Premier Pickleball League returns next week – as does the MVP from Match Weekend 1, Lauren Gosling – the competition’s youngest player.
“I’d been so excited and counting down to the first PPL weekend, and honestly it felt like everything about it was a highlight,” she tells Pickleball 52. “It was a dream start – from the atmosphere to realising just how great a team I’m part of. Playing alongside Tash [Natasha-Lara Hood] was a highlight. We’ve competed against each other before but never on the same side of the net, so that was really special.”
Lauren’s team R3 leans towards the younger end of the demographic, even if she is the baby of the competition.
“The team is full of energy and we’re so supportive of each other. Being the youngest doesn’t feel intimidating at all because everyone’s so encouraging – it feels like we’re all learning and pushing each other to be our best.”
Lauren wasn’t expecting to be drafted, and found out in a fairly unlikely place.
“I actually found out while I was at the park with my mum and brother! My dad was keeping an eye on the draft and called me as soon as my name came up. I was so relieved – I wasn’t confident I would be picked, so it was a real rush of excitement.”
It comes during a year in which the teenager picked up an impressive silver medal at the English Nationals.
“I love playing singles, so I really enjoyed that tournament from start to finish. Bringing home a medal was amazing, but so was the atmosphere – all Pickleball England events have such a great buzz and it just makes you want to play your best.
“I particularly liked meeting and playing Gail Emms in the semi-final. It felt surreal after the match to learn that I had just competed with someone my dad previously watched winning an Olympic medal. I also play badminton so it was a great story to tell my coach!”
So next stop is Bolton for the PPL – and then a return to the town in a little over a month for another big occasion.
“I’m really looking forward to the next PPL weekend in Bolton – I can’t wait to see my team again and compete, especially because we’ll be on the show court this time which is so exciting.
“The other big event is the doubles Nationals. I’ll be teaming up with Emma Wrixon and Jack MacGregor – they’re both brilliant players and awesome partners – so I’m really excited about what we can do together.”
