USA Pickleball, the National Governing Body for Pickleball in the United States, has appointed Steve Wong as its Vice President of Competition.
Wong is a key figure in the sport’s growth and will lead the competition department, focusing on expanding and streamlining sanctioned tournaments like the National Championships and regional events.
A Pivotal Role
Wong’s involvement with USA Pickleball dates back to its inception in 2005 when he played a pivotal role in establishing the organization. As a charter board member, he contributed significantly to its early structure and served as the first webmaster and later as vice president.
His leadership and vision have been instrumental in driving the sport’s remarkable expansion. Returning in 2012, he co-directed the USA Pickleball National Championships.
A Dedicated And Impactful Figure
Justin Maloof, USAP’s Chief Operating Officer, spoke enthusiastically about Wong’s return, acknowledging his contributions, which have spanned over two decades in the sport.
“On behalf of our team, I am thrilled to welcome Steve back to USA Pickleball. Steve was one of the first contacts I had the pleasure of meeting when I started at USA Pickleball a dozen years ago, and he’s been one of the most dedicated and impactful figures in pickleball over the last two decades.”
Wong has been comprehensively involved in pickleball since 1991. He founded S-Type Sports in 2005, which later became Onix Sports, a major player in the commercial paddle market. In 2019, he launched Armour Pickleball, stepping down as its CEO as part of his agreement with USAP.
Six USAP National Championships
Beyond entrepreneurship, Wong boasts an impressive competitive career, clinching numerous titles and medals since 2009, including six USA Pickleball National Championships.
Off-court, Wong co-founded Arizona’s Surprise Pickleball Association and has actively fundraised to build pickleball courts, positioning Surprise as a prominent hub for the sport. These efforts led to his induction into the Pickleball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Wong speaks passionately about his aims to elevate the sport further, even aspiring to see pickleball in the Olympics:
“I am beyond ecstatic to join USA Pickleball once again in this role of Vice President of Competition. I hope to incorporate my history and passion for the game to propel the sport to the next level and someday see pickleball in the Olympics.
“I’m looking forward to serving the pickleball community, and I appreciate everyone’s support for USA Pickleball!”
About USA Pickleball
USA Pickleball is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation governed by a Board of Directors. It focuses on promoting the sport’s development, sanctioning events, and providing its members with various benefits, including tournaments, education, rankings, and official rules.
USAP Sanctioned January Tournaments
Friday 5 – Monday 8
The Tommy Wong Memorial Tournament is to be held at the Surprise City Courts, 14534 W Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise, AZ.
Tuesday 9 – Sunday 14
The USA Pickleball Atlantic South Diamond Regional. This event will take place at the Macon Mall PIckleball Facility, 3661 Eisenhower Pkwy, Macon, GA.
Saturday 13
The Tempe Sports Complex, 8401 S Hardy Drive, Tempe, AZ, United States, will host the New Year Jamboree.
Monday 15 – Friday 19
The Happy Trails Classic will take place at the Happy Trails Resort, 17200 West Bell Road, Surprise, AZ.
Wednesday 17 – Sunday 21
The Third Annual Boca Raton Pickleball Masters Championships will be held at the Patch Reef Tennis and Pickleball Center, 2000 NW 51st Street, Boca Raton, FL.
Wednesday 24
The Morris K Udall Park, 7200 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ, will host the 2024 Tucson Senior Olympic Festival.
Saturday 27 – Sunday 28
The BigFoot Pickleball Tour presents the OKC Winter Classic to be held at Hidden Trails Country Club, 6501 S Country Club Drive, Oklahoma City, OK.
