How Local Athletes and Champions Master the Journey of Growing Up Pro

Paid coaches, livestreams and sponsorship deals are giving young athletes a pro-style platform – and pushing mere amateurs off the field. By Jimmy Magahern | Illustration by Luster Kaboom Beneath a vast white canopy at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, the stars of the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour enter the championship court to adrenalized rock music and bursts of theatrical fog. Even with September temps nearing 105 degrees, spectators fill aluminum bleachers on all f