Every player's path to success in professional pickleball is different.

Case in point, China's Yufei Long, who deferred her PhD studies to embark on a journey towards pickleball stardom instead.

Long was accepted into biomedical informatics programs at the University of Washington and Washington University in St. Louis, but the offer to participate in the inaugural UPA Asia Trailblazers Program was just too good to pass up.

Participants are currently enjoying a three-month immersion program at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, AZ, receiving mentorship from American pros and expert coaches and media training to develop their personal brands, as well as competing in tournaments.

Graduates will receive UPA Asia touring contracts.

"I had invested months crafting potential research proposals and preparing applications," Long told South China Morning Post writer, Mike Chan, in a story published on June 1. "The sunk cost was high. I spent the whole of February evaluating the best option … I was choosing between two different life trajectories."

The 26-year-old obviously had a difficult decision to make.

She boasts a bachelor's degree in Biology from Boston College and a master's degree in public health from Vanderbilt University, so academics are clearly a priority.

Having played Division I tennis at both schools, though, she also loves to compete.

"Pickleball rekindled that drive while introducing me to new challenges," Long said. "When I went to my first local tournament, I realized I could not rely on my power and tennis technique only. Unlike tennis, pickleball demands more patience and precision than raw power. The "kitchen" battles require split-second decisions and fine motor control, creating a different tactical challenge than tennis."

Long has Olympic aspirations as well.

And it's just a matter of time before pickleball is finally accepted into those coveted ranks.

“Representing my country on that stage would be the ultimate dream,” Long said. “If the Olympic opportunity presents itself, it will shape my competitive timeline and training focus over the coming years.”

Long has certainly enjoyed success on the court of late.

She earned medals at the Baton Rouge PPA Challenger and Atlanta Slam.

Members of the UPA Asia Trailblazers Program will next compete at the Select Medical Orange County Cup from June 16-22 at Life Time Rancho San Clemente.

The first-ever PPA Tour Asia event – the Panas Malaysia Open – will be held from July 3-6 in Kuala Lumpur.