Jay Devilliers: One Of Pickleball’s Best New Rising Stars
Jay Devilliers is a French native who has quickly risen to become one of the top professional pickleball players in the world. With a background in tennis and a fiery playing style, Devilliers has become a fan favorite on the Pickleball Pro Tour.
Devilliers turned pro in 2020 and has already made a name for himself in the sport. He is fluent in French, English, and Spanish and has a career-high ranking of #10 in singles, #8 in mixed doubles. Devilliers is known for his aggressive play, powerful serves, and quick reflexes on the court, making him a formidable opponent for any player.
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Name | Jay Devilliers |
| Year of Birth | 1995 |
| Age | 28 |
| Height | 6’3″ (190.5 cm) |
Age First Tournament Win | 28 |
| First Tournament Win | 2021 PPA Nationals – Gold in Mixed Doubles |
| Education | Wichita State University |
| Pickleball Career | He has won Gold in every year he has played |
| Sponsorship and Endorsements | – Paddletek – Nike Sports Camps – Adidas |
| Favorite Paddle | Vulcan 740 Max HT |
| Favorite Shoe | Babolat Jet Mach 3 Pickleball Shoes |
| Favorite Apparel | Nike |
| Age at First Tournament Win | 28 |
| Ranking (WPR) | – 10 Men’s Singles – 16 Men’s Doubles – 8 Mixed Doubles |
| Family and Personal Life | Married with three children. |
| Business Ventures | Chicken & Pickle Franchise & Ambassador |
| Career Highlights | – 2021 Pacific Northwest Classic – Grand Slam – 2023 Arcytech Atlanta – Grand Slam |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| @jaydevillierspickleball | |
| 4,300+ followers jaydevillierspickleball | |
| 3020+ followers @jaydevillers |
Early Life and Education
Where was Jay Devilliers Born?
Jocelyn “Jay” Devilliers was born and raised in France. His love for sports started at a young age, and he played tennis competitively throughout his childhood. Growing up in France, he spoke French fluently, which would later prove to be a valuable asset in his professional life.
High School Diploma
After completing his high school diploma, Jay Devilliers moved to the United States to pursue his passion for tennis. He attended Wichita State University, where he played tennis from 2013-2017. During his time at Wichita State, Jay Devilliers also became fluent in English and Spanish.
Where Did Jay Devilliers Go To College?
He went to Wichita State University. Unfortunately, Jay Devilliers’ tennis career was cut short due to a career-ending injury. However, this setback did not stop him from pursuing his love for sports.
In 2019, he was introduced to pickleball and quickly rose to become one of the top players in the world. His success in pickleball has led to him becoming a professional pickleball player, and he turned pro in 2020.
In summary, Jay Devilliers was born and raised in France, where he played tennis competitively throughout his childhood.
He moved to the United States to attend Wichita State University, where he played tennis and became fluent in English and Spanish. After a career-ending injury, he discovered pickleball and quickly became one of the top players in the world.
Sports Background
Jay Devilliers has an impressive sports background that has contributed to his success in pickleball. He has played various sports throughout his life, including tennis, soccer, handball, swimming, squash, badminton, table tennis, and skiing.
Did Jay Devilliers Play Tennis?
Devilliers played tennis at Wichita State University from 2013 to 2017 on a scholarship. He was a successful player but suffered injuries that prevented him from pursuing a career in professional tennis.
Soccer
Devilliers played soccer in his youth and was a member of the French club team FC Metz. He played as a forward and was known for his speed and agility on the field.
Handball
Devilliers also played handball in his youth and was a member of the French club team HBC Nantes. He played as a winger and was known for his quick reflexes and accurate throws.
Swimming
Devilliers was a competitive swimmer in his youth and competed in various events, including freestyle and backstroke. He was known for his endurance and speed in the water.
Squash
Devilliers played squash in his youth and was a member of the French club team Squash Club de Strasbourg. He played as a singles player and was known for his precision and agility on the court.
Badminton
Devilliers played badminton in his youth and was a member of the French club team CBAB. He played as a singles player and was known for his quick reflexes and powerful smashes.
Table Tennis
Devilliers played table tennis in his youth and was a member of the French club team ASPTT Strasbourg. He played as a singles player and was known for his accuracy and spin on the ball.
Skiing
Devilliers is also an avid skier and enjoys skiing in his free time. He has competed in various skiing events and is known for his speed and precision on the slopes.
Overall, Devilliers’ diverse sports background has contributed to his success in pickleball. His experience in various sports has helped him develop the skills and athleticism needed to excel in the sport.
Transition to Pickleball
Jocelyn “Jay” Devilliers, a former tennis player at Wichita State University, made a successful transition to professional pickleball in 2020. His love for the sport started after playing a few times with Jack Oxler, and then he took the pickleball director position at Chicken N Pickle.
