Rising Star of the Court: Teen Phenom Aidan Schank Takes On Pro Pickleball Up-and-coming player balances high school studies with dreams of going pro
17-year-old Aidan Schank is making waves in professional pickleball, dedicating himself to intense daily training regimes with his sights set on the very top of the sport. As pickleball continues its rapid growth in popularity and competitiveness, this promising young player is drawing attention for his burgeoning talents and determination to succeed.
Still balancing high school studies along with his blossoming career, Aidan has already secured a sponsorship deal and learns from some of the best athletes in the game. He's now balancing local and national tournaments, prize money, and dreams of being drafted to a Major League Pickleball pro team.
Aidan sat down with Porter Malkiel, JCTV, to discuss his introduction to the sport, inspirations, and how he manages it all as a rising teen startup grinding towards making pickleball history.
- How often do you play? (2:03)
Aidan practices and drills 4-5 times a week, fitting in sessions around his high school schedule. He tries to play full games 1-2 times a week to put his skills into action against opponents. During the summertime when he's not in school, Aidan is able to train more intensely with morning drill sessions and afternoon games. He recognizes the importance of focused practice to improve his techniques rather than just scrimmaging.
- Describe Pickleball Tournaments (2:54)
There are local and professional pickleball tours, including Major League Pickleball (MLP) and Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) events. For the MLP, teams of 2 men and 2 women square off in matches of men's, women's, and mixed doubles. Winning 3 out of the 4 matches means your team is victorious. The PPA holds open tournaments with bracket-style Eliminations leading to a winning team. Players move up the bracket by winning 2 out of 3 games to 11 points. Winners earn payouts, with amounts increasing for those who advance farthest.
- Sponsor (4:53)
Aidan has a sponsorship deal with the paddle & gear company Carbon Pickleball based in California. They provide him with equipment and also match his tournament winnings up to a specified amount, giving financial support as he tries to climb the pro ranks.
- Coach (5:14)
While Aidan doesn't have an official dedicated coach, he learns from and trains with several pro players in the Portland area. They provide coaching and have helped him improve his game over the past couple years as he's gotten more serious about pursuing a pro career. Their guidance has been invaluable, even without a formal coaching agreement.
- Inspiration (5:40)
Perhaps surprisingly, Aidan's inspiration doesn't come from the pickleball world. Instead, he looks to iconic basketball player Kobe Bryant as a motivational figure due to his relentless work ethic and mentality towards his sport. Kobe's intensity and commitment to excellence inspires Aidan to apply that kind of effort to reaching the top levels of pro pickleball.
- Collage Scholarships (6:10)
Currently there are limited college scholarship opportunities for pickleball, but Aidan expects growth in college-level play mirroring the rise of pro and amateur competitions. Schools like UNC already boast strong club teams. Though he likely won't get athletic scholarship funding, Aidan hopes to join a collegiate pickleball team to keep sharpening his skills while studying. The next 4-5 years could see expanded varsity programs, scholarships, and leagues.
At just 17 years old, Aidan Schank is making a name for himself quickly in professional pickleball. He plays and practices intensely almost daily, supported by sponsorships and guidance from experienced players. Aidan sets his sights high, driven to achieve greatness like idol Kobe Bryant. As the sport expands, this promisingyoung talent has a bright future ahead. Keep an eye out for Aidan as he balances high school with big dreams of rising pickleball stardom.
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