Jessica Stout

Jessica Stout never imagined herself becoming a competitive pickleball player. However, when her husband began dedicating more and more of his free time to playing at the local courts, she realized that if she wanted to spend time with him, she needed to pick up a paddle herself. “At that point, he didn’t even have his own paddle; he would borrow one just to squeeze in a few games whenever he could,” she reminisces. “It was clear that if I wanted to see him and enjoy our time together, I had to dive into the world of pickleball!”

What started as a way to bond with her husband soon transformed into a deep-rooted passion for the sport. After dedicating some time to learning the fundamentals of the game, a close friend encouraged Jessica to join her in a local tournament. To her surprise and delight, they emerged victorious! The exhilarating rush of competition, combined with a newfound desire to improve her skills, ignited a fire within her that has yet to be extinguished.

Fast forward ten years, and Jessica has blossomed into a well-respected figure in the vibrant pickleball community of Utah. Residing in Pleasant Grove, she expertly balances her time between teaching aspiring players and competing in tournaments. She is particularly dedicated to running leagues and conducting clinics, focusing on beginner adult players. Jessica takes immense joy in introducing newcomers to the game, watching as their skills develop and their confidence flourishes on the court.

For her games, Jessica relies on the ONIX Malice paddle, skillfully rotating between the 14mm and 16mm versions based on her specific needs during matches. “What I appreciate most is the incredible power and spin I can generate with it,” she shares enthusiastically. “The ONIX equipment is consistently reliable and incredibly durable; it’s the kind of gear I can trust when I’m out there competing on the court.”

One of the aspects that Jessica cherishes the most about pickleball is the strong sense of community that comes with the sport. “Whether they are fellow players I regularly compete against or students I have taught, they have all become cherished friends. I find that I learn so much from everyone around me, which only enhances my love for the game,” she expresses with warmth.

Jessica's dedication and hard work have also translated onto the national stage; she proudly holds titles as a Nationals and US Open champion in 5.0 Singles, with significant wins in 2017 and 2018. Continuously aspiring for greatness, she sets both short-term and long-term goals, with aspirations for further growth as a player, coach, and competitor.

Currently, Jessica teaches at Summit Athletic Club, where she has witnessed the pickleball program evolve tremendously, expanding from just 4 courts to an impressive 14 courts. “It’s truly rewarding to see so many people enthusiastic about learning and enjoying themselves while playing,” she remarks.

For those interested in exploring Jessica's curated pickleball shop recommendations, click this link.