Beginner to Believer: First Tournament Experiences at NJP

For many young athletes, a pickleball tournament can feel like stepping to an adult world. Brackets are small, matches are often against grown-ups, and the sense of community? Often missing. Kids want to compete with—and against—other kids.

Francesca (15) and Dominic (18) Randazzo

That’s exactly the gap National Junior Pickleball (NJP) was created to fill. So what is that first tournament experience like? We spoke with two families who recently attended their first NJP event: the Randazzos, with two advanced teens, and the Collazos, with 10-year-old Lucas, a multi-sport athlete just starting his competitive journey. 

Finding Their “Why”

For Lucas Collazo, pickleball was a new passion he shared with his dad. A multi-sport athlete who also plays baseball and chess, Lucas faced a common challenge: there weren’t many kids in his community playing pickleball. Mom Clarisell wanted him to compete with peers his own age, to see where he stood in the sport. 

On the other end of the spectrum, 18-year-old Dominic and 15-year-old Francesca Randazzo are advanced players with a backyard court. Their motivation was similar: they wanted juniors their own age to match their skill level. The NJP’s MLP-style team event was a huge draw. 

More Than a Medal

Both families discovered that NJP events are about more than winning. 

“It was just a great family environment,” Clarisell said, noting they met families from as far away as Ecuador. For Lucas, who was both “excited and nervous,” the weekend was a massive success. He made new friends and his team won a silver medal. 

For the Randazzos, the highlight was the sibling’s bronze medal match in the team event. Mom Darci described the “immense excitement and cheers from all parents and kids,” calling it an “amazing and memorable experience.” The camaraderie was palpable. “Parents were supportive—even coaching my son Dominic when he was at a different facility for singles,” she added.

Lucas (10) Collazo
Photo by Jessica Ferralls/@ferrallsphotography

That supportive environment, where today’s opponent is tomorrow’s teammate, had a real impact. Darci said participating in NJP’s team format “significantly boosted Francesca’s confidence.” Clarisell noticed a similar growth in Lucas, especially after playing singles where success depended entirely on his own ability. 

“The Competition Is Fierce”

Don’t be fooled by the friendly atmosphere. The level of play at NJP is serious.

Darci, whose kids are rated 4.5 DUPR and higher, was impressed. “The competition is fierce even at an advanced level.” Francesca agreed: juniors at NJP are “more serious” and clearly dedicated to their training. Even 10-year-old Lucas, a chess player, picked up on the strategy involved. “When you’re playing chess, you have to think about your next move… and that’s why I think in pickleball, you have to think about your next move too,” he said.

From First-Timers to Future Pros

NJP didn’t just build confidence; it solidified a love for the game. Francesca and Dominic have clear aspirations to become professional players. And when Lucas was asked if he would choose pickleball over baseball, chess, and piano, his answer was a definite yes. His new goal after his first NJP event? “I really want to go pro.”  

From a 10-year-old winning his first medal to a 4.5-rated teen gaining confidence, NJP is proving to be a place where kids don’t just come to play—they find a community, friends, and a sense of belonging.