Palm Desert Grad Rises as Pro Pickleball Player

19-year-old Daniel Yi aims to turn his passion for the sport into a career.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:32pm

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A dynamic, cubist-style painting depicting a pickleball match broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in a bright, energetic color palette, conceptually representing the sport's rapid growth and the emergence of new professional talent.A young pickleball prodigy's rise to the professional ranks reflects the sport's growing appeal and potential as a viable career path.Palm Desert Today

Daniel Yi, a 19-year-old graduate of Palm Desert High School, is emerging as one of the top junior pickleball players in the United States. Prior to high school, Yi made the decision to focus on pickleball over tennis, and after graduating, he has committed himself fully to turning pro in the rapidly growing sport.

Why it matters

Pickleball has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, especially among younger athletes, and Yi's rise as a top junior player highlights the sport's potential to become a viable professional career path. As one of the first generation of players to pursue pickleball professionally, Yi's story could inspire other young athletes to consider the sport.

The details

Before starting high school, Yi chose to focus on pickleball over tennis, a decision that has paid off as he has become one of the top junior players in the country. After graduating from Palm Desert High School, Yi has dedicated himself fully to training and competing in pro pickleball tournaments, with the goal of turning the sport into a lifelong career.

  • Prior to his freshman year at Palm Desert High School, Yi made the decision to give up playing tennis and focus on pickleball.
  • After high school, Yi committed himself fully to pursuing a professional pickleball career.

The players

Daniel Yi

A 19-year-old graduate of Palm Desert High School who is emerging as one of the top junior pickleball players in the United States.

Palm Desert High School

The high school that Daniel Yi attended before graduating and committing himself to a professional pickleball career.

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What they’re saying

“After high school, I just went all-in on it,”

— Daniel Yi, Pickleball Player

The takeaway

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, especially among younger athletes, stories like Daniel Yi's highlight the sport's potential to become a viable professional career path. Yi's decision to focus on pickleball over tennis and his commitment to turning pro could inspire other young athletes to consider the sport as a future career option.