Eden Malloy did not grow up planning to pursue pickleball. Like many young athletes, she explored different paths before finding the sport that would define her daily routine and long-term goals. Today, she is a high school student who trains with intent, travels widely to improve her game, and measures success not only in medals but in progress.

 

Outside of pickleball, Eden focuses on conditioning training and occasionally plays tennis. That background helped build a base, but pickleball quickly became her priority. The turning point came when a neighbor, John Zoll, invited her to join him at the courts. What began as a casual outing soon turned into a habit. The atmosphere stood out to her right away. The games were competitive, yet the people were welcoming. Before long, she replaced tennis lessons with daily pickleball sessions, treating time on the court as her physical education class.

 

Eden first picked up a paddle in eighth grade. At the time, she played for enjoyment, learning through repetition and observation. At sixteen, her approach changed. Training became more focused, with attention given to fitness, strategy, and consistency. That shift marked the start of a more serious pursuit, one that required commitment and sacrifice.

 

What keeps Eden engaged is the balance pickleball offers. Matches can be intense, but the culture remains social. Over time, she has built a close network of friends through the sport, a group that supports her during long days of practice and travel. That sense of belonging has become as meaningful as competition itself.

 

Eden’s proudest moment so far was when she won her first 5.0 singles title at the PPA Cincinnati Showcase. The win represented more than a trophy: it confirmed that her training was paying off and that she could compete at a high level against experienced players. Level 5.0 is the highest amateur level in pickleball.

 

As Eden continues to develop, she has learned that access to strong competition is one of the sport’s biggest challenges. Many athletes at her level are training for professional play, and opportunities are not always local. To keep improving, she travels to areas with established training facilities. Her journey has taken her to South Florida, Kansas City, and Dallas, with Phoenix next on the list.

 

Eden’s list of achievements continues to grow. Early on, she partnered with another neighbor, Amanda Morgan, and the two earned multiple gold and silver medals. Along with Shay Dassa, they secured Golden Tickets to Nationals during her first year. That same season, the Kelly Plantation Pickleball Club honored Eden with a Shining Star plaque. Since then, she has won gold at every level from 3.0 to 5.0, placed fourth in Women’s Doubles 5.0 at the PPA World Championship in Dallas, and ranked sixteenth in the APP Next Women’s Top 20 for 2025.

 

Despite the accolades, Eden remains forward-looking. She does not count medals often, preferring to focus on qualifiers, rankings, and the next test ahead. For those hoping to follow a similar path, her message is clear: find what you love, train with purpose, play fair, stay positive, and surround yourself with people who push you to be better.

 

Shay Dassa has had the privilege of playing beside Eden for four years and watching her progress. He described her as a straight A honor student “who is the most remarkable young woman, who shows respect, kindness and humility. Her story is a true journey that began on our Kelly courts.”