How Old Is Riley Newman Pickleball? A Look at This Rising Star's Age and Career

Riley Newman has burst onto the professional pickleball scene in recent years as one of the top young talents in the sport. With his aggressive playing style, Newman is showcasing a new generation of pickleball that is driving growth and excitement. But exactly how old is this rising star?

Newman Representing New Generation in Pickleball

Riley Newman is a professional pickleball player who was born and raised on Whidbey Island, Washington, and currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona. According to various sources, including his official PPA Tour profile and PickleBallSpots, Riley Newman is currently 30 years old.

At just 30 years old, Newman is one of the youngest pro pickleball players competing at the highest levels of the sport. The average age for a competitive pickleball player is around 55 according to USA Pickleball, the sport’s national governing body. So at less than half the age of most competitors, Newman’s success signals an influx of youth and athleticism that is changing the game.

Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last decade, with millions of new players drawn to its fast-paced play and social nature. Much of the growth has come from older adults looking for an accessible activity. However, as Newman demonstrates, more young athletes like him are now adopting pickleball as their primary sport early on.

How Young Did Newman Get His Start in Pickleball?

Newman first picked up a pickleball paddle around the age of 12, discovering the sport through a PE class at school. He quickly became enthralled with pickleball, playing every chance he got on the local courts near his hometown.

By 15 years old, Newman began entering regional and state tournaments. It was evident from the start that Newman possessed raw athletic gifts ideal for high-level pickleball – quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and fast-twitch muscle fibers.

However, it was Newman’s single-minded passion for mastering the sport that accelerated his skills at a young age. He devoted hours to practicing shots and strategy, while also studying pro matches online. Newman had found his calling, and he pursued it with relentless dedication.

Rocket Rise to Becoming a Teenage Pro Pickleball Player

Newman continued honing his game during high school, while also competing in top regional tournaments. At just 16 years old, he won the gold medal at the Washington State Games. The very next year, Newman stepped up to claim gold at the Huntsman World Senior Games.

By the time he turned 18 in 2016, Newman earned sufficient wins and ranking points to turn pro. Virtually unheard of at that young age, Newman’s rapid ascent reflected his rare mix of natural athleticism and focused training.

Major Tournament Wins on Pro Circuit

Since turning pro, Newman has racked up major wins at top-tier pro events:

2019 APP Fort Lauderdale Pro Open – Newman captured gold in both the Men’s Singles and Doubles divisions. Still barely 21 at the time, he demonstrated poise and skill beyond his years.
2018 Battle of the Paddle Championships – Partnering with fellow young gun Matt Wright, Newman won the Pro Men’s Doubles title. The win validated him as a doubles threat.
2022 APP Colorado Open – Newman added a high-profile Men’s Doubles title with partner Riley Johnson. This win propelled him to a career best #4 pro doubles ranking.

Despite being much younger than most competitors, Newman has proven he belongs among pickleball’s best. He currently ranks 15th overall in the PPA Men’s Singles standings.

Play Style and Skills Mirror Pickleball’s Evolution

Newman’s play style itself mirrors the evolution of pickleball over recent years. Compared to old-school players, Newman relies more on athletic ability, power, and aggressive shots like spinning serves. Finesse and careful ball placement have given way to speed and reflexes.

This increased intensity and competitiveness draws from Newman’s own background as a multi-sport athlete. Before focusing on pickleball, he competed in football, basketball, baseball and track & field. Newman transferred the conditioning, coordination and competitiveness from those sports into his burgeoning pickleball mastery.

As more young crossover athletes like Newman take up pickleball, they will shape a faster and more athletic version of the game. Pickleball purists may grumble about abandoning touch shots for sheer power. But there is no denying the excitement Newman and his peers bring to the court.

The Future Looks Bright for Newman’s Career

Already with gold medals and huge tournament wins to his name, Newman appears poised for more success as he reaches his athletic prime. His best years likely still lie ahead.

With the injured knee now healed, Newman will look to return to top form in 2023. Expect him to continue vying for singles titles, while also teaming up with fellow rising stars like Matt Wright in doubles play. Newman still has the drive to put in the rigorous training needed to win at the pro level.

Riley Newman shows no signs of slowing down his competitive pickleball journey anytime soon. As the sport’s popularity booms, he could become one of the young faces that popularizes pickleball among Gen Z and Millennials. Newman is confident that the future looks bright, both for his own career and the rapid growth of pickleball overall.

Conclusion

Riley Newman represents an exciting new generation of pickleball players that are taking the sport by storm. Even though he is just 30 years old, an age when many pros are retiring, Newman is playing some of the best pickleball of his career so far. With his athleticism and dedication to training, Riley Newman has become a top pro who could dominate pickleball for years to come.

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