Ryler DeHeart

Ryler DeHeart is a former professional tennis player from Kauai, Hawaii, who reached a career-high ATP singles ranking of 174 and competed in all four Grand Slams, including a memorable second-round matchup against Rafael Nadal at the 2008 US Open. After over a decade of coaching tennis at programs including the University of Alabama, Florida State University, and as a USTA national coach, DeHeart discovered pickleball during COVID when he and his wife, pro player Megan Fudge, set up a court in their driveway after seeing the sport on social media.

DeHeart turned pro in 2022, went full-time in 2023, and was drafted by the Chicago Slice in MLP. With over 500 career pro matches and a 57% win rate, he's established himself as a consistent force across all three disciplines. He and Fudge live the ultimate pickleball lifestyle, traveling the country in an RV to compete on tour. For DeHeart, pickleball represents a "second chance" to compete at the top level, and he's making the most of every moment.