Ben Johns: The Greatest Pickleball Player Of All Time | E83

 

The Making of The Greatest Of All Time: An Interview with Ben Johns, The Michael Jordan of Pickleball

How a Maryland Kid Became the Undisputed Pickleball King Through Hard Work, Passion and Family Support

He has been called the Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky of pickleball. The Lebron James and Tom Brady of the sport. At just 23 years old, Ben Johns has firmly established himself as the greatest pickleball player of all time.

With over 100 professional tournament wins under his belt, the longest winning streak in history at 108 matches, and having been ranked No. 1 in the world for singles, doubles and mixed doubles simultaneously - a feat no other player has achieved - Ben Johns has dominated the professional pickleball scene since bursting onto the scene just a few years ago.

Yet behind the titles, trophies and fame lies an unlikely origin story. Johns was not bred for stardom like some child prodigies. He grew up in the small town of Mount Airy, Maryland, population of just 572. His exposure to racket sports came first from playing with his siblings rather than professional coaching. He was home schooled by his mother until college.

So how did this humble, low-key kid from a tiny rural town become the undisputed king of one of the fastest growing sports in America?

Randall Kaplan sat down with Ben for an exclusive two part interview on his podcast “In Search of Excellence.” In Part 1 of the interview, Ben opens up about his unconventional journey to greatness and shares insights on topics ranging from homeschooling to startups to the growth of pickleball.

1. Supportive, Inspiring Parents and 6 Siblings Encouraged Ben to Follow His Own Passion (01:59 )

Ben gives tremendous credit to his parents and siblings for shaping him into the person and player he is today. He describes his family as “very tight knit” and says they were “definitely able to help guide us along the good paths and support us in whatever the kids wanted to do.”

His father worked as a software developer, while his mother homeschooled all seven kids. Ben calls his mom “a saint” for taking on the monumental task of homeschooling six children through high school.

He says his parents never pushed the kids in any direction but rather encouraged them to find their own passions. Once the kids found an interest, his parents fully supported them in pursuing excellence.

“My parents kind of instilled in us that if you're going to do something, do it well.” 

With six years separating Ben and his older brother, Ben followed his brother’s lead taking up many of the same hobbies like tennis, baseball and table tennis. He credits his siblings with having a profound impact on shaping his interests.

Seeing his brother pursue professional tennis and his younger sister become an accomplished concert pianist showed Ben firsthand what can be achieved by wholeheartedly pursuing a craft you love.

2. Homeschooling 7 Kids Required Self-Discipline and Independence (04:15)

Growing up homeschooled until college shaped Ben in many positive ways. It taught him to work independently, take personal responsibility for completing his studies diligently, and manage his own learning pace.

Ben’s mother utilized textbooks, online resources and her own judgement to craft individualized lesson plans tailored to each child. The flexibility of homeschooling allowed Ben to advance quickly in math while taking more time in subjects he was less naturally adept.

“With homeschooling you don't really have to follow a rigid, predefined track of how much you're progressing in any given subject.”

 

By high school, his mother gave her kids autonomy over their studies, trusting they had the discipline to get their work done. Ben believes this freedom and accountability was fantastic preparation for college.

“It emphasized some personal responsibility to where when you got to college it was like oh I've already done this before this is the same thing.”

 

While some criticize homeschooling for limiting social interactions, Ben feels he got plenty of time around peers. He and his siblings played sports which enabled friendships. Homeschooling also gave them more free time to devote to pursuing their particular interests.

Ben recognizes socialization is important but believes genuinely pursuing passions and achieving excellence should take priority as a kid.

“If you focus on the things you’re good at and passionate about, social stuff will just kind of happen naturally.”

 

3. Ben Played a Variety of Racket Sports as a Kid Which Developed His Coordination (08:59)

Ben describes himself as a kid who wanted to try many different activities rather than specialize in just one sport. He participated in every racket and paddle sport available to build up his athletic skills.

He started playing baseball, tennis, table tennis and golf from a very young age, encouraged by his older brother’s interests. The banality of swinging rackets and paddles from when he first learned to walk ingrained superb hand-eye coordination and athletic genes.

