Scott Fliegelman’s story is one of passion, persistence, and a love for competition. From his early days as a competitive tennis player to his rise as a top 10 senior pickleball player, Scott has embraced every twist and turn in his athletic journey. Let’s dive into what inspired Scott to start playing pickleball, what motivates him, and his advice for aspiring players.

‍

Discovering Pickleball: From Tennis Pro to Pickler

‍

Scott’s athletic journey began at just 8 years old when he started playing competitive tennis. His talent led him to a successful D1 college career and a stint in the professional tennis world, but by his mid-20s, he decided to hang up his racket. Moving to Boulder, CO, Scott immersed himself in endurance sports, competing in triathlons and enjoying mountain sports like snowboarding. Then, in 2019, everything changed. A friend suggested he try pickleball, and though he initially dismissed it as a casual backyard game, Scott quickly realized its potential.

‍

“At first, I thought pickleball was just some backyard BBQ game, like cornhole,” he admits. “But within a week, I’d sold two bikes, dropped out of all my upcoming races, and set off on becoming a pickler!”

Scott fondly calls pickleball his “Back to the Future sport,” saying, “It feels like it was custom-designed for me, blending my tennis background, endurance sports, and even the silly after-school games I used to play as a kid.”

‍

Now in his late 50s, Scott is thriving in the sport, competing at the highest levels and feeling grateful for every moment on the court.

‍

What Keeps Scott Motivated

‍

For Scott, pickleball offers more than just athletic competition. The camaraderie, especially in doubles play, is what he treasures most. While he enjoys the physical grind of singles, doubles is, in his opinion, “the essence of pickleball.”

‍

“I really dig the camaraderie that exists in the game,” Scott shares. “In doubles, it’s not just about athleticism; it’s about trust, teamwork, and strategy. That’s what makes it so special.”

‍

Over the past two years, Scott has competed in the National Pickleball League (NPL), a team-based league for players aged 50 and over. As the captain of the Denver Iconics, Scott thrived on the intense competition, team spirit, and mentoring opportunities.

‍

“I loved the amazing competition against the best senior pro players in the game,” he says. “But the coaching, mentoring, and team bonding throughout the season made it an unforgettable experience.”

‍

Tracking Progress with DUPR

‍

As a competitor, Scott values measurable progress, and DUPR has become an essential tool. Reflecting on his junior tennis days, Scott recalls waiting weeks to see ranking updates. In contrast, DUPR provides real-time data, allowing him to track his performance and progress.

“I love how DUPR gives feedback within days—or even sooner,” Scott says. “After a strong outing, I get excited to check the DUPR app and geek out on my matches to see how they’ve impacted my rating. Then I cross my fingers, hoping I’ve moved up a spot or two on the rankings page!”

‍
Over the past year, we’ve seen incredible progress from senior pro player Scott, proving that improvement has no age limit! His DUPR rating increased by 0.3 in doubles (from 5.578 to 5.874) and 0.2 in singles (from 5.422 to 5.675), while his average opponent rating also climbed as he consistently sought out higher-level competition. By challenging himself with tougher matchups, Scott not only elevated his game but demonstrated that you can keep improving—no matter your age. It’s inspiring to see players 50+ continue to thrive, push boundaries, and grow through DUPR. In addition, his games and points won % went up - meaning he continued to win against tougher competition.

‍

‍

For Scott, DUPR isn’t just a rating system—it adds a fun, gamified element to his competitive journey.

“It’s like a game within the game,” he says. “It keeps me motivated between tournaments.”

‍

Future Goals and Growing the Game

‍

Scott and his wife, Kari, are not just players but also ambassadors for the sport. They own a 5-court indoor pickleball facility in Boulder, CO, where they foster a thriving community of players. Through DUPR programs and events, their members focus on improving their skills and ratings.

‍

“My goal is to continue representing our community at the top of the pro game while sharing everything I can with players of all levels,” Scott explains. “Whether it’s through our club or online platforms, I want to help others experience the joy and growth this game offers.”

‍

Advice for Aspiring Pickleball Players

‍

Scott’s advice for newcomers is simple but invaluable: find your community and seek proper guidance.

‍

“When I started, I was lucky to have seasoned players who adopted me and didn’t let me fall into bad habits from my tennis background,” he recalls. His recommendation? “Join open play sessions, seek out proper instruction through clinics, and take private lessons.”

‍

One of Scott’s favorite learning formats is the “3-and-me” session, which includes three players and a teaching pro.

‍

“You get a lot of play, and the coach can see and critique you during live action. These sessions are super fun and highly productive,” he shares.

‍

Scott Fliegelman’s journey from competitive tennis to senior pickleball is a testament to his love of sport, community, and growth. Whether competing at the highest levels, mentoring players, or fostering his local pickleball community, Scott is making a lasting impact on the game.

‍

As Scott puts it, “Pickleball has been the perfect sport for me. It’s given me the chance to compete, connect, and grow—both as a player and as a person.”

‍

Follow Scott’s journey on Instagram or visit his Boulder facility to learn from one of the sport’s most passionate ambassadors. You can find Scott sharing his knowledge on Instagram (@scottfliegelmanpickleball and @boulderpickleball) and YouTube (BoulderPickleball).

‍