As the second season of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) kicks off on January 27, one of the most notable international players making her debut in India is Ava Cavataio. The 20-year-old American, representing Chennai Super Champs, enters WPBL 2 with a composed demeanor typical of someone who values both preparation and the journey itself as much as the outcome.
Hailing from Vail, Colorado, Cavataio’s athletic foundation was established far from pickleball courts. Her formative years were shaped by ski slopes, where downhill ski racing honed her competitive spirit. “Growing up there meant you could ski whenever you wanted. That environment teaches you balance, risk, and control early on,” she shared.
If it weren’t for pickleball, golf might have captured her attention, a sport that continues to help refine her precision and patience.
Now residing in West Palm Beach, Florida, Cavataio has forged a professional journey characterized by discipline and structure. Her matchdays commence long before she takes to the court, including a mandatory 30 minutes of cardio, with music playing a crucial role in her preparation.
“Any song by Rufus Du Sol gets me into the zone,” she noted, adding with a smile that sushi serves as her favorite reward after the hard work.
Cavataio identifies herself as an all-court player, adept at adjusting to match dynamics and opponent behaviors. Her serve is her favorite shot, while a simple breathing technique—two counts in, four counts out—helps her maintain composure before each point. “It helps slow everything down. You reset, and you play the next ball,” she explained.
Her interest in sports spans well beyond pickleball. She enjoys golfing and skiing, can cook a mean steak, and dreams of having Nick Kyrgios as her mixed-sport doubles partner. For inspiration, she looks up to icons like Tom Brady, Roger Federer, and Tiger Woods, admiring their longevity, mental focus, and high standards.
For Cavataio, WPBL 2 is not about comparisons or pressures. It’s an opportunity for immersion. “I want to meet people from around the world and play good pickleball,” she expressed simply.
“The WPBL has been an incredibly unique experience. The level of organization, the crowds, and how the league connects players from diverse countries makes it special. You feel the intensity every day, but there’s also a sense of support as a player. It’s a fantastic environment to compete, learn, and enjoy the sport,” she further remarked.
Having competed in the United States and England, with New York City and Newport Beach among her favorite locations, India presents a different rhythm and challenge. Dressed in Chennai Super Champs colors, Ava Cavataio offers qualities that transcend mere statistics or rankings. She embodies a balance between intensity and ease, structure and spontaneity, and in a league defined by pressure and speed, these attributes may be just as crucial as any winning shot.
