Basketball Dreams Dribble Away, Pickleball Takes Center Court for Filipina Phenom
What's the Score?
Lauren Mercado, a talented 17-year-old Fil-Am athlete, found her promising basketball aspirations abruptly halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted her plans to compete in the prestigious Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) circuit. However, this unforeseen setback paved the way for an unexpected passion to emerge: pickleball. Mercado has since embraced the sport with remarkable speed and dedication, quickly establishing herself as a rising phenom.
Hit it deeper!
Mercado's journey into pickleball began as a redirection, a new avenue to channel her athletic energy after the pandemic altered the landscape of youth basketball. While her background as a point guard in basketball provided a foundation in agility, court awareness, and competitive drive, the transition to pickleball presented unique challenges. "The only thing that I’m still learning from not having a tennis background is obviously the swing and the ground strokes," she admitted. Despite this initial learning curve, Mercado's natural athleticism and dedication allowed her to make swift progress.
She celebrated her first pickleball victory in 2021, followed by another significant win in 2023 – impressive milestones for someone relatively new to the intricacies of pickleball rules and strategies. Now, Mercado's passion for the sport has evolved into a purposeful mission: to champion the growth of pickleball in the Philippines. She has been actively engaging with various active lifestyle communities, enthusiastically teaching the fundamentals of the game and inspiring others, particularly young individuals, to give pickleball a try. With every swing of her paddle, Lauren Mercado embodies the idea that sometimes, a change in direction can lead to a profound and fulfilling purpose. Her story highlights the accessibility and broad appeal of pickleball, attracting athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds and creating new opportunities for them to excel.
The World Pickleball Verdict
Lauren Mercado’s journey from aspiring basketball player to promising pickleball phenom is an inspiring narrative of resilience, adaptability, and the unexpected discovery of passion. Her ability to quickly excel in a new sport, despite the initial challenges, speaks volumes about her athletic talent and unwavering dedication. More significantly, her commitment to fostering the growth of pickleball in the Philippines demonstrates the global reach and community-building potential of the sport. Mercado's story is a testament to how unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to the opening of new and exciting doors, revealing previously unimagined paths to fulfilment and impact. Her burgeoning pickleball career is one to watch, and her efforts to introduce the sport to a new generation in the Philippines are commendable.