At just 17 years old, Jalina Ingram has become a household name in the world of professional pickleball, captivating fans with her skill, resilience, and inspiring personal story. Known as one of the youngest pros on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP), Jalina’s rise from a tennis prodigy to a pickleball sensation is nothing short of remarkable. This article dives deep into Jalina Ingram’s journey, exploring her early life, professional achievements, and the drive that makes her a standout in the sport.
Jalina Ingram Early Life and Adoption
Born in Tucson, Arizona, in 2007, Jalina Ingram faced challenges early in life. Unable to be cared for by her birth mother, Jalina was adopted at age six by her relatives, Marion and Michael Ingram, who became her foster parents before officially adopting her. Marion, originally from Trinidad and Tobago, and Michael, whom she met in North Carolina, provided Jalina with a loving home in Peoria, Arizona, a northwest suburb of Phoenix. This adoption marked a pivotal new beginning for Jalina, shaping her into the determined and driven individual she is today.
Marion, a former U.S. Army member, instilled in Jalina a strong work ethic and the importance of always having a backup plan. This mindset has been a cornerstone of Jalina’s success, both on and off the court. Her parents’ support and encouragement have been instrumental in her journey, fostering a drive for excellence that continues to propel her forward.
Jalina Ingram: From Tennis to Pickleball
Before dominating the pickleball courts, Jalina was a rising star in tennis. Her athletic prowess was evident early on, as she competed in junior tournaments, including the L5 Phoenix Jr. Challenger in 2023, where she posted an impressive 2-1 record in the Girls’ 18 & Under Singles category. Her tennis background honed her agility, precision, and competitive spirit, skills that seamlessly translated to pickleball when she made the switch.
Jalina’s transition to pickleball was a game-changer. She quickly adapted to the sport’s unique demands, leveraging her tennis-honed reflexes and strategic thinking to excel. By 2023, she was competing in professional pickleball tournaments, marking the beginning of her meteoric rise. Her ability to compete against seasoned pros at such a young age caught the attention of the pickleball community, setting the stage for her professional contracts.
Jalina Ingram: Signing with PPA Tour and MLP
In a landmark moment for her career, Jalina Ingram signed exclusive contracts with the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour) and Major League Pickleball (MLP) in 2025, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s brightest young talents. These contracts, announced in May 2025, made her one of the youngest players to join the premier global pickleball tour and league, aligning her with top pros like Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns.
The PPA Tour, known for hosting the world’s top players, offers Jalina a platform to compete in high-stakes singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events. MLP, with its team-based format and celebrity owners like LeBron James and Naomi Osaka, provides her with additional opportunities to shine in a dynamic, co-ed setting. These contracts mark a significant milestone, reflecting Jalina’s rapid ascent and the confidence that elite organizations have in her potential.
Jalina Ingram: Achievements and Wins
Jalina Ingram’s pickleball career is already decorated with impressive achievements. Since turning pro, she has competed in 13 professional tournaments, participating in 39 career matches as of May 2025. Her singles and doubles performances have showcased her versatility and tenacity, earning her a reputation as a formidable competitor.
Here are some of Jalina’s standout victories and results:
- October 2024: Defeated Alex Walker in singles, 2-11, 11-6, 11-6, demonstrating her ability to stage comebacks against tough opponents.
- February 2025: Secured a commanding singles win over Helena Spiridis, 11-3, 11-6, highlighting her dominance on the court.
- Other Notable Singles Wins: Triumphed over top players like Alix Truong and former tennis star Genie Bouchard, proving her ability to compete with the best.
- Doubles Success: Partnered with Rio Newcombe to defeat Tatiana Ruhl and Juan Benitez, marking her best doubles win to date.
- Mixed Doubles Highlight: Alongside James Kaoma, Jalina was part of the only mixed doubles team to take a game off Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns at the Cape Coral Open in March 2025, losing narrowly 2-11, 11-7, 2-11.
Jalina’s performance at the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball Nationals further underscored her talent. She earned:
- Gold in Women’s Singles 5.5/6.0 (19-39): Outshining competitors like Keilly Ulery and Alexis Stein.
- Silver in Mixed Doubles 6.0 (19-39): Partnered with Andy Lum, she secured second place behind Kelly Chen and Mark Wei.
- Silver in Women’s Doubles 6.0 (19-49): Teamed with Melissa Ferger, finishing just behind Tia Elpusan and Chloe Pham.
Additionally, Jalina achieved a triple crown at the PPA Tour Masters in 2024 at the 5.0 level, winning gold in singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles an extraordinary feat for a player of her age.
Jalina Ingram: Training and Mentorship
Jalina’s success is no accident; it’s the result of rigorous training and mentorship from top Arizona pros. She regularly trains with players like Lindsey Newman, Andre Mercado, Jace Morris, and Craig Johnson, honing her skills in a competitive environment. Her sessions with Kyle Koszuta, a trusted pickleball content creator known as “That Pickleball Guy,” have been particularly impactful. Koszuta noted, “In that year in between, her rise has been incredible. If she continues training and progressing at this rate, she is going to be a top star in pickleball.”