Jay’s transition to pickleball was not without its challenges. He had to adjust to the different court size, the slower ball, and the emphasis on dinking and third-shot drops. However, his athleticism and tennis background gave him a solid foundation to build upon.
Jay’s transition was also motivated by injury. He suffered from a shoulder injury that made it difficult to continue playing tennis at a high level. The slower pace and less demanding physicality of pickleball allowed him to continue playing a sport he loved without exacerbating his injury.
Jay’s success in pickleball has been remarkable. He has shot to the top of the sport in all three divisions and has quickly become one of the most popular professional pickleball players on tour. His fiery and exciting playing style has made him a fan favorite, and his fluency in French, English, and Spanish has helped him connect with fans from all over the world.
Overall, Jay’s transition to pickleball has been a testament to his athleticism, adaptability, and love for the sport. He has proven that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, it is possible to excel in a new sport even after a successful career in another.
Professional Pickleball Career
When Did Jay Devilliers Turn Pro?
Jay Devilliers turned pro in 2020 and has quickly become one of the most exciting players to watch in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). He has achieved impressive rankings in both singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles.
PPA Championship
In the PPA Championship, Jay Devilliers has consistently performed well, achieving a career-high ranking of #2 in singles and #3 in doubles. He has proven himself to be one of the fiercest and most skilled players on the tour, and his matches are always highly anticipated by fans.
World Pickleball Championship
Jay Devilliers has also made his mark on the World Pickleball Championship, where he has competed in both doubles and mixed doubles. He has shown great skill and determination in these tournaments, and his performances have earned him a reputation as one of the top players in the world.
Florida Grand Slam
The Florida Grand Slam is another tournament where Jay Devilliers has excelled. He has consistently placed well in both singles and doubles, and his performances in this tournament have helped cement his position as one of the top players in the game.
Chicago Open
The Chicago Open is another tournament where Jay Devilliers has shown his skills. He has competed in both singles and doubles, and his performances in this tournament have helped to establish him as one of the most exciting and talented players on the tour.
Overall, Jay Devilliers’ professional pickleball career has been nothing short of impressive. He has shown great skill and determination in both singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles, and his performances in major tournaments have helped to establish him as one of the top players in the game.
Role as a Pickleball Ambassador
Jay Devilliers has taken on the role of a Pickleball Ambassador, promoting the sport and its values both in his home country of France and in the United States. He has used his talent and passion for the game to inspire others to take up the sport and to help it grow in popularity.
French Pickleball Federation
Devilliers has been instrumental in promoting pickleball in France, where the sport is still relatively unknown. He has worked closely with the French Pickleball Federation to raise awareness of the sport and to help establish it as a legitimate and respected activity in the country. He has given demonstrations and clinics and has also organized tournaments and events to help spread the word about pickleball.
Chicken N Pickle
In the United States, Devilliers has been a key figure in promoting pickleball at the Chicken N Pickle chain of restaurants and sports venues. He has served as the Director of Pickleball at the company’s Wichita, Kansas, location and has helped to develop the sport at other locations as well. He has also worked to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all players, regardless of their skill level or background.
Overall, Devilliers’ role as a Pickleball Ambassador has been an important part of his career as a professional player. He has used his platform and his passion for the sport to help it grow and to inspire others to take up the game. His work with the French Pickleball Federation and Chicken N Pickle has been particularly noteworthy, as he has helped to establish pickleball as a legitimate and respected activity in both France and the United States.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Jay Devilliers Use?
Jay is sponsored by Vulcan Sports. He uses the Vulcan 740 Max HT known for its power and spin capabilities. Vulcan Sports makes several paddles that are great whether you are a beginner or an advanced player.
What Pickleball Shoe Does Jay Devilliers Wear?
Jay wears different shoes on the court, but his preferred shoe is the Babolat Jet Mach 3 pickleball shoe. This shoe is also a favorite of Ben Johns.
Who Are Jay Devilliers Partnerships?
While Jay has played with several partners during his time on tour, some of his partners include Ben Johns, Anna Bright, Julian Arnold, Lucy Kovalova, and Jessie Irvine.
Ben Johns and Jay won the Gold in Men’s Doubles at the Selkirk Labs Showdown Invitational in 2022, winning against Tyson McGuffin and Lucy Kovalova.
He won the Gold in Mixed Doubles with Jessie Irvine at the PPA Championships in 2021.
