Cason Campbell: PPA Mesa Quarterfinals

Cason Campbell at PPA Mesa 2024

Today, the No. 43 seed Cason Campbell, affectionately known as “the kid with the hat,” is getting attention at the PPA Mesa Arizona Cup as he steps into the quarterfinals. At just 17 years old, this pro pickleball player from Miami, Florida (Palmetto Bay), has become the center of attention in the pickleball world. The intrigue isn’t just about his skill on the court; his signature hat, which he wears for “good luck,” has also caught the eye of many, including my colleague Kerry, who had a chance to catch up with him in Mesa.

Kerry Pittenger and Cason Campbell at PPA Mesa 2024

Cason’s journey to the quarterfinals has been nothing short of spectacular, especially considering his victories over Collin Shick and Dylan Frazier. Dylan Frazier is a well known name and has been a force this year, having secured a gold medal in men’s singles at the 2024 PPA Hyundai Masters in Rancho Mirage, CA, in January.

Today’s match won’t be easy for Cason as he faces the up-and-coming tennis star, Jack Sock. Sock’s performance has been impressive this week, particularly his victory over Tyson McGuffin. He has one of the best forehands in the game, and was pressuring Tyson’s weak-spot, his backhand.

This match will be nerve-racking for Cason, who has admired Sock since he was young, transitioning from tennis to pickleball himself just a year ago.

His older brother imparted some wisdom early on in his career though, saying

“Let’s go! Same game you always play, only thing that’s changed is the perception of importance. Just go out and do what you do, focus on the next point not the last, take everything one point at a time. Mistakes are gonna happen, this guy makes them too,” his brother’s advice echoes, a reference to the #2 ranked tennis player in the world, Carlos Alcaraz, emphasizing the universality of errors in the game. “Limit them and don’t dwell on them. Today is only the beginning of your journey. Win or, the other thing which I won’t even mention, it doesn’t matter cuz you’ll be back. Stay in the moment and learn from it later, now Go kick some as** lil bro!”

This encouragement is precisely what Cason needs as he prepares for the match.

In 2022, Ben Johns took the crown in Mesa; in 2023, it was Federico Staksrud. What are the odds that in 2024, it’ll be Cason Campbell? Let me know in the comments below.