Welcome to our in-depth exploration of the top 20 female pickleball players in the world, showcasing the incredible talent and achievements that have taken the pickleball community by storm in 2023. These remarkable athletes bring passion, dedication, and unbeatable skills to the court. Join us as we introduce you to the powerhouses who have redefined the sport.
Top 20 Female Pickleball Players in the World to Know in 2023
1. Simone Jardim
Simone Jardim, without a doubt, is one of the most dominant female pickleball players in the world. Hailing from Brazil, Jardim has an impressive list of achievements, including multiple gold medals at the US Open and International Indoor Championships. Known for her exceptional hand-eye coordination and strategic gameplay, Jardim’s presence on the court is always a force to be reckoned with.
Besides her success as a player, Jardim is also a renowned coach, sharing her knowledge and expertise through various clinics and workshops. Her dedication to growing the sport and empowering fellow female players has earned her immense respect within the pickleball community.
2. Leigh Waters
Leigh Waters, a dynamic and versatile player from the United States, has consistently showcased her exceptional pickleball skills. Her unyielding determination and relentless spirit allow her to compete at the highest level, earning her numerous podium finishes in various tournaments.
Waters’ playing style is characterized by her incredible agility, swift footwork, and powerful shots. Her ability to adapt to different game situations makes her a formidable opponent on the court. As a role model for aspiring female players, Waters serves as a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance in achieving success in pickleball.
3. Sarah Ansboury
Rounding up our list is Sarah Ansboury, a prominent figure in the pickleball world known for her exceptional athleticism and strategic play. Ansboury has carved a name for herself through her innovative techniques and unwavering focus.
As a former professional tennis player, Ansboury seamlessly transitioned her skills to pickleball and has been a dominant force in the sport ever since. She has won numerous medals and titles, showcasing her ability to consistently deliver high-quality performances. Beyond her personal achievements, Ansboury actively contributes to the pickleball community by serving as a coach and ambassador for the sport.
4. Lucy Kovalova
Lucy Kovalova consistently demonstrates her formidable presence on the pickleball court, establishing herself as a dominant and noteworthy force in the sport. Originally from Slovakia, Kovalova moved to the United States to pursue her passion for pickleball and has since become a household name in the sport.
Known for her powerful shots and exceptional court coverage, Kovalova’s strategic gameplay often leaves her opponents scrambling to keep up. She has won many awards, including several US Open titles, thanks to her energetic playing style, strong focus, and determination.
Kovalova’s impact on the game extends beyond her achievements. She is a strong advocate for gender equality in sports and actively promotes opportunities for female athletes. Kovalova’s dedication to mentoring young players and her involvement in various pickleball initiatives make her an inspiration both on and off the court.
5. Christine McGrath
Christine McGrath, an American pickleball player, is recognized for her exceptional technical abilities and strategic game tactics. McGrath’s deep understanding of the sport is evident in her smooth execution of shots and her ability to outwit her opponents during matches. Her consistent performances in national and international competitions have solidified her reputation as one of the top female players in the game.
McGrath’s love for pickleball has led her to become an ambassador for the sport. She actively promotes pickleball through coaching, clinics, and social media presence. McGrath’s dedication to growing the pickleball community inspires others and encourages more women to embrace the sport.
6. Catherine Parenteau
Catherine Parenteau, born on August 26, 1994, is a Canadian professional pickleball player. She started playing pickleball in 2017 after being introduced to the sport by her coach, Simone Jardim, following her background in tennis. She rapidly climbed the ranks and is currently ranked 3rd in Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Women’s Mixed Doubles by the Professional Pickleball Association as of August 12, 2023.
Aside from her playing career, Catherine is an IPTPA-certified coach, and she competes in major pickleball tournaments across the country. She has achieved medals and notably won a gold medal in the Women’s Age Doubles 19+ 5.05 category, partnering with Leigh Waters. Catherine’s journey from tennis to pickleball has solidified her as a beloved figure and one of the top 5 female professionals in the pickleball community.
7. Anna Bright
Anna Bright, a professional pickleball player, has swiftly ascended to become one of the sport’s emerging talents. Her pickleball journey commenced in October 2021, and since then, she has exhibited remarkable prowess. Before venturing into pickleball, Anna had an illustrious tennis career, consistently ranking as a top player in the Pacific Northwest across all age groups. She further honed her skills while competing at the collegiate level for Washington State University. Anna is recognized for infusing every match with an undeniable passion and unwavering determination on the court.
