Allyce Jones is a fan favorite on tour.

Known as “Mighty Mouse,” she energizes every match with her intensity and is especially recognized for her signature diving plays reminiscent of volleyball.

Jones also opened up about her journey, explaining how she transitioned from working as a full-time teacher to competing as a professional pickleball athlete.

“I started playing pickleball during COVID. I was teaching my high school students online, my kids were at home, and in the afternoon, I was going nuts,” shared Jones. “One day, we went to my high school gym with my parents, teachers, and staff. My mom saw pickleball on YouTube, and we started playing. And then I got addicted.” 

After Jones realized how much she loved the game, her husband, Ryan, surprised her with a memorable birthday gift — a private lesson with local pickleball pro Callie Smith.

“During the lesson, I realized that I could keep up. Obviously, she was better than me, but I could stand my ground,” she explained. “I went back home after and my husband looked at me and said, ‘That’s why I got you the lesson. I want you to see what I see.’ My husband knew I could be a pro before I did.”

After their session, Smith immediately recognized that Jones had genuine potential to pursue a professional career.

“When she came out for the lesson, she was really good,” said Smith. “Her foot positioning was awesome, so because of that, she had great footwork. Her ball digging capabilities is insane, and I think she’s just progressed with that over time. But it was amazing right at the start.”

“When I first started out, I didn’t know how to dink. I just kept the ball down, and I wasn’t creating patterns or figuring out speedups or creating patterns against certain opponents,” said Jones. “Back then, I was just making balls and putting balls away. But now, I create those openings to put the ball away.”

Over the years, Jones has enjoyed refining her game into what it has become today.

“I’ve improved on putting a lot of spin on the ball getting into the kitchen. Anna Leigh Waters does this super well. She puts a lot of topspin as she gets to the kitchen,” explained Jones. “I still use my slice, especially on my backhand, but on my forehand, I’ve improved with getting more aggressive with my drops.”

Smith noted that while Jones’ offensive skills have grown, it was her athleticism and competitive mindset that signaled she had what it takes to go pro.

“She was super athletic from the get-go and always has the desire to win,” praised Smith. “That hasn’t left her, so it’s fun to see her out on the court looking to hit the championship and the podium every single time.”

Today, Smith and Jones train together regularly in Utah, have traveled and competed in tournaments side by side, and have grown close enough that their families are now friends.

Not bad for something that all started with a birthday gift.

“We drill together all the time,” concluded Smith. “It’s been a great time playing with her and watching her grow in the sport.”

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