During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mercado family discovered pickleball as a new family activity, which quickly evolved into a professional pursuit for 18-year-old Lauren Mercado. Initially introduced to the sport by her parents after basketball competitions halted, Lauren’s athletic background helped her rapidly excel, leading her to compete on the Pickleball Pro Circuit. Her younger brother Lex also embraced the sport, transitioning from long hours of video gaming to competitive play, inspired by family support and tournament exposure.
Despite their rising success in the global pickleball scene, the Mercados remain deeply connected to their Filipino heritage, maintaining cultural traditions like “Igado Fridays” as a source of family bonding. Their journey highlights the power of passion, hard work, and community, with Lauren and Lex hoping to inspire other young Filipino athletes to pursue niche sports. What began as a pandemic pastime has blossomed into a promising family legacy in the fast-growing sport of pickleball.
