Louis Laville returns to the Premier Pickleball League this year after a season of absence.
He was competing in Australia during Season 3, and though he was still involved in the running of the PPL – which he describes as his “baby” along with Ed Hares and Sam Anderson – he didn’t step on court as a player.
“It’s really good to see the development in the UK and now being back on the Surrey Smash team this year is as exciting as ever,” he tells Pickleball 52.
“I haven’t won it yet and so that’s definitely a goal.”
The PPL – which begins in Bolton in July – expands for the coming season, to eight teams in the Premier division, eight teams in the Masters, and 12 in the Challenger.
“Every year has incredible talent,” he says. “This year, more teams, more players.”
He explains that with the growth of pickleball in the UK, they were keen to showcase more of the top talent across categories – adding that it was “awesome” to see so many people sign up for the draft.
“It’s my first time [back in the UK] playing since I went full-time playing professionally,” he goes on. “The depth, I think, has got a lot stronger in the UK in the last year, and that’s really, really exciting.”
Although Laville was based in Australia last year, he also had plenty of travel – and even though he’s back in the UK now, that jet-setting won’t change.
“Later this year, I’m going to America, Lithuania, Croatia,” he lists off. “I’m literally here, there and everywhere playing full time, but based back in the UK, which is nice, to be honest, being back home.”
And he offers an intriguing hint when it comes to future plans: “I’m going to be playing full-time for as long as possible and have lots of exciting things planned – so keep your eyes peeled.”
