BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Cami Gonzalez, a 15-year-old from Bentonville, made her mark in the pickleball world on Dec. 7, winning the Junior PPA Final Tournament in California.
“It felt really good, kind of to see all of the hard work and dedication that I've put in and kind of to see the fruits of my labor,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez has been competing in tournaments all year across the Midwest to prepare for this final moment in the Golden State.
“It requires a lot of prep, like weeks beforehand, months and I mean, it pretty much took my whole pickleball career led up to that moment," said Gonzalez. "It pretty much took my whole pickleball career up to that moment.”
Gonzalez picked up a paddle one year ago, as before, she was a full-time tennis player. Her coach, Shannon Hudson, says it's rare to see someone be as good as her in such a short amount of time.
“How fast she's been successful in the sport with only starting a year ago is just incredible; like, I don't think it's really heard of anywhere,” Hudson said.
After just one year of playing, competing in that gold medal match brought some nervousness.
“I was on the grandstand court; there were cameras on me, and there were commentators. It's definitely a nerve-wracking experience, especially for my first time on that big of a stage, but it's such a cool and unique experience that I know a lot of people don't get to have,” said Gonzalez.
Cami was the only Arkansan to qualify for this tournament, and her mom, Michelle, knows how much it meant to represent her state and town.
“There's a lot of people that have poured into her and so it was really fun to see for her to take the gold,” Michelle said. “We are so proud. She puts in hours and hours daily to get better. It is so satisfying to see your child really find her passion and then put in all the work and effort.”
Now, Cami just hopes she can bring pickleball to her school and represent Bentonville West on a varsity stage.
“It would be my absolute dream, kind of like representing your own school and, you know, maybe having it take it to collegiate levels, that's definitely the goal, to reach that high of a level, and then leading to pro and all,” said Cami.
Cami told us that she’s just getting started and is already preparing for her next tournament in Little Rock next month.
