Chennai: As the second season of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) begins on January 27, one of the most closely watched international names to come to the Indian stage is Ava Cavataio. The 20-year-old American, representing Chennai Super Champs, arrives at WPBL 2 with the quiet assurance of a player who understands preparation and values the experience as much as the result.
Born in Vail, Colorado, Cavataio’s sporting foundation was built far from pickleball courts. Ski slopes shaped her early years, and downhill ski racing once formed her competitive instincts. “Growing up there meant you could ski whenever you wanted. That environment teaches you balance, risk, and control early on,” she told.
Had pickleball not found her, golf would have, another sport that still sharpens her precision and patience.
Now based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Cavataio has carved out a professional path that reflects discipline and structure. Her matchdays begin long before she steps on court, with 30 minutes of cardio as a non-negotiable routine, music plays its role too.
“Any song by Rufus Du Sol gets me into the zone,” she said, before adding with a smile that sushi is her reward of choice once the work is done.
Cavataio describes herself as an all-court player, comfortable adapting to match flow and opponent tendencies. Her serve remains her favourite shot, while a simple breathing ritual, two counts in, four counts out, keeps her calm before every point. “It helps slow everything down. You reset, and you play the next ball,” she explained.
Her sporting curiosity extends well beyond pickleball. She remains a strong golfer and skier, can cook a proper steak, and openly admits her dream mixed-sport doubles partner would be Nick Kyrgios. For inspiration, she looks to icons across disciplines, Tom Brady, Roger Federer, and Tiger Woods, all for their longevity, mental clarity, and elite standards.
WPBL 2, however, is not about comparisons or expectations. For Cavataio, it is about immersion. “I want to meet people from around the world and play good pickleball,” she said simply.
“The WPBL has been a really unique experience. The level of organisation, crowds, and the way the league brings players from different countries together makes it special. You feel the intensity every day, but you also feel supported as a player. It’s a great environment to compete, learn, and enjoy the sport,” she further added.
Having competed across the United States and England, with New York City and Newport Beach among her favourite venues, India now offers a different rhythm and challenge In Chennai Super Champs colours, Ava Cavataio brings qualities that go beyond mere numbers or rankings. She brings balance, between intensity and ease, structure and spontaneity, and in a league led by pressure and pace, that may prove just as valuable as any winning shot.
