Joey Wild first picked up a pickleball paddle in 2020 while studying for his master’s degree in Austin, Texas. A longtime soccer player with more than 20 years of experience and no previous racquet-sport background, Wild discovered pickleball after a friend introduced him to the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was hooked from day one and never returned to soccer.

Wild began playing with Jared Paul, founder of The Kitchen, and steadily developed his game over the following years. After moving back to Australia in 2023, he continued to pursue pickleball as the sport began emerging professionally in the country. His steady progression has ultimately led him to the PPA Tour, where he now competes as a professional player.