Matt Wright: Latest Rising Pickleball Pro Crushing It
Matt Wright is a professional pickleball player who has made a name for himself in the sport. Born in 1977, he started his career as a tennis player at the University of Michigan. After graduation, he decided to pursue a career in law, but his love for sports never faded away. In 2016, he discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with the game.
Since then, Matt Wright has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of pickleball. He has won numerous tournaments and has been ranked as the No. 2 pro player in both Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. He is known for his powerful serves, his quick reflexes, and his ability to read the game. Off the court, he is a full-time attorney, which makes his success in pickleball even more impressive. While careers in pickleball can lead to highly variable income levels for pro players, some sources state that Matt Wright’s net worth for 2022 is $5.4 million, which is a testament to his success in both law and pickleball.
Matt Wright’s dedication to pickleball has made him a role model for aspiring players. His passion for the game, combined with his legal expertise, has allowed him to excel both on and off the court. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at Matt Wright’s journey to becoming a pickleball pro, his playing style and equipment, and his achievements in the sport.
Matt Wright Bio Summary
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| Name | Kyle Yates |
| Year of Birth | 1977 |
| Age | 46 |
Age First Tournament Win | 39 |
| Height | 6′ 2″ (187.96 cm) |
| Right/Left Handed | Right |
| First Tournament Win | 2016 US Open |
| Education | University of Michigan – Law School |
| Pickleball Career | – Won gold in both doubles and mixed doubles – Won gold at the Tournament of Champions |
| Sponsorship and Endorsements | – Onix – Babalot – Original Penguin |
| Favorite Paddle | Onix Evoke Premier Pro Carbon |
| Favorite Shoe | Babolat Jet Mach 3 Pickleball Shoes |
| Favorite Apparel | Original Penguin |
| Ranking (WPR) | – 4 Men’s Doubles – 7 Mixed Doubles |
| Family and Personal Life | Not married |
| Business Ventures | Competitive Social Ventures |
| Career Highlights | – Won numerous US Open, USA National Championships, and Tournament of Champions – One of the most successful men’s players – Won 23 medals with Riley Newman |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| @mattwrightmdw | |
| Other Interests |
Early Life and Education
Matt Wright, a professional pickleball player, was born in 1977 in Kansas. Growing up, he played basketball, tennis, and golf. He attended the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where he played Division I college. After graduating, he attended the University of Kansas Law School.
Where Did Matt Wright Go To School?
At the University of Michigan, Matt Wright competed as a tennis star. He was a member of the varsity tennis team for three years and was named captain in his senior year. During his time at the university, he also played in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament.
After graduating from law school, Wright moved to Wichita, Kansas, to work as an attorney. While in Wichita, he discovered pickleball and began playing recreationally. He quickly fell in love with the sport and began competing in local tournaments. His success in these tournaments led him to pursue pickleball professionally.
In conclusion, Matt Wright’s early life and education laid the foundation for his successful career as a professional pickleball player. His experience playing tennis at the University of Michigan gave him the skills and competitive drive necessary to excel in pickleball.
Transition to Pickleball
Matt Wright’s journey to becoming a professional pickleball player began with his background in tennis. As the #1 tennis player at the University of Michigan, Wright had a strong foundation in the sport and was accustomed to playing with a racket.
From Tennis to Pickleball
After completing his tennis career, Wright turned to law school and eventually began playing a mini-tennis game. It was during this time that he was introduced to pickleball by a member of a local country club. Wright was intrigued by the sport and quickly became one of the top players in the country.
The transition from tennis to pickleball was a natural one for Wright. Both sports require quick reflexes, good hand-eye coordination, and a strong understanding of strategy. However, there are some key differences between the two sports.
For one, pickleball is played with a paddle instead of a racket, and the ball used in pickleball is much lighter than a tennis ball. Additionally, the court size and scoring system are different in pickleball.
Despite these differences, Wright was able to quickly adapt to the new sport and excel at it. He has since become a dominant force in the world of pickleball, winning numerous championships and accolades.
Overall, Wright’s transition from tennis to pickleball demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of athletes. While the two sports may be different, the skills and strategies learned in one can be applied to the other with great success.
Professional Career
Matt Wright’s transition from tennis star to professional pickleball player has been nothing short of remarkable. Since picking up the paddle in 2016, he has established himself as one of the top players in the sport, known for his impressive skill level and competitive drive.
What Are Matt Wright’s Achievements and Accolades?
Wright’s list of accolades is extensive, with numerous tournament victories and medals to his name. He has won gold medals in both doubles and mixed doubles at the US Open, as well as at the National Championships. Wright has also been named the USA National Champion in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles and has taken home the gold medal at the Tournament of Champions.
What Are Wright’s Tournament Achievements?
