News Summary

Laura Jaget, a former tennis star from Las Vegas, has transformed into a pickleball champion. After a 30-year break from competitive sports, she found her passion again through pickleball and is now representing the U.S. in the Maccabi Games. Her journey highlights not only her personal comeback but also the rising popularity of pickleball, a sport gaining recognition across the country. As she prepares for the games in Israel, Laura’s story inspires aspiring athletes in her community.

Las Vegas Tennis Star Transforms into Pickleball Champion for Maccabi Games

Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement over the inspiring story of Laura Jaget, a former tennis star turned pickleball sensation. The history of this local athlete is as remarkable as it is motivating. Once a standout tennis player at Valley High School, Laura helped the Viking Rackets secure an impressive run of consecutive undefeated seasons from 1981 to 1983, all while establishing herself as a formidable presence in Nevada’s sports scene.

A Legacy of Athletic Excellence

Jaget’s contributions to girls’ tennis at Valley High remain unmatched, as she was not only ranked the top player in Nevada but also made waves nationally, landing as the 54th best player in the country! With multiple MVP honors under her belt and a state singles championship win in 1984, Laura had an undeniable presence in the world of tennis.

Her talent earned her a full-ride scholarship to the University of California San Diego, where she quickly became the Most Valuable Player as a freshman and was named Most Improved Player in her sophomore year. With such an impressive track record, Laura was soaring high.

The Long Break from Competition

However, after many years of intense training, burnout set in during her early twenties. Laura gave away her tennis gear and decided to step away from competition for almost 30 years. But a life-changing experience in Oregon helped her rediscover her passion.

While in Oregon, Laura stumbled across the exhilarating world of recreational pickleball. This new game rekindled her competitive spirit, and in 2019, she started with a bang! Rising through the ranks, Laura quickly achieved near-pro skills, reaching a remarkable proficiency level of 5.0.

On to the Maccabi Games

In 2024, Laura took a leap of faith and auditioned for the Maccabi USA pickleball team, aiming for the Masters Division. To her astonishment, and the delight of many, she secured a spot in the more rigorous Open Division. This achievement speaks volumes about her dedication and resilience in the face of challenges.

For Laura, representing the United States and the Jewish community in the upcoming Maccabi Games, also celebrated as the Jewish Olympics, is a dream come true. With the games taking place from July 8 to 22 in Israel, Laura and over 11,000 participants from around the world are gearing up to feature in a diverse array of 42 different sports. This year will mark a historic debut for pickleball at the Maccabi Games, and Laura is thrilled to be at the forefront.

Raising the Profile of Pickleball

Her hope is that her participation sparks greater interest in the sport. Reports from the Sports and Fitness Industry Association highlight pickleball as the fastest-growing sport in the United States for three consecutive years, affirming that it’s not only easy to grasp but also challenging to perfect.

As news of Laura’s selection spread, friends, family, and former teammates rallied around her, showing their support and excitement. To help ease the financial burden of her trip to Israel, her children even launched a GoFundMe campaign, showing the strong familial and community spirit that Laura has fostered through her journey.

Laura Jaget’s story illustrates not only an extraordinary personal comeback but also the growing accessibility and popularity of pickleball, a sport that welcomes players of all ages and skill levels. With her eyes set on the Maccabi Games and an enthusiasm for the game that fueled her return to the competitive scene, Laura is a true role model for aspiring athletes everywhere.

As her journey unfolds, the city of Las Vegas stands proud of its champion. Who knows? Perhaps Laura will inspire a new generation of pickleball players keen to carve their paths just like she did!

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