A Sunshine Coast resident has emerged as an ace in one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and says it is starting to hold court on the Sunshine Coast.
Ludovica Sciaky was essentially adjudged the best pickleball player in Australia in 2023, when she was recognised as the Most Valuable Player in the national league.
Pickleball has been touted as the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with an estimated nine million participants, and it’s gaining traction in Australia, with 149 clubs in the country.
Invented in the US in the 1960s, it is like tennis but played on a smaller scale.
It is contested on a 13.4m by 6.1m court with a 0.91m net. Singles and doubles players use small paddles and a plastic ball.
It’s attracted the interest and investment of sports stars and celebrities, including the likes of Lebron James, Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios and Kim Clijsters.
Former tennis talent Sciaky, who is a pickleball head coach and senior tennis coach at KT Academy on the Sunshine Coast, said there were many reasons the sport’s popularity was increasing.
“It is accessible to everyone, easy to learn but difficult to master,” she said.
“What I love most about the game is its fast-paced and dynamic nature, requiring strong skills in volleys, touch and quick reflexes.
“Given that my tennis style has always been aggressive, I’m accustomed to volleying a lot, making the transition to pickleball very enjoyable.”
She said pickleball was attracting more players and supporters in the region.
“The sport has indeed experienced growth on the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
“There are a few facilities that have permanent pickleball lines on their tennis courts.
“The KT Academy in Bli Bli, our second venue, stands out as it offers four dedicated pickleball courts.
“We’re eagerly awaiting a response from the city council regarding potential grants to build proper courts behind the tennis court at KT Academy Mooloolaba.
“This reflects the increasing interest and demand for pickleball in the region.
“And Sunny Coast local sponsors have joined in supporting the sport.”
Sciaky said the sport was suitable for all abilities.
“You can enjoy social pickleball across all the Sunshine Coast with opportunities for every age and skill level,” she said.
“At KT Academy, we offer a comprehensive program for any age and skill level featuring group and private coaching, clinics, social hits, leagues, events and tournaments.
“In addition, we host a specialised training pathway for young players with aspirations of becoming professional and joining the pro league one day.”
Sciaky was a promising tennis player whose career was cut short by injury.
Italian-born, she moved to Australia in 2013 and was eventually persuaded to try pickleball.
“I started playing pickleball at KT Academy after a few older tennis players invited me several times,” she said.
“Initially, I turned down their invitations because I had the misconception that pickleball was a sport for older individuals, and I was unaware of the vibrant community and excitement that surrounded it.
“Looking back, I regret those initial refusals because, from the moment I finally decided to give it a shot, I became completely addicted.”
She has made her mark as a player, coach and entrepreneur.
She played an exhibition match before the Asian Games in Beijing, won the Italian mixed doubles title, was adjudged best pickleball coach in Australia, and last year captained the Brisbane Breakers to the national league title.
She was delighted to be recognised as the best player in the Major Pickleball League Australia.
“It is an incredible feeling and it’s a validation of all the hard work I’ve put in,” she said.
“The year has been particularly challenging but moments like these make it all worthwhile.
“It’s a reminder that perseverance and dedication can lead to success. I’ll keep pushing myself to reach even greater heights in the future.”
Sciaky expressed her desire to captain the Breakers in this year’s national league, which is set to expand from four teams to 12 and into Asia and New Zealand, with an anticipated prize pool of $700,000.
She is also committed to her coaching at KT Academy, and she is set to launch a new business after relinquishing her shares in the Six Zero Pickleball company, an equipment venture she co-founded and established worldwide.
She was hopeful that pickleball would become an Olympic sport.
“It’s a dream of mine to play it on the grand stage one day,” she said.
Sciaky, who hopes to claim Australian citizenship, said it would be hard to choose a country to represent on the burgeoning international stage.
“Making that choice now would be challenging,” she said.
“I began playing pickleball in Australia and the community has become like a little family.
“We’ve grown the sport together since day one, and we continue to do so as a united group. It’s hard not to feel a strong sense of belonging to Australia.”
Sciaky said she relocated to Australia after an accident ended her tennis career.
“Seeking a fresh start, I travelled across the country, coaching tennis,” she said.
She pursued higher education in business entrepreneurship and, in 2020, founded LV Tennis Professional, a mobile tennis coaching company. The venture rapidly expanded from Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast.
“However, as 2021 drew to a close, visa challenges emerged,” she said.
“In order to ensure long-term stability in this beautiful country, I made the decision to pursue a sponsor visa, leading to the sale of my business activity.
“Subsequently, I secured sponsorship as the full-time head tennis coach at KT Academy, which will lead me to citizenship.”
And pickleball provided her with another chance to play at a high level.
“The spirit of competition was missing in my life, and I feel like pickleball is giving me a second chance with the racquet. It has made me feel reborn,” she said.
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