When one door closed, another court opened — discover how Pickleball champ Lauren Mercado turned a setback into a smashing comeback.
At just 17 years old, Fil-Am athlete Lauren Mercado is proof that sometimes, redirection is a blessing in disguise.
Once set to play in the prestigious Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball circuit, Lauren’s hoops journey came to a sudden halt when the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. But what could have been a dead end turned into a fresh beginning—one that led her to an unexpected new passion: pickleball.
Armed with zero tennis background but full of determination, Lauren picked up a paddle and never looked back.
“I think my court vision helps with basketball ‘cause I was a point guard,” Lauren shared. “So I think that helps with just being on the court and seeing the shots I have to hit…”
Her basketball instincts kicked in on the pickleball court—from reading the game to making lightning-fast footwork decisions.
“You’re doing a lot of baseline to baseline moving and going up to the kitchen is a lot of movement. So that definitely helps with basketball.”
But the transition wasn’t without challenges.
“The only thing that I’m still learning from not having a tennis background is obviously the swing and the ground strokes,” she admitted. “But other than that, it’s been great!”
Lauren earned her first win in 2021, followed by another in 2023—quick milestones for someone who once barely knew the rules. Now, she’s turning her passion into purpose.
Her current goal? To help pickleball grow in the Philippines.
She’s been touring various active lifestyle hubs, teaching the basics, and inspiring others—especially the youth—to give the sport a try. With every swing, Lauren proves that sometimes, the pivot leads to the purpose.
From running plays as a point guard to hitting precision shots across the kitchen line, Lauren Mercado is redefining what it means to be an athlete—
and she’s just getting started.
Watch the full interview here:
With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports