BREAKING: Just moments ago, 13-year-old Kelly Goodnow from the Valley has made history by winning the singles title at the Carvana PPA World Championships in Dallas. This victory catapults her into the spotlight of the rapidly growing sport of pickleball, which saw nearly 20 million players in the U.S. in 2024, a staggering 45% increase from the previous year.
Goodnow’s journey to the championship has been nothing short of meteoric. In just one year of playing, she has already become a force to be reckoned with. “I’m on the court maybe 5 or 6 days a week,” Kelly shared, attributing her love for the game to the adrenaline rush it provides. Her mother introduced her to pickleball after taking a clinic, and Kelly quickly fell in love with the sport.
In a nail-biting final match, Goodnow found herself down 2-8 in game three against top seed Jing Robinson. “I was really stressed… but I had to tell myself to keep fighting,” she recounted. Her determination paid off as she rallied point after point, ultimately clinching the championship in a dramatic finish. “I seriously had a tear come out of my eye because I know how hard Kelly has worked,” her father, James Goodnow, exclaimed.
The emotional weight of her victory was felt by her entire family. “It’s just so exciting,” said her mother, Erin Goodnow. “Most of the time I’m holding my breath. If she’s competing, it’s very exciting to watch.”
Now, Kelly is poised to make her mark on the professional circuit, preparing for her first pro qualifier event with her coach, Ashlee Candelari. “We’re extremely excited,” Candelari stated. “This will set the tone for the rest of the year.”
Training in her own backyard, Goodnow has already accumulated national medals and signed with major sponsors, including Proton Sports and SParms. “I’m so new to the sport, but I’m having the best time and I’m just glad to be along for the ride,” Kelly expressed.
As one of the youngest professional pickleball athletes in the country, Kelly Goodnow is quickly becoming a breakout star in the sport. Her inspiring story of determination and talent is one to watch as she gears up for what promises to be an incredible career ahead.
Stay tuned for more updates on Kelly’s journey and her upcoming events, as she continues to redefine what it means to be a champion in the world of pickleball.