What Are The Tournament Titles That Jay Devilliers Has Won?
| Year | Tournament | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Pacific NW Classic | Men’s Singles | Gold |
| 2021 | Pacific NW Classic | Men’s Doubles | Gold |
| 2021 | Pacific NW Classic | Mixed Doubles | Gold |
| 2021 | So Cal Classic | Men’s Doubles | Gold |
| 2021 | So Cal Classic | Mixed Doubles | Gold |
| 2021 | So Cal Classic | Men’s Singles | Bronze |
| 2021 | Beer City Open | Men’s Doubles | Gold |
| 2021 | Beer City Open | Mixed Doubles | Gold |
| 2021 | Mesa Open | Men’s Doubles | Silver |
| 2021 | Mesa Open | Men’s Singles | Bronze |
| 2021 | Orange County Cup | Men’s Singles | Silver |
| 2021 | Orange County Cup | Men’s Doubles | Bronze |
| 2021 | PPA Championship | Mixed Doubles | Gold |
| 2022 | PPA Selkirk Labs Showdown | Men’s Doubles | Gold |
| 2022 | PPA Championship | Mixed Doubles | Gold |
Personal Life
Is Jay Devilliers Married?
Jocelyn “Jay” Devilliers, also known as the Flying Frenchman, is a professional pickleball player who turned pro in 2020. He is fluent in French, English, and Spanish. He is married to Aleksandra Devilliers and is the father of three children.
Does Jay Devilliers have Children?
Devilliers has three sons with his wife Aleksandra.
Jay Devilliers grew up in Serbia and started playing tennis at the age of six. He moved to the United States to attend Wichita State University, where he played tennis from 2013 to 2017. After suffering a career-ending injury, he transitioned to playing pickleball in 2019.
When he’s not playing pickleball, Jay enjoys traveling and making videos. He often shares his experiences on social media, giving fans a glimpse into his personal life.
Despite his success on the court, Jay remains humble and focused on improving his game. He is known for his fiery and exciting playing style, which has made him one of the most popular professional pickleball players on tour.
Future Prospects
Jay Devilliers has proven himself to be a top-tier pickleball player, and his future prospects look bright. With his impressive skills and fiery playstyle, he is sure to continue making waves in the pickleball world.
As a professional pickleball player, Jay Devilliers competes on the PPA Tour and has quickly risen to the top ranks. He has also formed successful partnerships with other top players, such as Tyson McGuffin, and is always looking for new opportunities to improve his game.
Looking ahead, Jay Devilliers is poised to continue competing at the highest levels of the sport. He has the drive, talent, and dedication to succeed and is always pushing himself to be better.
In addition to his playing career, Jay Devilliers has also expressed an interest in becoming more involved in the pickleball community. He has served as an ambassador for the French Pickleball Federation and may look to take on a more formal role in the future, perhaps as a tour or pickleball director.
Overall, Jay Devilliers has a bright future ahead of him in pickleball. He has already achieved great success and is sure to continue making an impact on the sport for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jay Devilliers’ age?
Jay Devilliers was born on May 17, 1995. As of September 16, 2023, he is 28 years old.
Who is Aleksandra Devilliers?
Aleksandra Devilliers is Jay Devilliers’ wife. She is also a professional pickleball player. The couple has three sons together.
Who is Tyson McGuffin?
Tyson McGuffin is a professional pickleball player from the United States. He is considered one of the top players in the sport and has won multiple national championships.
What sponsors does Jay Devilliers have?
Jay Devilliers has several sponsors, including Vulcan Pickleball, which provides him with his signature paddle, the Vulcan V740 Max Jay Devilliers Signature. He is also sponsored by Selkirk Sport, which provides him with his shoes and apparel.
What is Jay Devilliers’ height and weight?
Jay Devilliers is 6’3″ tall and weighs approximately 200 pounds.
Is Jay Devilliers married?
Yes, Jay Devilliers is married to Aleksandra Devilliers, who is also a professional pickleball player.
What is Chicken-n-Pickle?
Chicken N Pickle is a unique, indoor/outdoor entertainment complex that combines food, fun, and pickleball. It has locations in Glendale, Arizona; Grand Prairie, Texas; Grapevine, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Overland Park, Kansas; San Antonio, Texas; St. Charles, Missouri; and Wichita, Kansas.
Chicken N Pickle offers a variety of activities for all ages and skill levels, including:
- Pickleball courts: Chicken N Pickle has indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, so you can play year-round.
- Restaurant: Chicken N Pickle serves up wood-fired chicken dishes, as well as other American favorites.
- Bar: Chicken N Pickle has a full-service bar, so you can enjoy a drink while you play or watch the game.
- Yard games: Chicken N Pickle has a variety of yard games, such as cornhole, bocce ball, and giant Jenga.
- Event space: Chicken N Pickle can host private events, such as birthday parties, corporate events, and weddings.
Jay Devilliers is a Brand Ambassador for this Franchise. Learn More about other Pickleball Franchises.
What are the best pickleball paddles for intermediate players?
There are several great paddles for intermediate players including the Paddletek Tempest Wave 2 and the Joola Ben Johns Hyperion CFS (both available on Amazon. Learn More in 7 Best Pickleball Paddles For Intermediate Players.
