Pickleball X Podcast: Ava Ignatowich

 

Rising Star Eva Ignatowich Taking Unconventional Path to Pickleball Glory

In the burgeoning world of professional pickleball, more and more talented athletes from other sports are migrate to the surging pastime, eager to challenge the established players at the top of the game. One such ambitious upstart grabbing attention is 21-year-old Eva Ignatowich, a former junior tennis ace swapping her racket for a paddle with dreams of pickleball stardom.

Hailing from a tennis family in Delray Beach, Florida, Ignatowich was homeschooled to concentrate on tennis training. The program clearly worked -- her oldest brother James emerging as a top college player. Though her parents were not high-level players themselves, they instilled the sport as a lifestyle from a young age.

Initially, Ignatowich also showcased prodigious skills, even earning a scholarship to play at Davidson College in North Carolina as a freshman. But over time, campus life that far from home took its toll. By her sophomore year, feelings of homesickness kicked in, along with a creeping sense that Davidson was not the ideal environment for her.

At the same time, curiosity about pickleball she had started playing recreationally was morphing into a full-fledged passion. The more she tasted competition against quality opposition, the more Eva yearned to test herself. After taking a gap year off from college and academics altogether, Ignatowich dedicated herself to tennis’ quirky offshoot, while making up her mind to transfer closer to home.

Now a junior at the University of Miami, Ignatowich is embracing her return to Florida, despite the culture shock adjusting from a small private college to sprawling state university. She maintains a busy dual-track schedule, juggling economics classes with pick-up games and training when possible around her studies. Miami’s steamy pickleball scene keeps Ignatowich sharp through campus proximity to quality sparring partners.

Nonetheless, school still takes priority for now. Asked whether professional pickleball or corporate finance is in her post-graduation plans, Ignatowich leans heavily toward the former. Admitting she has virtually no remaining affinity for economics, Eva insists pickleball captivates her imagination far more at this stage. Obviously her passion for paddles supersedes any previous aspirations in business or academia.

In fact, the pickleball bug has firmly taken hold. So much so that Ignatowich recently signed with the Professional Pickleball Association as she ramps up efforts to join the pro tour. She has already targeted entry into the top 10 rankings by the end of 2024, an ambitious goal for any first-year pro, much less one also carrying a full academic workload.

To manage that grueling schedule, Ignatowich will draw heavily on mental toughness and time management know-how honed as a college athlete. In her mind, training for professional pickleball while studying is essentially no different than competing in college tennis. Though admittedly exhausted by chronic stress, Eva feels adequately prepared to handle the demands.

When envisioning an ideal doubles partner, Ignatowich dreams of teaming with older brother James, citing seamless chemistry and unconditional emotional support she knows he would provide. The pair identifies with each other’s games intrinsically having squared off so frequently from across nets over the years at various tournaments. In women’s doubles, frequent partner Tyra Black is another trusted ally worthy of playing alongside.

Of course finally fulfilling professional aspirations will require more than good chemistry and compatible games. It takes relentless work sculpting skills while building physical stamina to win consistently. To that end, Ignatowich is planning a busy slate of competition in 2023 to polish rough edges before formally joining the pro tour next year.

Considering the unique path that delivered her to this point, what Eva Ignatowich has already achieved at just 21 years old is remarkable. That she possesses the confidence and dedication to set audacious goals for herself bodes extremely well for an impressive career trajectory, regardless of where she finishes in upcoming seasons. Keep an eye out for this fast-rising talent - Eva Ignatowich has definitely not shown us her best yet!

With infectious enthusiasm and wisdom beyond her years, Ignatowich appears to have all the tools necessary for pickleball excellence. If she can organize her busy schedule efficiently and remain healthy through the grind, a spot among the sport's elite beckons brightly. For now, her climb is just beginning, but the summit is already in sight.

1. 0:35 Delray Beach, FL
2. 0:47 Tennis Family
3. 1:31 3 Brothers
4. 1:59 Pickleball for younger brothers
5. 2:43 University Of Miami
6. 3:38 What is your Major
7. 3:50 College Tennis
8. 3:59 Davidson Collage/University Of Miami
9. 4:43 Gap Year
10. 5:25 Top Pickleball States
11. 6:12 Texas
12. 6:31 Miami
13. 8:20 Dream Doubles Partners
14. 10:00 PPA Contract
15. 10:54 PPA Tour/School
16. 12:10 Finishing School
17. 13:01 After Graduation
18. 14:30 PPA 2023 Schedule
19. 15:12 Top 10 In 2024