14-year-old Kelly Goodnow climbed to World No. 88 in PPA Tour rankings following a semifinal run in singles at the Newport PPA Challenger, achieving the milestone within her first month as a professional. Goodnow’s surge in raking came after she signed with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour.
Goodnow, one of the youngest players to turn pro on the tour, made the transition earlier this spring at just 13. Her rapid ascent comes less than two years after first picking up a pickleball paddle, marking one of the fastest rises in the sport’s recent history.
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Her performance in Newport drew attention not only for the result but also for her playing style. PPA commentator and professional Lea Jansen compared Goodnow’s singles game to that of tennis player and pickleball pro Eugenie Bouchard. Aside her singles success, she has also impressed in women’s and mixed doubles, where her athleticism and control have translated into consistent wins.
Before entering the professional circuit, Goodnow ended 2025 as the world’s No. 1-ranked junior in the 14U singles category. She also secured two PPA World Championship titles in 14U singles and doubles. In early 2026, she featured on the cover of Junior Spin magazine, further highlighting her growing profile.
Even as a junior, Goodnow competed against senior professionals, qualifying for pro main draws and registering wins against established players. She also claimed gold medals in 5.0-level events across singles, doubles, and mixed categories.
Her development has been shaped by a multi-sport background. Goodnow began playing tennis at the age of four and continued competing until late 2024, winning her final junior tournament before shifting her focus entirely to pickleball. She is also an accomplished golfer, playing off a handicap of six. A viral video of her hole-in-one, featured on ESPN SportsCenter Next, drew over a million views across social media platforms.
Coach Ashlee Candelaria believes her trajectory is only just beginning. “Kelly is a rare talent, and what’s scary is she isn’t even scratching the surface of what she can do,” Candelaria said. “She’s only been playing for about a year, and she learns at a pace I’ve rarely seen.”
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With early results already placing her among the top 100, Goodnow’s entry into the professional circuit signals the arrival of a new generation of talent in pickleball.
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(Written by Evince Das)
