In 2021, Sarah Burr made the leap from tennis to pickleball, and in just two years, she has cemented herself as one of the sport’s most exciting rising stars. Her transition from tennis to pickleball was not only swift but incredibly successful, with a string of impressive victories and accolades in 2022 and 2023. With a combination of skill, strategy, and competitive fire, Sarah Burr has become a leading figure in professional pickleball. In this blog, we’ll dive into Sarah’s journey, her achievements, and what makes her one of the top players to watch in the sport.
Sarah Burr’s Tennis Background and Discovery of Pickleball
Before becoming a pickleball pro, Sarah Burr had a background in competitive tennis, a sport that laid the foundation for her quick success in pickleball. Like many tennis players, Sarah found that her ability to control the ball, her agility, and her court sense transferred easily to pickleball. When she discovered pickleball in 2021, she quickly fell in love with the game’s fast pace and strategic complexity.
Her dedication and natural athleticism saw her quickly rise through the ranks, going from a pickleball novice to a professional within just two years. By late 2022, Sarah had achieved multiple triple crowns—an impressive feat that involves winning singles, doubles, and mixed doubles titles in a single tournament.
Sarah Burr’s Major Achievements in Pickleball
Sarah Burr’s rapid ascent in the pickleball world is marked by some standout achievements that showcase her ability to dominate on the court. Here are some of her most notable accomplishments:
- Multiple Triple Crowns (2022): Sarah claimed several triple crowns in 2022, solidifying her status as a top competitor in professional pickleball.
- World Pickleball Championships Victory (Bali): Sarah’s international success includes a major win at the World Pickleball Championships in Bali, where she competed against some of the world’s best players.
- Australian Pickleball Championships: Sarah’s skills were further proven with a victorious run at the Australian Pickleball Championships, adding another prestigious title to her growing list.
- Player of the Year: In recognition of her outstanding performances, Sarah was awarded Player of the Year by Pickleball Australia in 2022 and Pickleball Queensland in 2023.
Leadership in Major League Pickleball
Sarah’s impact on the sport goes beyond individual achievements. She is also an influential leader in Major League Pickleball (MLP). Drafted to the Arizona Drive team, Sarah’s competitive nature and strategic thinking have made her an asset to the team’s success. Additionally, Sarah is the captain of the Gold Coast Glory team in the Australian Major League, where her leadership has guided the team to strong performances.
Her role as captain is a testament to her ability to inspire her teammates, both through her actions on the court and her leadership off it. Sarah’s presence in MLP showcases her as not only a top competitor but also a key figure in the growing professional pickleball scene.
Sarah’s Unique Style: Power, Precision, and Leadership
What sets Sarah Burr apart on the pickleball court is her powerful and precise playstyle. Her background in tennis gives her the ability to hit with both power and accuracy, while her strategic mindset helps her outsmart her opponents. Her ability to control the pace of the game, combined with her powerful forehand and consistent volleys, makes her a difficult opponent to face.
- Powerful Groundstrokes: Sarah’s powerful forehand, inherited from her tennis background, allows her to hit deep, fast-paced shots that keep her opponents on the defensive.
- Court Awareness: Sarah’s court sense helps her anticipate her opponent’s next move, giving her a strategic edge in doubles and singles play.
- Leadership Skills: As captain of the Gold Coast Glory and a leader in Major League Pickleball, Sarah’s leadership is evident both on and off the court.
Sarah Burr’s Partnership with Engage Pickleball
As a member of the Engage Pickleball team, Sarah Burr relies on Engage’s paddles to maintain her high-level performance. Using the Pursuit Pro1 paddle, Sarah is able to combine power, control, and spin, making her shots more effective in both singles and doubles play.
The Engage Pursuit Pro1 paddle is specifically designed for players like Sarah who demand precision and power. Its advanced technology helps Sarah maintain her dominance on the court, and her partnership with Engage Pickleball underscores her commitment to using top-tier equipment to stay at the top of her game.
Life Beyond the Pickleball Court
When Sarah Burr isn’t dominating the pickleball court, she enjoys spending time with her family—husband Shannon, son Benji, and daughter Elle—as well as their dogs, Porsche and Sophie. Whether it’s shooting hoops, going to the gym, or playing Mario Kart, Sarah’s competitive spirit extends beyond pickleball.
Her well-rounded life helps her maintain a balance between family, fitness, and competition, contributing to her mental and physical strength on the court. As she looks ahead to 2024, Sarah is preparing for even more success with her trusted Pursuit Pro1 paddle by her side.
Sarah Burr—A Rising Star in Pickleball
Sarah Burr’s journey from tennis player to professional pickleball star is an inspiring one. Her rapid rise in the sport, marked by triple crowns, international victories, and leadership roles in Major League Pickleball, makes her one of the sport’s top rising stars. With her competitive spirit and dedication to excellence, Sarah Burr is set to continue her ascent in the pickleball world.
As a proud member of the Engage Pickleball team, Sarah embodies the qualities of a champion—power, precision, and leadership. With more tournaments on the horizon, Sarah is a player to watch in 2024 and beyond.
