Table of Contents
Introduction
Dylan Frazier, a rising star in the world of pickleball, has been making waves since his early teenage years. From a casual game with his family to becoming a nationally ranked player, Dylan’s passion and dedication to the sport are nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we’ll explore Dylan’s journey, his accomplishments, and his future in the world of professional pickleball.
Dylan Frazier’s Pickleball Journey
Born on December 8, 2001, in Columbia, MO, Dylan Frazier was first introduced to pickleball during a family vacation to Florida. His mother, who had played the sport in college, sparked his interest in the game. Dylan quickly fell in love with pickleball, and his family even built a full court in their backyard.
“We were visiting my mom’s parents in Florida and we played at a recreation center there just for fun,” Frazier said. “We actually really liked it, I think we played for three hours that day. We came back to Missouri and just started playing from there. We kept playing each week and started playing tournaments. The rest is history.”
Dylan attributes his success to an amazing support system made up of family and friends in the pickleball community, particularly in Columbia and St. Louis. “He’ll come to all my tournaments and watch and support. He’ll actually film all my matches too which is really helpful for me and some friends and family back in Missouri are able to watch that way.” Dylan said.
Dylan’s Journey to Professional Pickleball
1) Working Up the Ranks
Dylan’s journey to professional pickleball is a testament to his love for the sport and his desire to compete at the highest level. He began playing pro events at the age of 17, while still attending the University of Missouri. In 2020, Dylan achieved a 5.0 ranking, won a doubles world championship gold medal, and became nationally ranked for the first time. He continued to excel, climbing the ranks and earning a spot as the 7th ranked player in Men’s Singles and Doubles and the 5th ranked player in Men Mixed according to the World Pickleball rankings.
2) Major League Pickleball (MLP)
Dylan’s impressive skills have earned him a spot on the California BLQK Bears team in Major League Pickleball. He played a crucial role in helping the Bears reach the finals, where they took home a silver medal. Dylan’s passion for the sport shines through in the MLP format, as he appreciates the team camaraderie and unique partnerships that wouldn’t typically occur in regular tournaments.
“You also get different partnerships which is exciting too. Like Ben Johns playing with Tyler Loong, that would rarely happen in a regular tournament, and that same thing could be said for every single partnership in MLP probably…“ Dylan said.
3) Playing on the APP and PPA Pro Tours
Dylan has been a force to be reckoned with on both the APP and PPA pro tours. He participated in the Major League Pickleball League for the 2022 season, contributing to his team’s success. In 2023, he took home a gold medal at the Vulcan Indoor National Championship in men’s doubles alongside JW Johnson, marking his first gold of the season.
“If you can get a medal in one of those tournaments, that means you’re doing pretty well. But ultimately, I’d like to believe that I could eventually get to a point where I’m the best in the world. It won’t be easy, but that’s the goal. I’m going to keep practicing and playing all these tournaments against high-level players, and hopefully I can make it there.” Dylan said.
Despite his busy schedule, Dylan remains committed to his education, balancing his college studies with his professional pickleball career.
Dylan Frazier Pickleball Training and Techniques
One of his favorite drills is a game called 7-11, which helps players work on their transition zone skills. He also enjoys 1-on-1 drilling at the kitchen line, honing his dinking skills and ability to attack from various positions.
With his killer training techniques and years of experience, Dylan knows what it takes to succeed on the court. So, without further ado, here are his top three tips for improving your pickleball game:
- Drill with a Partner: There’s nothing quite like consistent practice to help you improve your game. Find a partner you enjoy playing with and make a regular habit of practicing together. This way, you’ll get plenty of reps in and be able to hone your skills in a comfortable, supportive environment.
- Play Against Higher Level Competition: Want to take your game to the next level? Challenge yourself by playing against players who are better than you. This will allow you to see what works and what doesn’t work at a competitive level, and you’ll be able to learn from your mistakes and adjust your play accordingly.
- Play in Tournaments: If you’re serious about pickleball, tournament experience is key. There’s nothing quite like the focus and intensity of a competitive tournament setting to help you up your game. Plus, you’ll have the chance to meet other players, make connections, and gain valuable experience that will help you improve over time.
So there you have it – Dylan’s top three ways to improve your pickleball game. Give them a try and see how they work for you
Dylan Frazier’s Pickleball Sponsorships
As Dylan’s on-court successes continued to mount, he began to draw the attention of major brands interested in partnering with him. one of them is Selkirk, a well-respected and established brand in the pickleball industry. Selkirk has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality equipment and gear, making them a perfect fit for Frazier’s needs. Frazier proudly sports the SELKIRK MEN’S REGAL SERIES SHORT SLEEVE CREW STRETCH-WIK, a performance-driven shirt designed to keep him comfortable and agile on the court. Additionally, Frazier carries the SELKIRK 2022 TOUR BACKPACK, a versatile and stylish bag that conveniently stores all his essential gear. Most importantly, Frazier plays with the Selkirk Labs Project 002 Paddle, an innovative and powerful paddle that has been tailored to match his unique playing style. This partnership with Selkirk demonstrates the trust Frazier places in their products and further solidifies his position as a top-tier pickleball athlete.
Conclusion
Dylan Frazier’s journey
in the world of pickleball is a testament to hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Despite his young age, he has already made significant strides in the sport and continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in pickleball.
As he looks forward to the future, Dylan hopes to continue inspiring others with his story and dedication to the sport. He aims to keep improving his game and climb higher in the world rankings while maintaining a healthy balance with his academic pursuits. With a bright future ahead, there’s no doubt that Dylan Frazier will continue to make waves in the pickleball community for years to come.
With more young talents like Dylan entering the scene, it is clear that pickleball’s popularity and growth show no signs of slowing down. As the sport continues to evolve and attract new players, we can expect more incredible stories of passion and dedication, just like Dylan Frazier’s, to emerge in the world of pickleball.
Interested in learning more about pickleball? Check out our dedicated category for pickleball players and their journey, equipment, training, and techniques for all skill levels ➡️ Pickleball Players