Pickleball’s popularity is exploding—and so is the dream of going pro. But how do you actually take the leap from playing in your local league to competing on the pro tour? At PB5star, we’re proud to support athletes like Hannah, a rising professional pickleball player who’s making her mark on the pro pickleball circuit.
Hannah embodies the drive, discipline, and passion that define the sport’s rising stars, so we sat down with her to talk about her journey, the challenges of going pro, and what it really takes to compete at the highest level. Whether you're just getting started or aiming for the big leagues, her story offers valuable insight into every step of the process.
How to transition into professional pickleball
Hannah’s transition into pro pickleball didn’t begin with a long-term plan. After playing squash at a Division I college in Philadelphia and spending a year on the professional squash circuit, she picked up pickleball as a social hobby. But the sport immediately clicked. Encouraged by friends and driven by her athletic background, she decided to take a chance on something new.
“I just picked up pickleball to meet friends and try a new hobby, and it clicked right away,” she shared. Once her squash career plateaued, she committed fully to pursuing pickleball professionally, trusting her athleticism to carry her forward.
Her key message for those looking to go pro? Understand the leap involved. While many players may compete at a 4.5 or 5.0 level, jumping into pro tournaments requires a much deeper commitment. Hannah emphasizes that becoming a professional isn't just about playing well — it's about being fully invested in learning the game, executing advanced strategies, and developing the mental discipline to compete consistently at the highest level.
Training tips for aspiring pro pickleball players
Going pro in pickleball requires more than talent—it takes a structured, full-time commitment to training, both on and off the court. Hannah explained that her daily routine includes multiple practice sessions, gym workouts, and intentional recovery to manage the demands of travel and tournament play. For anyone looking to go pro, treating training like a career rather than a hobby is essential.
The key components of Hannah’s routine include:
On-court practice twice a day. Frequent drilling and match play are essential for building consistency and precision.
Regular gym workouts. Strength and conditioning work helps with agility, endurance, and injury prevention.
Intentional recovery. With frequent travel and back-to-back tournaments, recovery routines are crucial for long-term sustainability.
In short, serious players need to adopt a holistic approach that goes beyond just court time. Managing your physical health, fitness, and schedule is part of being competitive on the pro circuit.
Common challenges new players face in the pro circuit
Stepping into the pro circuit brings challenges that go far beyond mastering your shots. Hannah noted that finding strong doubles partners, juggling a demanding travel schedule, and building a sustainable support system are just a few of the hurdles new players often face. Success at the pro level requires navigating both competitive and logistical obstacles with patience and strategy.
According to Hannah, some of the biggest obstacles include:
Finding the right doubles partner. Success often depends on partnering with players who match your skill level and playing style and building that trust takes time.
High travel demands. Players must compete in numerous tournaments to gain rankings, which can be financially and physically taxing.
Sponsorship and financial support. Many players struggle to secure enough sponsorship to cover the costs of gear, travel, and training, especially early in their careers.
Off-court relationships and branding. Building a network and managing your image is critical. It's not just about how you play but how you present yourself.
Advice for aspiring pros
For those looking to break into the pro ranks, Hannah emphasizes the importance of mindset, confidence, and clarity. She recommends setting clear goals, being intentional about your journey, and taking pride in how you present yourself, both as a player and as a member of the broader pickleball community. Success is about performance as well as how you show up, day in and day out.
“People want to see new faces in the sport,” Hannah says. “But they also want to see those faces showing up strong and consistent.”
Take your game to new heights with PB5star
Breaking into professional pickleball isn’t easy, but it’s more accessible than ever for those willing to put in the work. As Hannah’s story shows, transitioning from another sport or a high-level amateur background is possible with the right mindset, consistent training, and a strong support system. If you’re serious about turning pro, start with dedication, build your skills, and don’t be afraid to create your own path forward in this fast-growing sport.
And when it comes to gear, trust PB5star to have your back—with high-performance footwear and athletic apparel designed for men and women who play to win. Whether you’re grinding through training sessions or stepping onto the court for your first tournament, PB5star helps you look sharp, feel confident, and move like a pro.
