Small Moments, Big Impact: When Pros Inspire Young Pickleball Fans
Beyond the rallies and the points, pickleball is a sport where pros are surprisingly down-to-earth. They are way more approachable than you might think. That kind of openness can really inspire fans—especially the young ones. Sometimes it’s a quick autograph, a short conversation, or a few shots on the court that spark a lifelong love for the game. Some examples? Jay Devilliers, Anna Leigh Waters, and Andrei Daescu.
Jay Devilliers: Sparking a Dream
JZ Holmes had only been playing pickleball for about a month when he went to his first PPA tournament. He didn’t know it at the time, but that event would change everything. Back then, JZ wasn’t a serious player—in fact, he couldn’t even tell a dink from a drop shot. But the tournament atmosphere was friendly and open. There were no ropes, no VIP sections—just pros and fans sharing the same space.
Near the front, under a shady umbrella, Jay Devilliers (The Flying Frenchman) was chatting with another pro. Nervous but excited, JZ walked up and asked for an autograph. Jay didn’t just sign his hat—he took a photo with him and started chatting. Then he asked a simple but powerful question: “Will I see you out here on the court someday?”
That one question lit a spark. JZ spent the rest of the day watching Jay’s matches with a new sense of purpose. Back home, he followed Jay online, studied match footage, and started practicing seriously. Soon he joined the Junior PPA, stared training every day after school, and set a goal to turn pro by 15 or 16.
Recently, at a “Play-with-a-Pro” event, JZ got to hit the court with Jay again. Jay remembered him right away and shared advice JZ still carries today: “Never give up in a match, even if you’re down 0–10.”
Anna Leigh Waters: Making Small Moments Big
Photo by the PPA Tour
At the 2025 Jenius Bank PPA World Championships, 8-year-old Micah Yeboah was helping out as a “court kid” during a semifinal. Anna Leigh Waters paused mid-match and asked him, “Should I serve to the forehand or the backhand?” Micah said forehand—and Anna Leigh landed the serve and won the point. After winning the match, she ran over to give him a high-five and a hug.
For Micah and his family, that little moment became one of the highlights of the tournament. It shows that even the biggest stars notice their youngest fans and that those small interactions can leave a lasting impression.
Andrei Daescu: Letting Kids Play Along
Andrei Daescu is another pro who makes an effort to connect with young fans. At several tournaments, he’s been seen inviting kids onto the court after matches to try a few shots. Even a mini-rally can make a child feel like they belong on the court and show them what’s possible with practice.
It’s moments like these that make pickleball unique—competitive and fast-paced, but still personal and approachable.
Why This Matters
Pros are real people. They’re friendly, approachable, and willing to interact with fans.
It builds confidence. A short chat or a few hits with a pro can validate a kid’s dreams and encourage them to keep going.
It strengthens the community. Kids who feel inspired keep practicing, join leagues, and bring friends along—helping the sport grow.
The Big Picture
For kids like JZ, Micah, and countless others, a simple interaction with a pro can spark a lifelong love of pickleball. For families, these are the memories you treasure. And for the sport, these moments help build a strong, connected community. They just might be the next D1 college pickleball stars or the first pickleball gold medalist at the Olympics.
