Isabella Dunlap: The Storm That Came From Oklahoma

DINK AUTHORITY MAGAZINE | FEATURE
THE STORM THAT CAME FROM OKLAHOMA
How a former college tennis player almost walked away from competition before an unexpected phone call changed everything.
By the Dink Authority Magazine Editorial Team
There are athletes who always knew what their destiny would be. Who from childhood pointed at a court, a track, or a stadium and said, "That's where I'm going to be." Isabella Dunlap's story is not that one. Isabella's is the story of someone who had already packed her competitive dreams into a box, closed the lid, and was ready to move on with her life — until a phone rang.
And everything changed.
"I MISSED COMPETING." — ISABELLA DUNLAP
OKLAHOMA • USA
A CAREER BUILT ON THE TENNIS COURT
The Call She Wasn't Expecting
For years, tennis was the plan. Isabella Dunlap built her life around competition. Growing up in Oklahoma with athletic parents, winning was never simply about trophies. Competition was woven into everyday life, shaping the mindset that would define her athletic career.
Her talent eventually led her to collegiate tennis, where she developed the discipline, resilience, and work ethic required to compete at a high level.
Like many athletes, however, there came a moment when the matches ended and a new chapter began. After college, Isabella transitioned into coaching junior tennis, believing her days of chasing professional competition were behind her.
Then the phone call.
"At first, I brushed the idea off." — ISABELLA DUNLAP
LEARN FAST OR GET LEFT BEHIND
From Challenger events to the PPA Tour, Isabella quickly discovered that professional pickleball rewards those who adapt — and punishes those who don't.
Like many former tennis players, Isabella quickly learned that pickleball rewards a different set of skills. The transition was not automatic. There were adjustments to make, habits to break, and lessons to learn.
But there was one thing she didn't need to learn.
The mindset.
The same competitive drive that carried her through years of tennis now pushed her through Challenger events, training sessions, and the early stages of a professional pickleball career.
Little by little, the results began to arrive.
The wins became bigger.
The opportunities became more frequent.
And eventually, so did the invitations to compete against some of the best players in the world.
A PLAYER WHO PLAYS BIGGER THAN SHE LOOKS
Standing across the net from Isabella Dunlap, opponents quickly learn that size has very little to do with impact. Her speed, anticipation, and aggressive style allow her to dictate rallies and create pressure from almost anywhere on the court.
She doesn't wait for matches to come to her.
She goes after them.
"I WANTED TO SEE HOW FAR I COULD GO." — ISABELLA DUNLAP
MIAMI FOUND A COMPETITOR
Today, Isabella Dunlap competes on some of the biggest stages in professional pickleball — proving that sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you almost say no to.
After making the leap to professional pickleball, Isabella continued to chase opportunities and challenge herself against the world's best.
That drive led her to the Miami Pickleball Club, where she now competes in Major League Pickleball (MLP) alongside some of the most talented players in the game.
Miami has become home — both on and off the court. The city, the energy, and the competitive environment fit her perfectly.
Under the leadership of coach Nicolas Acevedo, Isabella has continued to elevate her game, refine her strategy, and embrace the daily work it takes to stay among the top.
Her journey is a reminder that success in sports is rarely linear. It requires experiences, courage, timing, and the willingness to step into the unknown.
From Oklahoma to the biggest pickleball stages in the world, Isabella Dunlap is still writing her story.
And the best chapters may be ahead.
Today, Isabella Dunlap competes against some of the best players in the world. She represents the Miami Pickleball Club in Major League Pickleball, and continues to develop her game, and remains one of the emerging names in the professional circuit. Looking back, it is remarkable to think this was all the result of the original plan.
A PHONE CALL CREATED THE OPPORTUNITY. A DECISION CREATED THE FUTURE.
NOT BAD FOR AN IDEA THAT ALMOST DIDN'T HAPPEN.