8. Callie Jo Smith
Callie Jo Smith, an American professional pickleball player, achieved impressive rankings of No. 3 in both Women’s Doubles and Women’s Singles, as recognized by the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) in 2021. Hailing from Orem, Utah, Callie’s early sports education revolved around tennis, guided by different family members. She further honed her tennis skills during her time at Orem High School, where she secured the title of a four-time state high school champion.
9. Lea Jansen
Lea Jansen is renowned for her fierce competitiveness and spirited on-court presence. Raised in Spokane, WA, her journey in tennis began at a young age. From the age of 84, she showcased her exceptional skills and consistently held the title of the top-ranked player in the Pacific Northwest across all age groups. Lea’s tennis journey led her to compete at the collegiate level for Washington State University. In 2021, she made the transition to full-time traveling.
10. Allyce Jones
Allyce Jones is a prominent figure in the pickleball world, celebrated for her impressive track record. She has won six national championships and numerous international competitions, establishing herself as a consistently outstanding player. Beyond her sporting achievements, Allyce Jones is recognized for her strong family bonds, supported by her husband and several children who share her passion for pickleball.
11. Meghan Dizon
Meghan Dizon ranks among the world’s top 25 female pickleball players in both singles and doubles categories. Her upbringing was in California, but she relocated to Utah following high school to pursue Division 1 tennis at BYU. After concluding her collegiate tennis journey, Meghan transitioned to pickleball and embarked on her professional playing career in 2021.
12. Etta Wright
Hailing from New Zealand, Etta Wright holds the distinction of being the first Tongan-American Pro Pickleball Player. Her introduction to the sport came in 2018, courtesy of her uncle. As a college student, she competed in D-2 tennis at BYU-Hawaii and later assumed the role of assistant coach for the tennis team. In 2021, she made the pivotal switch to pickleball, quickly transitioning into the professional scene that same year. Etta is renowned for her unwavering competitive spirit and the promise of achieving remarkable feats in the world of pickleball.
13. Michelle Esquivel
Hailing from Buena Park, California, Michelle Esquivel embarked on a remarkable journey. Before 2014, she served as a collegiate tennis coach, with little exposure to pickleball. Her introduction to the sport came when her friends, Ian Liang, and Tao Tavanahan, guided her through the basics at the Tustin School District.
Today, Michelle stands among the top 5 female players, excelling as a professional pickleball player and a leading competitor in the APP. Her contributions extend to founding the Ultimate Pickleball Academy in Naples, Florida. Michelle’s transition from tennis to pickleball and her ensuing achievements have firmly established her as a standout figure in the pickleball community.
14. Irina Tereschenko
Irina Tereschenko, a highly regarded professional pickleball player hailing from Moscow, Russia, boasts over two decades of experience in racquet sports, both as a player and coach. Prior to her pickleball career, she made a name for herself in the world of tennis, excelling in both singles and doubles as the top-ranked player for Texas Tech.
Her academic achievements include an undergraduate degree in advertising and a graduate degree in sports management. In 2016, she transitioned to professional pickleball, consistently dominating the leaderboards and clinching numerous titles, including the women’s singles championship at the 2016 USAPA National Championships.
15. Vivienne David
Vivienne David, a rising star among female pickleball professionals, hails from Canada but spent her formative years in Florida before relocating to Texas in 2020. Tennis played a significant role in her upbringing, with her tennis journey commencing at the age of eight. Growing up, she worked in her father’s tennis store alongside her six siblings.
The first introduction to pickleball came in 2013 while working at her father’s tennis and pickleball retail store in southwest Florida. In 2018, she made her debut in pickleball tournaments, and within a year, she secured victory in a singles event at the World Pickleball Championship 2019. Her rapid success led her to commit to pickleball full-time in 2020.
16. Jennifer Dawson
Jennifer Dawson, a world-renowned professional pickleball player, was born and raised in San Diego, California. Her early passion for sports, including tennis and various athletic endeavors, became evident. Her tennis journey commenced at the tender age of six, guided by her father, who served as her first coach. Jennifer’s family played a pivotal role in nurturing her talents and aspirations, consistently motivating her to reach for excellence.
Jennifer Dawson etched her name in the annals of pickleball history as the inaugural recipient of the prestigious TRIPLE CROWN title. This remarkable accomplishment was achieved by triumphing in the singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories at the renowned US OPEN championship. Jennifer has solidified her position as a leading figure in the pickleball world, accumulating an impressive collection of over 20 championship titles across various tournaments, including the US OPEN, NATIONAL, and TOC, both in singles and doubles events.
