David Johnson
The Player Behind the Paddle
David Johnson is one of the most accomplished Senior Pro pickleball players competing today. His official debut came on June 9, 2022 in Singles (going 2-2) and June 10, 2022 in Doubles (going 1-2) in San Clemente, CA at the PPA Select Medical Orange County Cup at the age of 49. His unofficial debut came in June of 2021, less than one year of playing, at the PPA Takeya Showcase with an opening round against Pat Smith and Jay Devilliers.
What makes this trajectory remarkable is that Johnson did not start playing pickleball until July of 2020 and has never played tennis. He is one of the youngest on the Senior Tour, but athletes who start a sport later in life rarely carry a passion that burns this bright. His unique perspective is what drives this passion for learning and competing at the highest levels across the country.
The Singles Game
His passion for playing the game of singles has been the most challenging, as he was never taught the groundstroke tennis skills that the majority of professionals have learned over 15 to 40 years of their careers. It has taken thousands upon thousands of balls in a very short period of time just to learn how to hit the ball correctly and compete at a professional level.
Athlete Past
David Johnson has played competitive baseball his entire life as a shortstop and second baseman, along with competitive men's B/C softball, up until 2020 when he found pickleball. As a young boy, he came within one game of making it to the Little League World Series and played a competitive 80-game American Legion three-month summer season. Johnson competed in two softball World Series in 2007 and 2008 and played competitively with All-Star major league baseball players, including Jose Canseco.
His skills as a middle infielder have led to what excites him most about the game of pickleball: digging out a slam and scrambling to reset the ball. The natural feel of fielding a ground ball on the baseball diamond has translated directly to picking up a pickleball with his paddle.
Amateur Achievements and Tournament History
David Johnson won his inaugural tournament of singles playing in the 2021 USA Pickleball Pacific Northwest Regional Championship, which qualified him to play at the 2021 National Championships at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden where he went 3-2. His 2022 tournament schedule took him to Flushing Meadows in New York City where he captured Singles Silver, and the Atlanta Open where he captured Singles Bronze.
The David Johnson Signature Series
Developed through direct collaboration with David Johnson, these paddles reflect the precision, composure, and competitive drive that define his game. Built for players who demand more from every shot.
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