Max Manthou

Max Manthou, affectionately known as “Purple Jesus” in the pickleball community, is a professional pickleball player renowned for his dynamic playing style and scholarly contributions to the sport. Transitioning from a successful tennis career, Manthou has become a prominent figure in the pickleball world, blending athletic prowess with academic insight.

Early Life

Born in Kent, Washington, Max Manthou’s athletic journey began after a near-drowning incident at the age of five, which led his parents to enroll him in swimming lessons at the Kent Swim and Tennis Club. It was there that he discovered tennis, a sport he quickly excelled in. By high school, Manthou was a five-star recruit, ranked among the top 50 nationally, and led Kentwood High School to four consecutive state championships.

Family Life

Athleticism runs in Manthou’s family. His maternal grandfather was drafted into the NFL before serving in World War II, and his uncle played basketball at Washington State University. While his parents were not athletes, this lineage contributed to his sports-oriented upbringing.

Career

Tennis Career

Manthou attended the University of Washington, where he played for the Huskies men’s tennis team. He achieved a singles record of 30-14 and a doubles record of 16-15 during his collegiate career . After graduating in 2015, he joined the Peace Corps in Indonesia before returning to the U.S.

Transition to Pickleball

Upon his return, Manthou discovered pickleball and was immediately captivated. Despite his tennis background, he found the sport challenging and engaging, leading him to focus his master’s thesis in anthropology on pickleball’s cooperative elements. This research culminated in his book, A Pickleball Gospel: The Harmony of Competition and Cooperation in Sport.

Professional Pickleball

Since 2023, Manthou has competed in 23 professional tournaments, amassing a total of 208 career matches. He has achieved notable success in men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and singles events, including a gold medal in men’s singles at the English Open . His partnership with Erik Lange has been particularly successful, with the duo known for their chemistry and competitive spirit.

Net Worth

While specific figures regarding Max Manthou’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his earnings from professional tournaments, book sales, and sponsorships, such as his association with Gryp Pickleball, contribute to his financial standing.