Pickleball has taken the world by storm and courts and centers are popping up everywhere. The sport has become popular for adults and youth alike, including 15-year-old Chandler resident Wil Shaffer.
Shaffer was recently featured on season 6 of All Around Champion, a competition show that featured 11 youth athletes from different sports competing against one another and coaching their sports to each other.
"Along with a special guest pickleball pro, I coached the other contestants," he says. "Then, for the other 10 weeks, I learned and competed in their sports. Some of the other sports were MMA, ice dancing, and teqball!"
For Shaffer, while pickleball wasn’t his first foray into sports, it has become an important part of his life.
“I was a competitive gymnast for years before I ever heard of pickleball,” he says. “During the pandemic, a friend introduced us to pickleball. We started playing in our backyard. Then, when the local parks opened, I started going with my family. There I met some fantastic players who took me under their wings to teach me how to play better. I entered my first tournament and won second place. From there, I was hooked.”
Shaffer not only plays locally, but he gets to travel all over the country for tournaments—which of course takes a lot of commitment.
“I work out at Pickleball Sports Performance,” he shares. “Coach Ty Woody helps me with strength and conditioning to get better at the game and remain injury-free. I drill and practice at least five days a week, and I work with a sports psychologist to keep my mental game strong.”
Find Shaffer on Instagram at @pickleball_gymnast.
"I drill and practice at least five days a week."