Filipino-American Lauren Mercado, a former aspiring basketball player whose hoop dreams were temporarily sidelined by the pandemic, has found remarkable success in the world of professional pickleball.
The Las Vegas-based 17-year-old, who once aimed for the competitive US Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), discovered pickleball as a casual game with her father.
What began as a way to pass the time quickly evolved into a full-fledged obsession. Despite having no prior tennis experience, Mercado’s natural athleticism translated seamlessly to the pickleball court. By 2023, just two years after her first tournament win in 2021, she was competing against top professionals in the PPA, APP, and USA Pickleball circuits.
Mercado’s rapid rise is highlighted by numerous achievements, including multiple Top 16 finishes in APP Pro events, a 1st Place victory in Women’s Pro at the 2024 Canada-USA Challenge, and a 1st Place finish in Mixed Open at the 2024 PNW Classic & Frontier Days Bend. Notably, she also secured the title of 2023 USA Pickleball Mixed Doubles National Champion.
Local pickleball fans will have the opportunity to witness Mercado’s skills firsthand as she is scheduled to appear at the SM Active Hub to share her passion for the sport and inspire young players.
- April 11, SM Mall of Asia: Get a chance to meet and greet Lauren Mercado—and possibly play pickleball with her, too.
- April 12, SM Megamall and SM Bicutan: Watch a high-energy clinic and exhibition match.
- April 13, SM Southmall, SM City Marikina, SM City Sta. Mesa: Join a pickleball clinic and watch for special appearances by Lauren Mercado at the courts.
