John Lucian Goins has quickly become a name to circle whenever draws are released.

With standout singles results on the PPA Tour and a strong showing in Major League Pickleball, he enters the season with serious momentum.

In a recent appearance on the King of the Court podcast, Goins looked back on several pivotal moments that fueled his rise through the pro ranks.

One of Goins’ standout achievements is taking down Ben Johns in singles—not once, but twice. Beating the game’s G.O.A.T. is a statement. Doing it two times makes it hard to ignore.

King of the Court co-host Tyler Loong asked Goins what’s clicking in his game that’s led to those signature victories.

“Honestly, serving big and trying to pass him,” explained Goins. “If I keep the passes low, that works well against him because sometimes you’ll get a higher second volley.” 

Goins isn’t just elevating his game on the court—he’s doing it in the classroom, too, balancing pro competition with online classes at the University of Florida.

Another key chapter in his rise came when he was drafted by the St. Louis Shock at the start of the 2026 MLP season. There, he trained alongside top talent like Gabe Tardio, Hayden Patriquin, Anna Bright, and Kate Fahey

Bright even handed Goins her own MLP awards honor for the player you’d most want on your side in a DreamBreaker—a pretty high compliment.

Later, a trade sent Goins and teammate Elsie Hendershot to the Chicago Slice, where both players found another level and made the most of their opportunity.

“You were the best player on the court. It felt like once you got off the Shock, you were able to spread your wings,” said podcast co-host Jimmy Miller. “In my opinion, you took the biggest step up out of any player in pickleball during MLP.”

“It was a really great experience playing for the Slice. Honestly, getting traded was probably really big for me because I really appreciated getting to play,” mentioned Goins. “I’m grateful to the Shock for that move.”  

Looking ahead, Goins is confident in what the Slice can accomplish next season.

“I think the Slice has done a great job building for the future,” he praised. “We weren’t expecting to make the playoffs this year, but for next year, our goals are going to be much higher—especially during the offseason when we’ll get to do more reps and more practice.”

Goins has his sights set on achieving a few key goals right now.

“In singles, I’d like to make a couple more finals and maybe win one,” he confirmed. “In doubles, I’d like to make the semi-finals or just make a deep run. I want to keep improving my game and getting better.” 

But despite those wins and defining moments, one of Goins’ favorite accomplishments remains winning back-to-back singles titles at just 17 years old.

“I was really proud of that,” he concluded. 

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