Photo by Chantelle Heiskell Photography: Greyson Heiskell, formerly of Humboldt, returns a shot during a Pickleball match. Heiskell, who now lives in Waukee, is a competitive player and professional instructor.

WAUKEE — Greyson Heiskell was nothing more than an inquisitive teenager when he was first introduced to Pickleball at the Humboldt Recreation Center a few years ago.

Today, Heiskell is one of the rising stars on the courts of a sport skyrocketing in popularity around the Des Moines area — and across the country.

The 20-year-old Heiskell has come a long way since those formative days in Humboldt. His passion for Pickleball — which surfaced almost instantaneously with his exposure to the game — is just as palpable today as it was on day one.

“I was first introduced to the sport by a great friend: (Dr.) Kirk Whittlesey (an optometrist in Humboldt),” said Heiskell, who now lives in Waukee. “They put two courts in (at the Humboldt Rec. Center) and I was always curious what they were for.

“After I was done working out one day, a friend of mine and I decided we wanted to try it. I ended up losing against her and after that I promised myself to keep playing until I couldn’t lose. I’m super competitive.”

Heiskell’s interest — and work ethic — took off. He is currently an active player and licensed professional instructor, riding the wave of Pickleball’s explosion by either or competing with or training players all over the region.

“Ever since I started playing, I just genuinely look forward to every time I get to step on court,” Heiskell said. “I used to drive two hours to Des Moines three or four times a week just to get some more play in. At that point, I realized Professional Pickleball was a thing and something I wanted to work toward, so that’s when I decided to take it more seriously.

“On top of it being really fun to play, I also love the social aspect. Everyone I’ve met through the sport are exceptional people.”

Last October, Heiskell and teammate Saed Ibsais captured the bronze medal at the Professional Pickleball Association’s Texas Open in the open men’s doubles 4.5-skill level division for players age 19-34.

“We played 10, best-of-three games in 100-degree heat,” said Heiskell, who has also traveled for tournaments in Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois and Las Vegas. “It was a battle to stay physically and mentally focused through all the games, but we ended up with third place and we were both proud of that one.

“A short-term goal of mine is just continue to focus on my own development within the sport. A long-term goal is to medal at one of the big pro tournaments that happen throughout the year. The U.S. Open, Masters, or Nationals.”

Heiskell is still technically an amateur player who typically enters a tournament every two months. In his spare time, he trains, teaches and helps grow the sport.

“The two most common misconceptions that I hear is, ‘Pickleball is mini-tennis’ or ‘Pickleball is an ‘old-person sport.'” Heiskell said. “The skills from tennis definitely help with everything in Pickleball, but it’s a different game with different strategies. Pickleball went from 85 percent of players over the age of 55 a few years ago, to 65 percent today. Slowly but surely, we’re getting the younger generations into the sport — myself included.

“I think we’re headed in the right direction now in terms of growth. Both tours (PPA and APP) are doing a great job creating opportunities for players to get into tournaments (50-plus events are offered per year between the two circuits). I think continuing to provide ways for youth players to get involved at local gyms, schools, etc. is also great for growth. Events like MLP (Major League Pickleball) is also a cool way to draw interest. Just creating more and more opportunities for people to learn and play.”

Heiskell thinks the challenges of Pickleball are often oversimplified.

“I think the mental aspect of Pickleball is overlooked because it appears to be an ‘easy’ sport — which is part of the initial draw,” Heiskell said. “It’s very easy to pick up and start playing. However, it becomes a bit of a chess match the higher up in level you go. Opponent weaknesses, where to attack, when to attack, what kind of attack. Most of these decisions are made in a split second, while others are little ‘tells’ you find while playing help you adjust your strategy throughout.

“The game can go by very quickly if you lose focus for a couple of minutes, so being focused for 12-15 minutes straight is definitely something people don’t think about. It’s much harder than it may seem.”

Heiskell’s roots — and appreciation — will always trace back home.

“My biggest influences would be a very long list, but it started with my Humboldt group, who introduced me to Pickleball and were patient with me while I learned,” Heiskell said. “Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am without them.

“My Des Moines group at Genesis and Smash Park have motivated me to continue to learn. Their skill level and personalities have kept it challenging and so much fun. But my biggest supporters have to be my family. I couldn’t have done what I’ve done in the sport so far without their help.”