Junior PPA standout Ella Evans was recently spotlighted by Queen City News in Charlotte for her courage and resilience following a devastating personal tragedy.

Back in February, Ella’s father, Jake, passed away at age 57 following a long health battle.

The 10-year-old rising pickleball star could've easily chosen to pack up her paddle for the season and put her tournament schedule on pause, but instead she continues to play the game she loves in her dad's honor.

"He was just the greatest father I could ask for," said Evans, who currently ranks second in gender doubles, fourth in singles, and eighth in mixed doubles in the Girls 12U age category. "Even though his loss hurt me, that just encouraged me to get better and better and tell myself that he’s cheering for me every single tournament."

No doubt Mr. Evans was behind his daughter every step of the way as she claimed gender doubles gold at the Veolia Atlanta Pickleball Championships over the weekend, adding more hardware to her already impressive collection. 

Evans' coach, Wynn Johnson, admires his pupil's competitive spirit.

"A lot players, a lot of people, that would break them," noted Johnson. "I mean, that’s her dad, and she has almost used it as an instrument, a tool, to motivate her even more, to play for something."

Talk about a youngster blessed with mental fortitude.

That always makes her an especially tough opponent to face.

"Once I get pretty hype, I just get so powerful, and then once I get powerful, I’m like winning, winning, winning, winning," explained Evans. "It probably just started at the NC tournament. At NC, I was just playing like a baller."

Evans has been playing pickleball since she was seven years old, and she's clearly trending in the right direction under Johnson's tutelage.

Her mother, Monica, fondly recalls the start of her daughter's journey.

"When she stepped on the court and she’s so fierce, it was just like ‘Oh my goodness. Who is this little girl? Where did she come from?’" she said.

Johnson can certainly attest to that.

He sees her remarkable work ethic on a regular basis at training sessions.

"She is an absolute dawg out there," he praised. "She doesn’t lose her focus. She really wants to win."

Ella and Monica have also launched a magazine for young pickleball athletes.

The Junior Spin should be a fun read.

"I would love just to inspire the other juniors in pickleball," concluded Evans. "Every single time you play pickleball, it makes you feel good."