Approximately one year ago, Casey Diamond was facing challenges in the qualifiers, barely managing to pay his rent.
Fast forward to today, he has secured a spot in the top 50 of the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) men’s singles rankings and is recognized as one of the rising stars in the sport. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Diamond made the bold decision to leave his job in medical sales to pursue pickleball full-time. He is currently coaching aspiring pickleball players in South Carolina, which has significantly contributed to his professional growth. “I began connecting with local professionals, which led to my travels for pro pickleball,” he shared. His initial journey was tough, filled with months of competing in qualifying rounds and winning a few matches, yet earning very little. However, everything changed when he made his debut in Major League Pickleball, where he amazed the audience with a stunning behind-the-back shot that altered the course of his career. “We often say that one shot, one video, or one match can change everything, and it truly did,” he reflected.
Gaining Recognition
Realising the Potential
The viral clip of his remarkable shot catapulted him into the spotlight within the pickleball community. Diamond recounted receiving messages from friends who spotted him on television. “It was incredible to hear from people saying, ‘I was watching at a bar, or at a pickleball complex in Lexington’… all across Kentucky, they were reaching out to tell me they saw it. It was amazing,” he expressed. This pivotal moment not only elevated his popularity but also significantly boosted his confidence and resolve to excel as a player. Turning professional in 2023, Diamond has consistently enhanced his skills, achieving a title at the APP Sacramento Open, silver medals at both APP Dallas and APP Cincinnati, and securing bronze and silver at the US Open 2026, including a notable victory over Tyson McGuffin in 2024. Following his debut in Major League Pickleball, he was acquired by the Palm Beach Royals during the league’s waiver period. Additionally, there has been a noticeable increase in his social media engagement. “Most comments on my posts reference my last name, with people using the diamond emoji, which is pretty cool,” he noted.