Rising Star: Ten-Year-Old Ella Evans Dominates the Pickleball Court with Unmatched Passion and Resilience
Ten-Year-Old Pickleball Prodigy Ella Evans Inspires with Passion and Resilience
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – In a world where youth sports are often dominated by pressure and competition, ten-year-old Ella Evans stands out not just for her skills on the pickleball court, but for her infectious enthusiasm and resilience. “Once I get pretty hype, I get like so powerful! And then once I get powerful, I’m like winning, winning, winning, winning!” she exclaimed in a recent interview with Queen City News.
Ranked among the top players in the Junior Professional Pickleball Association, Ella’s journey began at the North Carolina tournament, where she first showcased her fierce competitive spirit. Her mother, Monica Evans, recalls the astonishment of adults who underestimated her daughter’s talent. “When she steps on the court and she’s so fierce, it was just like, ‘Oh my goodness, who’s this little girl?’” Monica said.
Coach Wynn Johnson, director at Tipsy Pickle, emphasizes that Ella’s determination is something that can’t be taught. “She is an absolute dog out there. She doesn’t lose her focus; she really wants to win,” he noted.
Recently, Ella clinched a Gold medal in doubles at the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships, a testament to her dedication. Yet, her journey has not been without challenges. Ella faced the heartbreaking loss of her father, Jake Evans, just three months ago. “He was just the greatest father I could ask for,” she reflected. “Even though his loss hurt me, that just encouraged me to get better and better and tell myself that he’s cheering for me every single tournament.”
Ella’s resilience has not only fueled her passion for the sport but has also inspired those around her. Coach Johnson remarked, “A lot of players, a lot of people, that would break them. I mean, that’s her dad. She has used it almost as an instrument, a tool to motivate her to play for something.”
As the fastest-growing sport in America, pickleball is evolving, with younger players like Ella leading the charge. The average age of players is now around 35, but the influx of juniors is changing the game’s landscape. “I’ve seen the kids spike in the last year,” Johnson noted, anticipating a surge in youth participation once college scholarships become available.
Ella and her mother have also launched a magazine called The Junior Spin, aimed at inspiring young pickleball enthusiasts. “I would love to inspire the other juniors in pickleball,” Ella said, embodying the spirit of a true champion.
For Ella, the court is more than just a place to compete; it’s a sanctuary. “Every single time you play pickleball, it makes you feel good,” she said, a reminder that the joy of the game transcends the challenges of life.
As Ella continues to dream big and sharpen her skills, one thing is clear: her journey is just beginning, and the pickleball world is watching.