Wright has competed in a variety of pro pickleball tournaments, consistently placing in the top ranks. He has won gold medals at the US Open and the National Championships, as well as at the Tournament of Champions. In addition, he has earned silver medals at the US Open and the National Championships.
| Tournament | Discipline | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|
| US Open | Men’s Doubles | 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Tournament of Champions | Men’s Doubles | 2018, 2021 |
| USA National Championship | Men’s Doubles | 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| PPA Tour | Men’s Doubles | Denver Open (2023), Las Vegas Open (2023), Austin Open (2023), San Diego Open (2022), Chicago Open (2022), Salt Lake City Open (2022), Cleveland Open (2022), Kansas City Open (2022), St. Louis Open (2022), Milwaukee Open (2022), and more |
| US Open | Mixed Doubles | 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Tournament of Champions | Mixed Doubles | 2018, 2021 |
| USA National Championship | Mixed Doubles | 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| PPA Tour | Mixed Doubles | Las Vegas Open (2023), Austin Open (2023), San Diego Open (2022), Chicago Open (2022), Salt Lake City Open (2022), Kansas City Open (2022), St. Louis Open (2022), Milwaukee Open (2022), and more |
Wright is one of the most successful pickleball players in history, and his list of tournament wins is truly impressive. He is a force to be reckoned with on both the men’s and mixed doubles circuits, and he is sure to continue to add to his trophy case in the years to come.
What Are Matt Wright’s Sponsorships and Endorsements?
As a professional pickleball player, Wright has secured a number of sponsorships and endorsements. He is sponsored by Onix Sports and wears their Evoke Premier Pro Carbon paddle. Wright has also collaborated with Jigsaw Health, a company that specializes in nutritional supplements for athletes.
What Pickleball Paddle Does Matt Wright Use?
Matt Wright uses the Onix Evoke Premier CF pickleball Paddle.
Who Are Matt Wright’s Partners and Collaborations
Wright has partnered with a number of talented players throughout his career, including Lucy Kovalova. Together, they have won gold medals in mixed doubles at the US Open and the National Championships.
Matt Wright had a long partnership with Riley Newman, during which time they medaled in all 27 events they played together. In 2023, Riley Newman and Matt Wright parted ways.
Wright has also collaborated with other top players in the sport, including Kyle Yates and Ben Johns.
Partnership with Lucy Kovalova
Wright’s partnership with Lucy Kovalova has been one of the most successful in the sport of pickleball. Together, they have won gold medals in mixed doubles at the US Open and the National Championships. Kovalova is known for her impressive skill level and competitive drive, and her partnership with Wright has been a force to be reckoned with in the pro pickleball world.
What Gear and Equipment Does Matt Wright Use?
Matt Wright is known for using high-quality gear and equipment during his pickleball matches. He has a variety of sponsors, including Onix and Evoke Premier Pickleball, who provide him with top-of-the-line gear.
Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle
Matt Wright often uses the Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle during his matches. This paddle is known for its power and control, making it a great choice for players who want to dominate the court. It features a carbon fiber face and a polymer core, which combine to create a paddle that is both lightweight and durable. The paddle also has a comfortable handgrip, which helps players maintain a secure grip during intense rallies.
Other than the Evoke Premier Pickleball Paddle, Matt Wright also uses a variety of other paddles from his sponsor, Onix. He is known to switch between paddles depending on the match and his opponent.
What Pickleball Shoe Does Matt Wright Wear?
In addition to his paddle, Matt Wright also uses a variety of other gear, including shoes and paddles. He often wears shoes from his sponsor, Babolat, which are designed specifically for pickleball. These shoes provide excellent grip and support, which is essential for players who want to move quickly and change direction easily on the court.
When it comes to racquets, Matt Wright has used both wooden and composite paddles in the past. However, he now primarily uses composite paddles because they offer more power and control than wooden paddles.
Life Outside the Court
Matt Wright is not only a successful pickleball player, but he is also a full-time corporate attorney. He earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, where he honed his legal skills and knowledge. After graduation, he began practicing law and has since gained a reputation as a skilled and knowledgeable attorney.
Career as a Corporate Attorney
As a corporate attorney, Matt Wright works with businesses to help them navigate the legal landscape. He advises clients on a wide range of legal issues, including contracts, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance. He also helps businesses with mergers and acquisitions, providing legal guidance throughout the process.
Matt Wright’s legal expertise is highly valued by his clients, who appreciate his ability to provide clear and practical legal advice. He is known for his attention to detail, his ability to identify potential legal issues before they become problems, and his commitment to providing exceptional client service.
Despite his demanding legal career, Matt Wright still finds time to pursue his passion for pickleball. He has found that playing pickleball helps him to stay focused and energized, and he enjoys the challenge of competing at the highest level of the sport.
What Is Wright’s Online Presence?
Matt Wright has a strong online presence, with active accounts on multiple social media platforms. In this section, we will explore his social media accounts and how he uses them to connect with fans and promote the sport of pickleball.
Social Media Accounts
Matt Wright is active on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where he shares updates about his pickleball career and personal life. With over 20,000 followers on Instagram and over 8,000 followers on Twitter, he has a significant following on these platforms.
On Twitter, Matt shares updates about his pickleball matches, training sessions, and tournaments. He also retweets posts from other pickleball players and organizations, helping to promote the sport to a wider audience. Matt’s Instagram account features photos and videos of his matches, training sessions, and personal life, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at his life as a professional pickleball player.
Matt’s Facebook account is primarily used to share updates about his matches and tournaments, as well as to connect with fans and other players in the pickleball community. He also uses Facebook to promote pickleball events and to share news and articles about the sport.
Overall, Matt Wright’s social media accounts provide a valuable way for fans to connect with him and stay up-to-date on his pickleball career. By sharing updates and insights into his life as a professional player, he helps to promote the sport and inspire others to get involved.
Personal Details
Matt Wright is a professional pickleball player who has made a name for himself in the sport. He was born on May 6, 1977, which makes him 46 years old as of 2023. He is right-handed, which is a common trait among many pickleball players. At 6’2″ tall, Wright has a height advantage over many of his opponents, which he uses to his advantage on the court.
Off the court, Wright has a full-time job as a corporate attorney in Wichita, Kansas. He has been able to balance his professional life with his passion for pickleball, which is a testament to his dedication and work ethic.
Wright’s passion for sports dates back to his college days when he was the #1 tennis player at the University of Michigan. His transition to pickleball in 2016 was a natural one, given his background in racquet sports.
Wright’s success in pickleball has been remarkable, considering he has only been playing for a short time. He has won numerous championships, including 4x USA National Champion, 7x US Open Champion, and 2x Tournament of Champions Gold Medalist. He is currently the #2 ranked pro player in both Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
Wright’s rise to the top of the pickleball world is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to the sport. He continues to inspire others to take up the game and push themselves to be the best they can be.
Business Ventures
Matt Wright is not only a top-ranked pickleball player, but he is also a savvy businessman. He has been involved in several business ventures that have helped him grow his brand and his net worth.
One of his most prominent business ventures is his partnership with Competitive Social Ventures (CSV). CSV is a company that partners with top pickleball pros to open venues across the United States. Matt Wright joined CSV in 2022 as a Pickle & Social brand investor and part of the CSV family. He is one of the top-ranked pickleball players who have partnered with CSV to open venues across the country.
Another business venture that Matt Wright has been involved in is his partnership with Selkirk Sport, a leading pickleball equipment manufacturer. Matt Wright is one of the brand ambassadors for Selkirk Sport, and he has helped promote their products through his social media channels. He has also helped Selkirk Sport develop new products that are specifically designed for pickleball players.
Matt Wright has also been involved in several other business ventures, including his partnership with Pickleball Central, a leading pickleball retailer. He has helped promote their products through his social media channels and has also been involved in product development.
Overall, Matt Wright’s business ventures have helped him grow his brand and his net worth. He is a savvy businessman who has leveraged his success as a pickleball player to create new opportunities for himself and others in the sport.
Community Involvement and Coaching
Matt Wright is not only an accomplished pickleball player but also an active member of the pickleball community. He is committed to helping the sport grow and thrive, especially among younger players.
Wright has been involved in coaching for several years and has worked with players of all ages and skill levels. He has conducted clinics and camps across the country, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of pickleball players.
Wright’s coaching philosophy is centered around commitment and hard work. He believes that players can achieve their full potential with dedication and effort. He emphasizes the importance of developing good habits and techniques early on to avoid bad habits that can be difficult to break later.
In addition to coaching, Wright is also involved in various community initiatives. He has participated in charity events and tournaments to raise funds for local organizations. He also volunteers his time to help promote pickleball and encourage more people to get involved in the sport.
Wright’s commitment to the pickleball community extends beyond the court. He is an ambassador for the sport and is always looking for ways to promote it to a wider audience. His passion for pickleball is infectious, and he is always eager to share his love for the sport with others.
Overall, Matt Wright’s involvement in coaching and community initiatives demonstrates his commitment to growing and promoting pickleball. His dedication to the sport has made him a respected figure in the pickleball community, and his coaching has helped many players achieve their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova married?
No, Matt Wright and Lucy Kovalova are not married. They are playing mixed doubles together and have achieved great success in the sport.
What is Matt Wright’s age in pickleball?
As of September 2023, Matt Wright is 30 years old.
What is Matt Wright’s background in tennis?
Before he started playing pickleball, Matt Wright was a tennis player at the University of Michigan. He was the #1 tennis player at the university before he discovered pickleball in 2016.
What is Matt Wright’s profession outside of pickleball?
Matt Wright is a corporate attorney based out of Wichita, Kansas
What is Lucy Kovalova’s age in pickleball?
As of September 2023, Lucy Kovalova is 28 years old.
Who is Riley Newman in the world of pickleball?
Riley Newman is a professional pickleball player who has won several major tournaments. He has played with and against Matt Wright in various competitions.
What pickleball paddle does Lucy Kovalova use?
Lucy Kovalova uses the Onix Evoke Premier and the Onix Mayhem pickleball paddles in competition.
Who is the highest-paid pickleball player?
Ben Johns is the highest-paid pickleball player, with earnings over $200,000.
What pickleball paddle does Ben Johns use?
Ben Johns uses the Selkirk Vanguard Power Air Invikta pickleball paddle.
