Thaddea Lock, a former tennis pro, has quickly risen to become England’s top female pickleball player after trying the sport on a whim.
Her journey began during a holiday in Kansas, where friends encouraged her to try pickleball, predicting she’d excel. The 37-year-old’s “why not?” approach has led her to unexpected success, including an invite to Jamie Foxx’s Super Bowl party.
Lock is now set to represent England in the inaugural European Pickleball Team Championships, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity in the UK.
Backed by high-profile investors like LeBron James, Tom Brady, and Michael Phelps, pickleball continues to gain traction, with Lock at the forefront of its rise.