Leveraging her extensive background in tennis coaching spanning over three decades, Jennifer brings a wealth of coaching expertise to the pickleball court, enriching the experience for all players. From her dominance on the tennis courts to her reign in the pickleball arena, Jennifer Dawson showcases her versatility as a world-class athlete.
17. Salome Devidze
Salome Devidze, originally from Georgia, is a professional pickleball player who currently holds a top 3 global ranking in singles. She initially pursued a career in tennis, but an unfortunate back injury brought her tennis journey to an end.
Her friends introduced her to pickleball, and she quickly developed a strong passion for the sport. Interestingly, her path to competitive pickleball started when her brother signed her up for the U.S. Open without her knowing.
Since then, Salome has actively participated in 18 tournaments, often emerging victorious against some of the world’s best singles players. Her distinctive style of play, highlighted by a powerful two-handed backhand drive and a formidable serve, frequently disrupts her opponents’ rhythm. Salome’s transition from tennis to pickleball underlines her adaptability and unwavering passion for sports.
18. Lauren Stratman
Lauren Stratman, a former collegiate tennis player, had her introduction to pickleball through one of her tennis students in 2018. Her ascent in the pickleball world was swift, earning her a spot among the top ten female players in both the APP and PPA tours. In the global rankings, she holds the positions of #7 in singles, #9 in doubles, and #9 in mixed doubles.
Her achievements include winning the bronze medal at the 2021 World Pickleball Championships and clinching the title of the #1 female player on the APP tour in 2021. Lauren’s initial decision to transition from a full-time tennis job to pickleball initially met skepticism from her father, but he is now her most ardent supporter. Her playing style involves using elongated paddles for increased reach and power, with a particular fondness for the two-handed backhand counter shot. While she was initially more comfortable with doubles play, Lauren is gradually adapting to singles as well.
19. Athena Trouillot
Athena Trouillot, a former tennis player, was introduced to pickleball by Cliff and Erica during her time at Michigan State. She swiftly discovered her competitive spirit in the sport, engaging in 2-3 matches per week and relishing the social dimension of the game. Notable victories in her pickleball career include a silver medal at the 2019 USAPA Nationals Margaritaville Women’s Skill/Age Doubles 5.9:19+ with Catherine Parenteau, as well as a gold medal at the 2019 Canadian Nationals Women’s Doubles Open, again partnering with Catherine Parenteau.
Athena is known for her distinctive playing style, characterized by her quick hands and effective blocking techniques. She relies on the Bantam EX-L paddle, which she values for its ability to deliver powerful shots and solid blocking capabilities. Athena’s transition from tennis to pickleball is a testament to her adaptability and unwavering passion for sports.
20. Parris Todd
Parris Todd, a former tennis player, was introduced to pickleball by her grandparents. Her pickleball journey began in 2021, and she rapidly made a name for herself with her remarkable skills and fierce competitiveness. In 2022, she achieved numerous podium finishes in both singles and doubles. Notably, Parris was selected by team BLQK, one of the 12 four-person teams in Major League Pickleball, and they secured victory in 2 out of the 3 MLP events that year. She stood as the number 1 ranked player and earned the title of tournament MVP in the 3rd and final event of the year.
Parris’s playing style is characterized by a unique blend of power, control, and consistent resets. She utilizes the Selkirk SLK Halo XL Control paddle, which she favors for its ability to deliver powerful shots and solid blocking capabilities. Despite her past accomplishments in tennis, Parris shifted her focus to pickleball and has maintained her consistent dominance in the sport ever since.
Frequently Asked Questions
These female players stand out due to their exceptional athleticism, strategic gameplay, and dedication to the sport. They have honed their skills over years of training and competing, demonstrating remarkable agility, quick reflexes, and an unparalleled understanding of the game’s intricacies.
These female pickleball players are often involved in clinics, workshops, and instructional videos for players of all skill levels. Additionally, following them on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube can provide valuable insights into their training routines, tips, and updates on their upcoming events.
Simone Jardim is not only a dominant player but also a renowned coach, sharing her expertise through various clinics and workshops.
Lauren Stratman’s ability to switch from tennis to pickleball is evident in her choice of elongated paddles and her gradual transition to singles play.
Conclusion
In a world where pickleball continues to gain momentum, these top 20 female pickleball players are the driving force behind the sport’s growth. Their exceptional skills, dedication, and contributions are shaping the future of pickleball, and their stories will continue to inspire generations to come. So, keep an eye on these top 20 female pickleball players and witness their remarkable journey in the world of pickleball.