Kaitlyn Christian secured her first career PPA gold medal with an 11-3, 14-12 victory over Dominique Schaefer in the women’s singles final.

Christian—who is nearing the end of her first year competing full-time in pickleball—had been close to a title with three silver medals in 2024, but she finally struck gold in the Sunshine State on Sunday.

The No. 2 seed came out strong in Game 1, finding ways to get up to the kitchen line and finish points with well-placed volleys.

Schaefer responded well in the second game with some terrific passing shots, especially off the backhand wing, but Christian went on to save three game points before eventually closing out the match in two games.

Staying calm was crucial for Christian as she worked her way back into Game 2 to secure the win.

“Sometimes I tend to overplay and get too aggressive, so I just wanted to calm myself down a little bit and just remind myself that I’m playing for gold and to be grateful and happy for that, and then to just go for it,” she shared.

Christian has established herself as one of the top women’s singles players in pickleball this year, coming away with seven medals in the event.

She hopes to find similar success in doubles in 2025.

“I’m gonna be focusing a little more on mixed and women’s doubles, so hopefully you’ll see my name a little further in the draws there, but I’m excited to keep building on the singles,” she said.

In the bronze medal match, Mary Brascia defeated Helena Jansen 11-1, 12-10.