Jay Devilliers

They call him the "Flying Frenchman," and once you see Jay Devilliers play, you'll understand why. The 31-year-old Frenchman brings an energy and athleticism to the court that's absolutely infectious, covering ground with a speed and intensity that feels like he's playing a different sport than everyone else. Standing 6'3", Jay combines his European tennis training with a uniquely explosive pickleball style that's made him one of the most entertaining players on the PPA Tour. He lives in Wichita, Kansas with his wife Aleksandra and their four children, and is sponsored by Vulcan, BEMER, Hyperice, and LEOREVER.

What makes Jay's story truly remarkable is that he almost never got to play anything at all. At 16, while training at the prestigious Bruguera Tennis Academy near Barcelona, he suffered a devastating pool accident that left him with a 12 cm skull fracture and temporary paralysis. He spent a month hospitalized in Spain before being transferred by ambulance back to France (he couldn't fly due to atmospheric pressure concerns). The fact that he's now a top professional athlete is nothing short of incredible. Jay has become a global ambassador for pickleball, promoting the sport at the French Open at Roland Garros and predicting massive growth in France. He competes in both PPA Tour events and Major League Pickleball, regularly battling the best in the world. Follow him on Instagram @jaydevilliers.