Meet Ava: Competitor, Student, and Pickleball Phenom
Ava Ignatowich didn’t grow up dreaming of playing professional pickleball—but if you’ve seen her play, you’d think she was born for it.
At 23 years old, the Darien, Connecticut native is a full-time student at the University of Miami, double majoring in economics and data science. Before discovering her passion for pickleball, Ava competed in Division I tennis at Davidson College. After transferring to Miami, she decided to step away from the tennis court—and unexpectedly found her way into something even bigger.
From Tennis Lessons to Tournament Podiums
Pickleball first came onto Ava’s radar through her older brother, James Ignatowich. He is a professional pickleball player himself, but her introduction to the sport wasn’t exactly conventional.
While working as a private tennis instructor, Ava’s manager asked, “Who here has heard of pickleball?” She raised her hand—and as a result, was instantly promoted to head coach. “I had no clue what I was doing,” she laughs. “I was teaching without knowing the rules.”
She told her brother about it, and he wasted no time signing her up for tournaments. Her first event? A pro tournament in New Jersey—where, despite having no idea she was violating rules like kitchen volleys, she placed third.
That accidental start sparked something real. Today, Ava plays full-time on the PPA Tour, specializing in both singles and doubles. She trains daily—on the court, in the gym, and in the weight room—with a single goal in mind: to be the number one player in the world.
The Gear That Keeps Her Grounded
A story many players can relate to, transitioning from tennis to pickleball brought new challenges—especially when it came to footwear.
“You can’t just be a pusher like in tennis,” Ava explains. “You’ve got to be aggressive. Singles takes a real toll on your feet.”
For a while, she wore ASICS Speed FFs—but they barely lasted. “I’d go through a pair a month. I was constantly slipping and sliding. Just ruining my shoes. I even had plantar fasciitis early on, and the recovery was brutal.”
Since switching to the SQAIRZ XRZ™ several months ago, she’s still on her first pair—and still impressed. “They hold up really well,” she says. “The toe box is roomier, which matters a lot. Sometimes, when you're playing singles and come to an abrupt stop, you stub your toe mid-point. These prevent that and I haven’t had plantar fascitis with them!"
But beyond comfort, it’s the performance benefits she notices most.
“Everything is important. If you're changing something that makes you just 1% better on the court, that makes such a difference. If my feet are hurting after a long singles day, I’m thinking about the next day. Shoes are so key. Everyone’s always complaining about their shoes—blisters are such a pain and I haven’t had that problem.”
No Days Off, and No Limits
Ava trains hard—every single day. From match play and drills to fitness and recovery, her schedule is packed. “If I don’t play for a day, I get depressed,” she admits with a smile, “pickleball is my happy time.”
Her mindset is clear: this isn’t just a passion—it’s a purpose. She’s already competed internationally, recently traveling to Japan and even playing with members of the Japanese government. “We played with the cabinet secretary of Japan. It was wild,” she says.
Next up? More international play, a full-out pursuit of the top ranking in the sport—and a brand-new chapter as a drafted pro for the Miami Pickleball Club in the Pro Pickleball League.
Pickleball With Purpose
Outside of competition, Ava’s found a deeper connection to the sport. One of her newest (and most meaningful) ventures is bringing pickleball into the lives of incarcerated people across the country through partnering with prisons.
“It’s just awesome. You see people who don’t get along in real life getting along on the pickleball court. Everyone’s just having fun—and for that moment, they’re on the same team.”
She also loves the social side of the sport—its accessibility, inclusiveness, and energy.
“Pickleball’s for everyone. All ages, all levels. That’s what makes it so special.”
Advice for Beginners (and a Style Tip)
If you’re new to the game and feeling unsure, Ava’s advice is simple:
“Just get out of your shell. Buy a paddle, go to your nearest park, and ask strangers to play. People will be happy to teach you—it’s a really welcoming community.”
And if you’re wondering what to wear? Ava’s go-to pickleball outfit is a classic black dress. Clean. Simple. Game-ready.
And on your feet? Well, SQAIRZ of course.