Rafa Hewett is a rising star in the world of professional pickleball, known for his fierce competitiveness, strategic gameplay, and rapid rise through the ranks. Transitioning from a successful tennis background to dominating the pickleball courts, Rafa has quickly established himself as one of the sport’s most talented and dedicated players. Beyond his athletic achievements, he is also a passionate coach and mentor, helping to grow the pickleball community and inspire the next generation of players.
Early Life
Born in Bradenton, Florida, Rafa Hewett was immersed in sports from a young age. He attended the prestigious Bollettieri Tennis Academy and competed at a high level, even defeating players closer to age 18 as an 11-year-old. Throughout his childhood and teenage years, Hewett’s main focus was tennis, though he also played basketball and ran cross country. In 2012, he held the title of #1 in the State of Idaho and was ranked in the Top 10 in the Pacific Northwest for juniors tennis. He played four years of collegiate tennis at Point University in West Point, Georgia, serving as team captain and helping lead the team to Nationals.
Family Life
Rafa is married to Brooklyn, and together they have three children: Chaelyn, Peaches, and Mills. The family frequently travels with him during tournaments, with Brooklyn often being his loudest supporter on the sidelines.
Career
Rafa transitioned to professional pickleball in 2019 after receiving a paddle as a birthday gift. He quickly made a name for himself, entering the 2019 World Championships as a wildcard after less than a year of playing the game.
Notable Achievements:
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2× Major League Pickleball (MLP) Champion
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4× MLP Finalist
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PPA Atlanta Open Silver (Men’s Pro Singles)
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APP Alabama Classic Gold (Mixed and Men’s Doubles)
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Several bronze medals in all pro events
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Multiple 5th-place finishes, often referred to as “back draw champ”
As of May 2025, Rafa has participated in 66 professional tournaments, playing a total of 469 matches with a career record of 178 wins and 180 losses in men’s doubles, 82 wins and 65 losses in mixed doubles, and 50 wins and 62 losses in men’s singles.
He currently resides in Auburn, Alabama, where he serves as the Director of Pickleball at Moore’s Mill Country Club, developing a Junior Pickleball Academy and various programs to promote the sport.
Net Worth
While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, estimates suggest that Rafa Hewett’s net worth is around $2 million, considering his tournament earnings, sponsorships, coaching roles, and social media presence.
