Pro Picklers
Mar 3, 2025
As pickleball gains traction across Asia, a new generation of talented female athletes is leading the charge, demonstrating extraordinary skill and passion both domestically and on the international stage. Let’s meet Vietnam’s top five female pickleball players who are making waves worldwide.
Tran Huyen Trang – The Veteran Champion
A former tennis standout, Tran Huyen Trang has successfully transitioned into pickleball, establishing herself as a dominant force. In 2024, she clinched the 35+ women’s singles title at the World Pickleball Championship Asia Pacific Series, proving that experience and perseverance are key ingredients for success. She didn’t stop there—Trang also emerged victorious in the 19+ 4.0 women’s doubles category at the Asia Open Pickleball Championship. Her unwavering dedication and impressive achievements make her one of Vietnam’s most respected pickleball athletes.
(Photo Source: https://vietnamnews.vn/sports/1655085/viet-nam-dominate-hcm-city-s-asia-open-pickleball-championships.html)
Tran Phuong Anh (Sophia) – The Teenage Sensation
At just 17 years old, Tran Phuong Anh, better known as Sophia, has already made an indelible mark on the pickleball scene. 2024 was a banner year for this young prodigy, as she secured an astounding eight gold medals in international competitions. Her highlights include two gold medals from the PPA Tour 2024 and four gold medals at the World Pickleball Championship Series (WPC) in Indonesia. Impressively, six of her golds came from major international tournaments attended by top-ranked players. Sophia’s meteoric rise signals a bright future for Vietnamese pickleball on the global stage.
(Photo Source: https://www.24h.com.vn/ban-tre-cuoc-song/chan-dung-co-gai-viet-16-tuoi-vo-dich-pickleball-the-gioi-c64a1606182.html)
Sophia Huynh Tran Ngoc Nhi – The Dual-Sport Star
Dubbed “Vietnam’s Maria Sharapova”, Sophia Huynh Tran Ngoc Nhi first made a name for herself in tennis, representing Vietnam at the SEA Games. Now, she’s taking her competitive spirit to pickleball—and with great success. Alongside her partner Ho Tam, Ngoc Nhi won the women’s doubles title at the PPA Tour Australia - Vietnam Open. Additionally, she teamed up with Tran Huyen Trang to claim the 19-34 age group women’s doubles championship at the 2024 Asian Pickleball Open. Her ability to excel in both tennis and pickleball showcases her incredible athleticism and adaptability.
(Photo Source: https://kenh14.vn/sharapova-viet-nam-tham-gia-dau-giai-pickleball-tai-tphcm-bat-ngo-voi-su-xuat-hien-cua-hien-ho-20240706115931388.chn)
Phan Nhu Quynh – The Top Vietnamese Contender
Regarded as Vietnam’s top female pickleball player, Phan Nhu Quynh has consistently performed at the highest level, racking up notable victories in both domestic and international tournaments. Though she keeps a lower profile than some of her peers, her record speaks for itself. Quynh’s skill, determination, and relentless drive have solidified her reputation as one of Vietnam’s premier pickleball talents.
(Photo Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122111779142636769&set=pcb.122111779250636769)
Ho Thi Truc Tam (Tam Ken) – The Rising Star
A powerhouse on the court, Ho Thi Truc Tam, affectionately known as Tam Ken, has rapidly climbed the ranks of Vietnamese pickleball. She made history by winning the women’s singles title at Asia’s oldest pickleball tournament, the ‘Asian Pickleball Tournament - Hoiana WPC Finals,’ in January 2025. Further cementing her place among the best, she secured third place in women’s singles at the Pickleball PPA Tour Australia - Vietnam Open 2024. With her aggressive playing style and unwavering dedication, Tam Ken is undoubtedly a rising star to watch.
(Photo Source: https://thanhnien.vn/sophia-huynh-tran-gianh-hcv-tai-giai-pickleball-danh-gia-ppa-tour-australia-185241019191809933.htm)
The Future of Pickleball in Vietnam
The success of these five incredible athletes is fueling the growth of pickleball in Vietnam. Their achievements on the international stage not only bring prestige to the country but also inspire a new generation of players to take up the sport. As Vietnam continues to develop its pickleball scene, these women stand at the forefront, proving that dedication, skill, and passion can put the country on the global pickleball map.
With their continued efforts, the future of Vietnamese pickleball looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious beginner, there’s never been a better time to grab a paddle and join the movement!
