Rising Star: Jessica Warren
Rising Star: Jessica Warren
From College Tennis to the Professional Pickleball Podium
A few weeks ago, we had the chance to talk with Jessica Warren, one of the most promising emerging players on the professional pickleball scene in the United States. With a powerful style and an enviable competitive mindset, Jessica shared her story with us—one of discipline, reinvention, and relentless determination.
Jessica was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she began her journey in high-performance tennis. She played Division I tennis for California State University Northridge, and after graduating with a degree in psychology, she worked as a Registered Behavioral Therapist (RBT) with children diagnosed with autism and ADHD. In 2020, Jessica moved to Florida, where she discovered pickleball. Her first pro tournament was the APP Sacramento, where she earned a bronze medal in women’s singles. That moment sparked a realization — she had what it takes to compete at the pro level.
Jessica quickly began earning results on the APP Tour, where she now has four medals to her name. She was also a runner-up at the 2023 APP Daytona Beach event and has had notable performances in both singles and doubles.
“Before I took a year off for personal reasons, I was ranked #5 in women’s singles on the APP Tour,” she recalled. “When I came back, I placed fourth in my first tournament, and then went on to win the back draw in both singles and women’s doubles with Lorena Duknic.”
“I’ve always trusted my preparation and mental game.”
Jessica believes her mindset is one of her strongest weapons on the court.
“I’ve always trusted my preparation and mental game,” she said. “Even after time off, that foundation helps me stay focused and aggressive.”
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Her playing style reflects that philosophy: smart, tactical pickleball combined with strong physical preparation.
A Different Path to Professional Pickleball
While working as a behavioral therapist, Jessica also began teaching tennis and eventually built her own coaching business.
“While I was working as an RBT, I started teaching tennis and built my own business. I was able to connect with amazing clients and help kids, teens, and adults. That experience gave me a whole new perspective on sports,” she explained.
Those years helped her develop patience, leadership, and communication skills—qualities that now translate directly to her competitive approach.
Player Profile
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Academic Background: Psychology – California State University Northridge
Tennis Career: NCAA Division I
Entry into Pickleball: APP Sacramento – Bronze medal in Singles
APP Tour Medals: 4 medals (including singles and doubles podiums)
Highest Ranking: Top 5 Women’s Singles (APP Tour)
Playing Style: Strategic, strong mentality, fitness-focused
Hobbies: Fitness, healthy cooking, baking
Sponsor: JOOLA
The Mindset of a Rising Competitor
Jessica approaches each match with curiosity and discipline.
“I play to learn, to challenge myself. Each match is a puzzle,” she explained. “You win not just by hitting hard, but by thinking smarter and staying grounded.”
That mindset has helped her steadily climb the ranks of professional pickleball.
Beyond the Court
Passion and purpose drive Jessica’s life beyond competition. When she’s not training or competing, she stays active in the gym and continues to work on her physical development. She also enjoys baking and crafting healthy recipes — a hobby that reflects her commitment to balance and well-being.
Her journey—from junior tennis courts in California to professional pickleball tournaments across the country—is a testament to resilience and adaptability.
Jessica is currently preparing for upcoming APP Tour events, continuing her steady climb toward the top of professional pickleball.
A Second Chance at Competition
Jessica sees pickleball as more than just another sport — it’s a second chapter in her competitive life.
“Pickleball gave me a second shot at competition,” she said. “Now I want to turn that opportunity into something bigger — for myself and for the next generation.”
With her discipline, mental strength, and growing list of results, Jessica Warren is quickly becoming one of the names to watch in professional pickleball.
Rising Star: Jessica Warren
From College Tennis to the Professional Pickleball Podium
A few weeks ago, we had the chance to talk with Jessica Warren, one of the most promising emerging players on the professional pickleball scene in the United States. With a powerful style and an enviable competitive mindset, Jessica shared her story with us—one of discipline, reinvention, and relentless determination.
Jessica was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, where she began her journey in high-performance tennis. She played Division I tennis for California State University Northridge, and after graduating with a degree in psychology, she worked as a Registered Behavioral Therapist (RBT) with children diagnosed with autism and ADHD. In 2020, Jessica moved to Florida, where she discovered pickleball. Her first pro tournament was the APP Sacramento, where she earned a bronze medal in women’s singles. That moment sparked a realization — she had what it takes to compete at the pro level.
Jessica quickly began earning results on the APP Tour, where she now has four medals to her name. She was also a runner-up at the 2023 APP Daytona Beach event and has had notable performances in both singles and doubles.
“Before I took a year off for personal reasons, I was ranked #5 in women’s singles on the APP Tour,” she recalled. “When I came back, I placed fourth in my first tournament, and then went on to win the back draw in both singles and women’s doubles with Lorena Duknic.”
“I’ve always trusted my preparation and mental game.”
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Jessica believes her mindset is one of her strongest weapons on the court.
“I’ve always trusted my preparation and mental game,” she said. “Even after time off, that foundation helps me stay focused and aggressive.”
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
Her playing style reflects that philosophy: smart, tactical pickleball combined with strong physical preparation.
A Different Path to Professional Pickleball
While working as a behavioral therapist, Jessica also began teaching tennis and eventually built her own coaching business.
“While I was working as an RBT, I started teaching tennis and built my own business. I was able to connect with amazing clients and help kids, teens, and adults. That experience gave me a whole new perspective on sports,” she explained.
Those years helped her develop patience, leadership, and communication skills—qualities that now translate directly to her competitive approach.
Player Profile
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Academic Background: Psychology – California State University Northridge
Tennis Career: NCAA Division I
Entry into Pickleball: APP Sacramento – Bronze medal in Singles
APP Tour Medals: 4 medals (including singles and doubles podiums)
Highest Ranking: Top 5 Women’s Singles (APP Tour)
Playing Style: Strategic, strong mentality, fitness-focused
Hobbies: Fitness, healthy cooking, baking
Sponsor: JOOLA
The Mindset of a Rising Competitor
Jessica approaches each match with curiosity and discipline.
“I play to learn, to challenge myself. Each match is a puzzle,” she explained. “You win not just by hitting hard, but by thinking smarter and staying grounded.”
That mindset has helped her steadily climb the ranks of professional pickleball.
Beyond the Court
Passion and purpose drive Jessica’s life beyond competition. When she’s not training or competing, she stays active in the gym and continues to work on her physical development. She also enjoys baking and crafting healthy recipes — a hobby that reflects her commitment to balance and well-being.
Her journey—from junior tennis courts in California to professional pickleball tournaments across the country—is a testament to resilience and adaptability.
Jessica is currently preparing for upcoming APP Tour events, continuing her steady climb toward the top of professional pickleball.
A Second Chance at Competition
Jessica sees pickleball as more than just another sport — it’s a second chapter in her competitive life.
“Pickleball gave me a second shot at competition,” she said. “Now I want to turn that opportunity into something bigger — for myself and for the next generation.”
With her discipline, mental strength, and growing list of results, Jessica Warren is quickly becoming one of the names to watch in professional pickleball.
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