A week ago, Lake Havasu City resident David Alexander, 54, known to his colleagues as Coach David, became part of pickleball history.
On April 14, Alexander was drafted by the Oklahoma City Punishers of the National Pickleball League. The league was created to recognize professional pickleball players over the age of 50 in the Champions division, says Alexander.
When the league announced its spring draft, Alexander signed up for the organization’s combine and traveled 16 hours to Oklahoma City in March. The two-day combine allowed the player to show his level of skill to scouts his agent attending the event. The eligible player showcased his knowledge of the game at Oklahoma City’s Chicken N Pickle, the national restaurant group that houses his pickleball complex.
In the weeks leading up to the combine, Alexander shared his pickleball workouts on his YouTube channel. Alexander filmed his journey for 45 straight days in hopes of standing out from the rest of the competitors.
The Lake Havasu City native was informed of his acceptance into the pro team during the April Live Draft. Alexander adds that his young son was with him when the announcement was made.
“They announced, ‘I know this guy in 45 days of video’ … and I was like, ‘Oh my god! This is me!'” Alexander explained. “I saw my picture on the screen and my son and I were hooked. As a professional athlete, it was great to be able to share that with him.”
The history of Alexander’s rise to the pro team began almost eight years ago. His wife introduced him to pickleball, and the two won gold in their first tournament in Las Vegas.
Since then, Janie Morris, president of the Lake Havasu Pickleball Association, says Alexander has been teaching other members of the organization for years.
“David has been instrumental in guiding, improving and mentoring many of the pickleball players here into true elite athletes,” Morris said. “We love him. Lake. I am really happy that Havasu City is represented at the national level.”
Alexander is the newest member of the professional pickleball team, gearing up for tournaments across the country
This year’s National Pickleball League tournament concludes with the Fall League Championship.
“I feel like this is the top of the mountain. I got there. Now I want our team to win the championship,” said Alexander. Coming from small Lake Havasu where I grew up, it’s really great to have the support of the members.