Ben credits these early sports with preparing him for pickleball success, even though as a kid he had no aspirations of becoming a pro athlete. The multitude of racket sports sharpened his reflexes, balance, timing and feel for spin.

“Those were all very hand-eye oriented sports which are all the basics I like - hand coordination sports.”

 

Though he played many sports growing up, Ben showed a particular knack for those involving rackets and paddles. The broad foundation in those sports laid the groundwork that enabled him to pick up pickleball quickly.

4. One College Class Played a Pivotal Role in Ben's Career Path (10:32)

Entering the University of Maryland, Ben thought he wanted to study business. But after his freshman year, practical experience made him realize he cared more about the skills he would learn versus networking and connections.

He knew he wanted to work for himself eventually and become an entrepreneur. But to gain useful business knowledge, Ben didn’t think he needed a direct business degree.

Disillusioned with the emphasis on “who you know” rather than “what you know”, Ben searched for a major offering concrete, intellectual challenges. He discovered Materials Science Engineering which felt like the perfect fit.

A defining moment occurred in a freshman seminar called “How Innovators Think” taught by Professor Mark Wellman. A class project on personal creativity made Ben reflect on how Materials Science aligned with his interests.

“I came across an engineering field I didn't even know existed. And when I looked into it more I realized hey - this is the one I've been looking for.”

 

Ben advises students unsure of their career path to expose themselves to diverse classes, people and hands-on experiences during college. Exploring different activities uncovers hidden passions.

“The more you expose yourself to things you're not used to, the better idea you're going to get.”

 

5. Ben Wasn’t Clairvoyant About Pickleball’s Growth, He Just Loved Innovating Paddle Design (17:24)

Though Ben changed majors in part to learn concepts applicable to optimizing pickleball paddles, he dispels any notion he foresaw the sport’s explosive growth back then.

Ben asserts he did not switch to Materials Science as some strategic move to capitalize on a future pickleball boom. He simply had a genuine interest in understanding paddle construction and tweaking designs for better performance.

Ben believes earnestly pursuing one’s curiosity in a field naturally blossoms opportunities, regardless of the domain. His passion for innovating paddles organically opened doors in pickleball.

“I had a genuine interest in how paddles were made and how we could make them better. Being genuine about something creates opportunity in any area.”

 

Rather than strained optimism, Ben advocates realistic confidence in one’s abilities. By extending his paddle design passion, Ben steadily improved in pickleball without fixating on future outcomes.

Ben’s advice to students is not to force grand ambitions, but foster natural curiosity. Let small steps unfold based on interests, not predictions. That process organically bears fruit.

6. Confidence, Not Optimism, Conquers Fear of Failure for Entrepreneurs (19:27)

When discussing entrepreneurship, Ben differentiates optimism from confidence. He warns unchecked optimism can become almost delusional about future success.

Instead of optimism, Ben recommends having faith in one’s own abilities. Being confident in your skills, work ethic and strengths provides a sturdy foundation for any undertaking.

“There’s always going to be room for you and opportunity for you if you go and get it, if you go and find it.”

 

With confidence in his capabilities, Ben feels no fear about failing. He stresses the importance of putting forth full effort, regardless of the outcome. Learning from failure proves more valuable than fretting over it.

“If you ever fail, just back off and say what's productive now. Typically it's learning something from the experience.”

 

Ben remembers his parents celebrating efforts, not just results. By internalizing the lesson that sincere hard work matters most, Ben developed poise and fortitude to brush off setbacks.

7. Ben’s First Business Venture Sought to Transform Pickleball’s Reputation (22:56)

While pickleball provided Ben fun and fulfillment, he recognized the sport suffered from a reputation as a pastime for seniors. Witnessing pickleball’s potential for people of all ages, he co-founded a startup called Sick TRX in college to shatter misperceptions.

The company organized pickleball displays involving trick shots and flashy rallies - more entertainment than competition. By injecting flamboyance into events, Ben hoped to build excitement and attract younger players.

