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Loc Lam, a 2024 5.0 Gold Medalist at the World Pickleball Championships, is not just known for his skills on the court—he’s also famous for his sense of humor, passion for the game and unique coaching style. As a pro player, coach and all-around great guy, Lam brings more than just impressive wins to the sport—he brings fun, camaraderie and a touch of Rocky Balboa to every match.
When asked about the moment that defined his championship run, Lam points to the final match where he was down by several points. “It was intense,” he recalls. “The pressure was on, but instead of panicking, I just focused on my skills and visualized the plays I needed to execute.”
This calm and composed mindset helped him and his partner claw their way back into the match. “We communicated well, stayed positive and I hit a few key shots that leveled the score and shifted the momentum. That’s when we started to feel like we could actually win.”
Resilience combined with great teamwork, ultimately led to a victory that was as much about mental strength as physical skill.
For Lam, the journey into pickleball wasn’t just about winning—he was drawn to the sport because of its community and the excitement it brings. “The blend of strategy, skill and social interaction captivated me from the start,” says Lam. “But what really inspired me to go pro was the incredible sense of camaraderie and how everyone supports each other, no matter their skill level.”
This love for the sport has greatly influenced Loc’s approach to coaching. “I strive to teach not only technical skills but also a love for the game. I want players to feel the joy and fun that pickleball brings while also improving their skills.”
Lam’s coaching style is as adaptable as his playing style. Whether working with beginners or seasoned pros, he tailors his approach to suit each player’s needs. “With beginners, I focus on building their confidence and getting the fundamentals down,” he explains. “For intermediates, we work on refining technique and tactical understanding, while with seasoned competitors, we dive into advanced strategies and mental resilience.” No matter the skill level, Lam’s goal is to create a supportive environment where players feel motivated to improve while having fun.
With pickleball’s rapid growth, Lam is optimistic about its future. "In five years, pickleball might just be the official sport of every retirement community," he jokes, "and maybe half the country will be rocking paddle-shaped hats!"
But beyond the humor, Lam is genuinely excited about the sport’s accessibility and sense of community. "It’s fun for all ages and brings people together," he says. He envisions more courts, larger tournaments and even more professional leagues as the sport continues to grow in popularity.
If Lam could play pickleball with any athlete in history, his choice might surprise you. “I’d love to play with Michael Jordan,” he says with a grin. “Not because he’s a pickleball pro—he probably isn’t—but because I’d love to see him try to turn it into a basketball game.” Lam imagines MJ attempting a 360-degree dunk or trash-talking in a sport where the ball is about the size of a grapefruit. “It’d be hilarious!”
Lam’s path to becoming a gold medalist has been full of memorable moments, including a funny mishap during a Minor League Pickleball tournament. "I went for a poach and slipped—almost face-planted—but somehow, I won the point!" he laughs. "My friends turned it into a meme, and the video circulated for weeks." His ability to laugh at himself and embrace the lighter side of pickleball is part of what makes him such a relatable figure in the sport.
Lam compares his playing style to a mix of Rocky Balboa and Yoda. "I might look a bit confused at first, but once I get going, I’m all about strategy, patience and bursts of energy that leave you wondering how you got beat by a droid-sized powerhouse."
As for his pre-game ritual, Lam was not shy about sharing. Lam doesn’t stick to just one song—he has four go-to tracks, with "The Champion" by Carrie Underwood and "Ready, Let’s Go" by Darkminds being his top picks for getting fired up.
When asked if there was one pickleball “rule” he secretly wished he could change, Lam certainly has one in mind: “I secretly wish you could hit volleys in the kitchen. It would make the game a lot more exciting!”
For a little clarification, in pickleball, the "kitchen" refers to the seven-foot area on either side of the net where players are not allowed to step in or hit volleys while standing—essentially, it’s a no-volley zone to prevent players from smacking the ball too aggressively near the net. If Loc had his way, the kitchen would be a whole lot more interesting!
“Imagine the chaos,” he laughs, “volleys flying left and right—it would totally spice up the game!” Who wouldn’t want a little extra thrill in the kitchen, right?
In conclusion, Loc Lam is a champion with a heart. Lam isn’t just a champion in pickleball—he’s also a champion of fun, camaraderie and good vibes. Whether he’s cracking jokes about playing with Michael Jordan, or making his friends laugh with his legendary falls, Lam’s love for the sport shines through. As pickleball continues to grow, it’s clear that players like Loc will be at the heart of the game, spreading joy and enthusiasm to players at every level.
