With the sophomore season of the North-American-based Pro Padel League (PPL) rapidly approaching, more and more players are training hard in hopes of being selected in the upcoming PPL draft.
This includes numerous notable talents from abroad, like the U.K.’s Aimee Gibson and Louie Harris, who are both hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow Brit, Tia Norton, who helped the Las Vegas Smash win the first-ever PPL Cup in last year’s inaugural season.
Why This Side of the Pond, Why Now?
While Norton has already committed to play for the Smash again in 2024, Gibson — a former tennis coach who immediately committed herself to becoming a padel pro after discovering the sport in Dubai a few years back — says she would, “be honored to be considered by any of the teams.”
Gibson continues, “To be given the chance to play in the league is not only exhilarating but a huge challenge professionally. The PPL has attracted some exceptional players, and offers the opportunity to be a part of a fast-developing sport in America. There is nothing like this in the U.K., and it’s clear the PPL has vast potential to open the sport to all walks of life. Who would not want to be a part of that?!”
Meanwhile, on the men’s side of things, Harris also says he’d, “be more than happy to play for any team in the PPL” and further explains, “I first started playing around 2015 when I moved to Spain and found padel for the first time. I loved how it was such a social sport and easy to pick up. Seeing the growth of the sport and the opportunities coming from it pushed me to go pro.”
“America has always had a huge presence in all sports and I’d love to be able to show my skills on such a big platform as well as being able to explore some new territory,” he adds.
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Training
Of her training regimen heading into the Pro Padel League draft, Gibson says, “I am trying to do whatever I can to achieve my goal of playing in the PPL. I have structured lessons with Dan Troy three times a week and hit every day with other padel players. I’m trying to get as much match play as possible, and at present I’m in Spain for three weeks at the A2 Barcelona academy which is a great experience.”
The LTA No. 1 also notes, “I’m very committed to fitness and train in the gym daily, working with a program given to me by my Spanish fitness coach. I also take great care with my diet.”
Similarly, Harris tells me, “My current schedule consists of two on court padel sessions and one off court fitness session every day.”
In terms of the biggest strengths of their respective games, Harris — who recently signed a sponsorship deal with NOX — reports, “The strongest aspect of my game would be my overhead game especially the power smash.”
Meanwhile Gibson says, “My most impressive aspect is my consistency, and being left-handed, which I use to my advantage. Due to my tennis background, I am also very strong mentally during pressure points and never give up.”
Big Goals, Even Bigger Dreams
While Gibson and Harris are actively training with the goal of playing in the Pro Padel League this year, both also have other ambitions for their padel careers, as well.
“My ultimate goal in padel is to be the best in my country for as long as I can, whilst achieving the best international ranking possible. I’d like people to think of me as someone who always tried his best and always enjoyed any playing time on court,” Harris says.
Gibson shares that, “the potential to be a part of the PPL would be life changing” but also adds, “my ultimate goal in playing padel is to achieve a top 100 ranking or better!”
Then she concludes by saying, “I would like people to find me an approachable person, to be relatable to the public. To fans I have always wanted to seem fair, accessible, and an exciting player to watch who never gives up on a point. My fellow players I hope would respect my game and me as a person and want to be my partner.”