“Our first tagline was ‘Not your grandma's pickleball’ because it was still definitely the stigma of an old person's sport.”

 

Though not a full-fledged business, Sick TRX succeeded in generating buzz. Ben helped pioneer modern competitive pickleball before the professional tours and sponsors. His initiative foreshadowed the sport’s evolution beyond recreation to a serious outlet for athletic talent.

8. Pickleball Blends Tennis, Ping Pong and Badminton into a Portable Obsession (24:04)

For the uninitiated, Ben describes pickleball as tennis condensed onto a badminton-sized court with whiffle balls and table tennis style paddles. The smaller space concentrates action for constant back-and-forth volleys.

He says pickleball’s ease of learning sets it apart from many racket sports. Beginners quickly pick up fundamentals to enjoy competitive rallies right away, rather than flailing hopelessly their first time.

“It’s extremely easy to play as a casual player...you can pick this up again and just be like oh yeah this is a lot of fun.”

 

Portability gives pickleball an advantage over tennis especially. Courts fit in backyards, recreation centers and any open pavement. You can carry paddles and balls in a backpack.

Above all, Ben emphasizes pickleball is a blast! The social nature keeps players coming back. Beginners have fun immediately while advanced techniques enable years of refinement.

9. Professional Pickleball Untangled - How Rival Tours Joined Forces (27:19)

In 2020, two major professional pickleball tours sprang up within months of each other - the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP).

Initially they competed for assets like sponsorships and pro players. But behind the scenes, billionaires owning stakes in each organization negotiated a merger to consolidate power.

By late 2021, the PPA and its owner Tom Dundon began signing top players to exclusive three-year contracts. Meanwhile, a third outfit called Major League Pickleball (MLP) emerged hosting team tournaments resembling pro golf or tennis events.

After butting heads in 2022, the PPA and Major League Pickleball agreed to harmonize schedules and share players. They effectively established a unified professional tour under dual brands.

Ben compares this coalescing with the NBA and NFL creating a single basketball or football entity. With previous infighting resolved, professional pickleball now marches in lockstep.

10. Major League Pickleball Team Valuations Reach $10 Million Despite No Revenue (32:25)

The entrance of big name investors like LeBron James, Tom Brady and Mark Cuban has drawn attention and inflated valuations of new Major League Pickleball teams.

Despite the pro league not yet producing media deals or ticket sales to generate revenue, deep-pocketed backers snap up franchises based on rosy projections. VC firms with celebrity partners pay $10 million or more per team.

Ben cautions team payoffs remain hypothetical for now. Income hinges on cultivating mainstream popularity like major team sports. For connected investors playing the long game, massive upside justifies sinking millions into these assets.

“People buy in based on potential future value, not current revenue. The vision is building something like the NBA or NFL.”

 

For professionals like Ben, Major League Pickleball represents both opportunity and uncertainty. If the league successfully monetizes, player salaries could skyrocket. But so far its only function is increasing awareness of pickleball - possibly at the expense of established pro tours.

11. How Do Pickleball Teams Make Money? Mostly Still An Open Question. (35:44)

Asked how new team owners will actually profit from pickleball ventures, Ben admits minor league baseball provides a cautionary tale. Buying into a league expecting a financial windfall years later often disappoints.

But he notes the PPA tour and smaller events demonstrate pickleball’s ability to earn revenue through sponsors and broadcast deals. Scaling up earnings depends on widening the fan base and prestige.

“It’s more of an investment than actually making money. The tour focused on events and revenue; Major League Pickleball is more about potential value.”

 

Ben believes one factor giving insiders confidence is the sheer passion people exhibit for pickleball after discovering it. That magnetic engagement hints at monetization possibilities with the right packaging.

The sport has already exceeded expectations at every level. So bullish backers wager broad mainstream appeal must follow, unlocking blockbuster profits. But that outcome is still conjecture.

12. Pickleball’s Bonkers Growth Defies Comparison to Other Sports (40:39)

Asked why pickleball has exploded in popularity so rapidly, Ben struggles to convey exactly what makes the sport so addictive. Compelling aspects compound to create fierce word-of-mouth momentum.

Accessibility ranks first - anyone can start playing quickly with minimal equipment. Newbies enjoy early success rather than fruitlessly flailing. Improvement comes swiftly and viscerally.

“It’s extremely easy to play casually...I can pick this up again and just be like oh yeah this is a lot of fun.”

 

Ben observes the social nature also fuels growth. The court's compact size fosters conversation between volleys. Players forge bonds and introduce friends.

Casual play feeds professional expansion, and pros inspire more casual play. This symbiosis helps explain statistics showing 40 million Americans playing regularly after just a few years.

Ben expects half the country may play pickleball occasionally in the future. That seems improbable for America's pastime baseball. Pickleball’s intrinsic infectiousness defies comparison.

13. Chance Encounter Leads Ben From Tennis to Dominating Pickleball (45:43)

Ben pinpoints 2016 as the year pickleball captured him. He was training for tennis in Florida when he noticed pickleball courts nearby. Intrigued by the strange sport, he crossed over to give it a look.

Immediately enamored, Ben joined in social games with the senior regulars. He then learned his Florida town happened to be hosting a major tournament - the 2016 US Open.

Signing up on a whim, Ben shocked himself by placing 5th. Realizing his natural athleticism transferred readily to pickleball, he committed to training harder.

Just one year later as a senior in high school, Ben captured the gold medal at the 2017 US Open. That victory confirmed his budding suspicion - with focused practice, he could be the world's best pickleball player.

“I knew I was pretty good at this game. I was going to keep playing because it was really fun.”

 

14. Juggling College and a Budding Pro Career Required Major Sacrifices (49:31)

After winning the US Open in 2017, Ben faced a dilemma. How could he keep pursuing pickleball at an elite level while attending University of Maryland 40 miles from the nearest court?

Limited tournament winnings covered only meager travel expenses. Generous hosts and early sponsors eased financial strains. But without regular training partners, Ben hardly touched a paddle during school.

He made the most of college breaks to enter tournaments. When classes allowed, Ben flew out Thursday, played Friday through Sunday, then flew home to make Monday lectures.

“I had a heck of a year in pickleball in 2017. Then it was juggling school, taking tests, flying out for tournaments, flying back for class.”

 

Ben acknowledges many personal sacrifices to maintain his reputation as pickleball’s dominant force during those years. But he was willing to endure extraordinary demands due to his passion for the sport.

Conclusion

In just Part 1 of Randall Kaplan's exclusive interview, Ben Johns reveals the poise, humility and work ethic underlying his meteoric rise to stardom. He offers open reflections on unconventional aspects of his upbringing like homeschooling that shaped his approach to life and sports.

Ben repeatedly emphasizes creativity, curiosity and following intrinsic motivations. He advocates letting external acclaim come organically by striving for excellence on your own terms.

For a little-known sport desperately seeking a charismatic superstar, the arrival of Ben Johns was a godsend perfectly timed with pickleball’s takeoff. Yet despite

unprecedented success at a young age, Ben retains the down-to-earth charm reminding us champions start out as just kids playing for the love. He represents everything right about the explosion of pickleball - infectious joy, inclusiveness, continuous self-improvement.

The final installment of Kaplan's interview explores Ben’s greatest matchups and rivalries as King of the Court. We discuss strategy, training regimen, mental toughness, and whether Ben envisions staying undefeated for the foreseeable future. Don’t miss the second half as Ben candidly reflects on securing his place among the GOATs of any sport.

YouTube Time Code List

00:00 Introduction 01:59 Ben’s background 04:15 Homeschooling of 7 kids 08:59 Sports Ben played as a kid 10:32 Ben's college experience 17:24 Developing and innovating a new pickleball racket 19:27 Optimism and fear of failure 22:56 Ben’s first business venture 24:04 What is pickleball? 27:19 The professional pickleball 32:25 The ownership and worth of pickleball teams 35:44 How do teams make money? 40:39 Pickleball statistics 45:43 The start of Ben’s professional career