An Open Letter from Ben Johns to His Pickleball Coach: Ben Johns has penned an open letter to the coach who helped shape his journey from a young, ambitious athlete to a global icon in the sport. Released this morning across his social media channels, the letter serves not only as a…

In a powerful and deeply personal gesture, world No. 1 pickleball player Ben Johns has penned an open letter to the coach who helped shape his journey from a young, ambitious athlete to a global icon in the sport. Released this morning across his social media channels, the letter serves not only as a heartfelt thank-you but also as a public acknowledgment of the pivotal role coaching plays behind the scenes of success.

Titled “For the One Who Believed First,” the open letter has already resonated with fans, fellow athletes, and coaches across the globe, offering a glimpse into the often-unseen mentorship that propels greatness.

“For the One Who Believed First” – By Ben Johns

“Dear Coach,

Today, I’m writing not as the top-ranked player in the world, not as a tournament champion, and not as the face of pickleball. I’m writing as the 14-year-old kid who first walked onto a court with a paddle in his hand and a fire in his heart, unsure of what the future would hold — and you were there.

You didn’t just teach me how to hit a clean third shot drop or how to control the pace of a match. You taught me how to fight when I’m tired, how to focus when the noise is loud, and how to keep my character intact, no matter the score.

You pushed me when I thought I had nothing left. You believed in me even when I doubted myself. And through every serve, every setback, and every victory, you stood behind the scenes, never asking for credit — just always pushing me to be better.

There were days I showed up late, frustrated, or just off my game — and you didn’t back off. You made me work. You made me listen. And eventually, you made me believe.

Now, everywhere I go — from center courts packed with fans to training sessions across the world — your voice is still in my head. “Breathe. Reset. Believe.” It’s as if you knew long before I did what I was capable of.

So many people see the trophies, the partnerships, the endorsements. But they don’t see the hours we spent drilling in the Florida heat. They don’t see the sessions where it was just you, me, and a relentless desire to get 1% better. Those moments built me.

And today, I want you — and the world — to know that I haven’t forgotten a single one of them.

This journey isn’t just mine. It’s ours.

Thank you for never letting me settle. Thank you for keeping me grounded. And thank you for helping me become not just a better player, but a better man.

With all the respect and gratitude in the world,
— Ben”

A Ripple Through the Pickleball World

The letter has quickly gained attention across the sports world. On Instagram alone, it amassed over 500,000 likes within hours of posting, with thousands of comments praising Johns for his humility and emotional honesty.

Fellow pros, including Tyson McGuffin and Anna Leigh Waters, left supportive messages, while fans shared their own stories of coaches who made a difference in their lives.

One fan wrote, “Ben, this is why you’re a legend. You don’t just dominate the court — you uplift the people around you.”

Coach Reacts: “He Made It Worth Every Second”

Though Ben did not name his coach directly in the letter, sources confirm it was directed to Coach Ryan Dawson, who has worked with Johns since his early days transitioning from tennis to pickleball.

In a rare public statement, Coach Dawson responded:

“Working with Ben has been the honor of my life. He was always talented, but what set him apart was his mindset. He never made excuses. He listened, adjusted, and led with humility. Watching him grow into the man and athlete he is today has made every early morning, every tough drill, every loss and win, worth every second.”

More Than a Letter

Ben Johns’ open letter isn’t just a tribute to a coach — it’s a reminder of the foundation that underlies every champion’s rise. It highlights the importance of mentorship, persistence, and gratitude in a sport that continues to grow at record speed.

As pickleball enters a new era of global recognition, with talks of Olympic inclusion and expanding pro leagues, Johns remains not just its top player but its leading ambassador. And with this letter, he’s shown once again why.

In the game of pickleball and in life, greatness isn’t just about how high you rise — it’s also about who you lift along the way.