from Łódź, Poland, who has quickly risen in the ranks of the sport since turning professional in 2023. With a background in collegiate tennis and a full-time career as an actuary, she exemplifies discipline, intelligence, and athleticism. Her journey from the courts of Drake University to the pro pickleball scene showcases both dedication and skill.

Early Life

Born in Łódź, Poland, Daria discovered her passion for racket sports at a young age. She moved to the United States for college, attending Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. There, she competed as a Division I tennis player and earned honors such as MVC Player of the Week and spots on the MVC All-Select and All-Academic First Teams. Her time at Drake built the foundation for her future in professional sports.

Family Life

Daria is married to Patrick Kawka, who is also a professional pickleball player. The couple frequently teams up for mixed doubles events and has achieved strong results on the APP Tour. Their mutual support and collaboration have helped both excel in their careers and foster a unique partnership on and off the court.

Career

Transition to Pickleball

Daria was first introduced to pickleball during her university years but only began playing competitively in 2022. Her first major breakthrough came at a PPA amateur tournament where she won gold in women’s doubles after teaming up with a partner she had just met. That performance inspired her to go pro in 2023.

Professional Achievements

Since joining the professional ranks, Daria has participated in 24 tournaments and played nearly 200 matches, posting a win-loss record of 111–88. Her medal count includes:

  • 3 silver medals in Mixed Doubles

  • 2 silver and 2 bronze medals in Women’s Doubles

  • 1 silver medal in Singles

Her style of play features agile movement and sharp shot placement. She is especially known for her chemistry on court with husband and doubles partner Patrick Kawka.

Net Worth

Though specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, Daria Walczak’s income stems from a combination of pickleball tournament earnings, sponsorships, and her full-time career as a Senior Actuarial Analyst at Willis Towers Watson. This dual-career path highlights her remarkable ability to balance a demanding job with competitive athletics.

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