Pickleball Magazine 5-5 WD | Page 72

USA Pickleball JUNIOR SPOTLIGHT

CARSON

KLINGERBy Bob Nibarger

USA PICKLEBALL JUNIORS COMMITTEE CHAIR

Fourteen-year-old Carson ( CJ ) Klinger from

Granville , Ohio , is a traveling pickleball player who is homeschooled and takes RV vacations with his family around pickleball tournaments . Not only are the trips adding medals to his trophy case , but the family also makes a point to stop at historic locations and to learn about various cultures .
Carson ’ s pickleball passion began while vacationing on Sanibel Island , where both he and his dad quickly became pickleball addicts . His favorite shot is his twohanded backhand crosscourt with topspin that he calls the “ creeper .”
Carson ’ s parents wanted to ensure that he was able to play regularly and since there weren ’ t any local courts nearby , they built their own in the backyard ! “ We built the court so Carson and I could play regularly , especially singles and to provide a place for others to have the opportunity to learn the game and play ,” said Carson ’ s dad , Darrin .
Carson is a member of the Columbus Pickleball Club and appreciates being sponsored by Selkirk ; he uses the Invikta Amped for singles and Epic Vanguard for doubles . This summer CJ won his first two 5.0 19 + gold medals in singles and doubles . Recently , he earned a silver in singles at the Mid Atlantic South Regional .
“ I was so happy to win my first 5.0 gold medal in singles and doubles , and especially to win with my dad ,” said Carson .
Before pickleball , Carson played a variety of sports , including soccer , basketball , baseball , karate , and tennis . He reached the # 1 ranking with tennis in the 10U USTA Ohio Valley District and remained highly ranked , playing up in 12U and 14U . In his spare time , Carson loves to be outdoors playing in the woods , building bonfires , hiking , biking , and building items in the workshop . He loves math and science and is interested in getting a college degree in nutrition and fitness . •
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