Jalina’s dedication to improvement is evident in her ambitious goals for 2025:
- Become a Top 20 Singles player on the PPA Tour (currently ranked 29th in The Race Points).
- Reach the semi-finals in a PPA Tour singles event.
- Find a high-level women’s doubles partner to train and grow with.
- Make the quarter-finals in a PPA Tour mixed doubles main draw event.
Her mixed doubles game, already a strength, continues to evolve as she competes alongside talented partners like Andre Mercado and James Kaoma.
Jalina Ingram: Personal Life
Beyond the court, Jalina is a high school senior at Arizona Connections Academy, set to graduate in May 2025. Her mother, Marion, has ensured she remains prepared for life after pickleball, emphasizing education and versatility. Jalina’s balanced approach to her career and personal life reflects the values instilled by her adoptive parents, who have been her biggest cheerleaders.
Jalina’s adoption story resonates with many, serving as a testament to the power of second chances and family support. Her journey from a challenging early childhood to international pickleball stardom is an inspiration, earning her a growing fanbase on social media, where she shares updates via her Instagram handle, @jalinayalina.
Jalina Ingram’s Career Highlights
| Event/Tournament | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| PPA Tour Masters (2024) | Triple Crown (5.0 Level) | Gold in Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles |
| Biofreeze USA Pickleball Nationals (2024) | Gold: Women’s Singles 5.5/6.0 | Defeated Keilly Ulery and Alexis Stein |
| Biofreeze USA Pickleball Nationals (2024) | Silver: Mixed Doubles 6.0 | Partnered with Andy Lum |
| Biofreeze USA Pickleball Nationals (2024) | Silver: Women’s Doubles 6.0 | Partnered with Melissa Ferger |
| October 2024 Singles | Win over Alex Walker | Score: 2-11, 11-6, 11-6 |
| February 2025 Singles | Win over Helena Spiridis | Score: 11-3, 11-6 |
| Cape Coral Open (March 2025) | Mixed Doubles Game Win | Took a game off Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns with partner James Kaoma |
Read more: The Most Expensive Pickleball Paddle in 2025
Why Jalina Ingram is a Name to Watch
Jalina Ingram’s rapid rise in pickleball is a testament to her talent, work ethic, and unyielding determination. At just 17, she’s already competing with and defeating some of the sport’s biggest names, earning her a spot among the elite. Her story of overcoming early challenges through adoption and excelling in a new sport resonates with fans worldwide, making her a relatable and inspiring figure.
As she continues to climb the PPA Tour rankings and compete in MLP events, Jalina is poised to become a top star in pickleball. Her blend of athletic prowess, strategic gameplay, and personal charisma ensures that the pickleball world will be buzzing about her for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Jalina Ingram in pickleball?
Jalina Ingram is a 17-year-old professional pickleball player from Peoria, Arizona, who signed with the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball in 2025. Known for her tennis background and notable wins over players like Helena Spiridis, Alix Truong, and Genie Bouchard, she’s one of the sport’s youngest pros.
What are Jalina Ingram’s biggest pickleball achievements?
Jalina has achieved a triple crown at the 2024 PPA Tour Masters (5.0 level), won gold in Women’s Singles 5.5/6.0 at the 2024 Biofreeze USA Pickleball Nationals, and secured silver in Mixed and Women’s Doubles 6.0. She’s also defeated top players like Alex Walker and Helena Spiridis in singles.
What is Jalina Ingram’s adoption story?
Born in Tucson, Arizona, in 2007, Jalina was adopted at age six by her relatives, Marion and Michael Ingram, after her birth mother was unable to care for her. Her adoptive parents have supported her journey from Peoria, Arizona, fostering her drive and resilience.
Which pickleball tournaments has Jalina Ingram competed in?
Jalina has competed in 13 professional tournaments, including the PPA Tour Masters, Biofreeze USA Pickleball Nationals, and the Cape Coral Open. She’s participated in 39 career matches as of May 2025, excelling in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
What are Jalina Ingram’s goals for her pickleball career?
Jalina aims to become a Top 20 Singles player on the PPA Tour, reach a singles semi-final, find a consistent women’s doubles partner, and make the quarter-finals in a PPA Tour mixed doubles event by the end of 2025.
Conclusion
Jalina Ingram’s journey from a challenging childhood to pickleball stardom is a powerful story of resilience, talent, and unwavering support. At just 17, she has already achieved what many athletes dream of, from signing professional contracts with the PPA Tour and MLP to defeating top players and earning medals at national tournaments. Her adoption by Marion and Michael Ingram gave her the foundation to chase her dreams, and her dedication to pickleball has made her a role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.
As Jalina continues to compete on the global stage, her future in pickleball looks brighter than ever. With ambitious goals, top-tier mentorship, and a growing fanbase, she is well on her way to becoming one of the sport’s all-time greats. Follow Jalina Ingram’s inspiring journey on Instagram (@jalinayalina) and watch as this young star redefines what’s possible in pickleball.
