Gold Coast pickleball champion Lucas Pascoe joins the action at the Australian Open
Gold Coast teenager and AAF-supported athlete Lucas Pascoe has hit the headlines after heading to the Australia Pickleball Open in Melbourne.
The 18-year-old has only been playing pickleball since July 2022, but he’s quickly moved up the ranks and is now the number one junior player in Australia and Japan, and number five in the world under 19s.
As one of the world’s fastest growing sports, pickleball made its Australian Open debut on January 24, 2025, and Lucas was at the centre of the action – as the number four ranked Open male athlete in Australia.
As a Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Ambassador and Major League Pickleball Australia representative, Lucas, who lives at Broadbeach and plays for Gold Coast Eastern Rush, says it’s not hard to see why pickleball is so popular.
Figures from the Pickleball Board of Australia reveal between 40 and 50 new members join every day, with an estimated 25,000 people playing casually.
“Pickleball is really easy to get into because you don’t have to be super good to keep a rally going so it’s not too hard to get into at amateur level,” said Lucas.
“Unlike tennis, it feels like you are achieving on your first go because you can hit the ball over the net 10 to 15 times.
“You don’t have to be young either because it’s very inclusive, although anyone with a racket sports background does have an advantage. Although amateur players are older it’s important to note that at professional level players are mostly in their 20s.”
Pickleball follows a similar format to tennis but is considered easier because it is played on badminton-sized court with a paddle and perforated ball.
“I started playing pickleball when I was staying overnight at a friend’s house,” he said.
“He suggested I should play, and I loved it. Anyone with a racket sport background has an advantage, and although it started as a fun hobby, when I saw it taking off I decided to take it seriously.
“Now when my friends see the prize money I am winning they wish they had considered going professional too.”
Lucas’s dad Chris Pascoe is also a semi-professional pickleball player in an over 50s league and sits on the Pickleball Board of Australia. He said he was confident pickleball would be a sport at Brisbane 2032 and believes Lucas has what it takes to be there.
“He is a dedicated and exceptionally talented athlete at only 18-years-old and has dreams to represent Australia globally. His dedication to excellence extends beyond the game, making him not only a champion on the court but also a respected leader and role model in the community.”
A former student at King’s Christian College, Lucas has this year deferred a degree in Property Economics and Business at QUT to concentrate on pickleball.
He is also focusing on fundraising and is part of our Elevate 20 program, which aims to take his efforts to new heights with increased education and mentorship.
“It’s fantastic because it provides an understanding of how to get funding, promote yourself and build relationships through networking opportunities,” said Lucas.
Following the Australia Pickleball Open, Lucas is heading to India and then the United States. He has a busy schedule with a total of 18 tournaments lined up this year, including the PPA Tour Australia on the Gold Coast in August.
AAF Founder Natalie Cook OAM OLY, who has an ownership stake in pickleball team Gold Coast Glory, said it was great to be able to support Lucas through the AAF.
“Pickleball is not just a sport - it’s a movement bringing people of all ages and abilities together - and Lucas is a shining example of what’s possible with hard work and passion,” she said.
“His rapid rise to the top of the global junior rankings is a testament to his dedication and determination, and we’re so proud to support him through the Aussie Athlete Fund.
“As someone who has stood on the Olympic podium, I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I have no doubt Lucas has the talent and drive to achieve his dream of representing Australia in pickleball at Brisbane 2032, should it be included in the game roster.”