Louis Harris and Aimee Gibson are aiming to be part of this summer’s second Pro Padel League season and hope to emulate Tia Norton’s stunning Stateside debut last year.
Tia helped the Las Vegas Smash franchise to clinch the inaugural PPL Cup in Florida last June – boosting padel’s profile in the UK thanks to resulting media interest.
Tia’s place in the upcoming PPL draft is already secured – and now fellow Brits Aimee, from Essex, and Welshman Louis are bidding to join her in flying the union flag in the competition.
Aimee, a former tennis player and coach who discovered padel in Dubai, said: “To be given the chance to play in the PPL would be not only exhilarating but a huge challenge professionally.
“The PPL has attracted some exceptional players, and offers the opportunity to be a part of a fast-developing sport in America. There is nothing like this in the UK, and it’s clear the PPL has vast potential to open the sport to all walks of life. Who would not want to be a part of that?!
“I am trying to do whatever I can to achieve my goal of playing in the PPL. I have structured lessons with Dan Troy three times a week and hit every day with other padel players. I’m trying to get as much match play as possible, and at present I’m in Spain for three weeks at the A2 Barcelona academy which is a great experience.”
Louie, who ended 2023 on top of the LTA padel rankings, said: “I first started playing around 2015 when I moved to Spain and found padel for the first time. I loved how it was such a social sport and easy to pick up. Seeing the growth of the sport and the opportunities coming from it pushed me to go pro.
“America has always had a huge presence in all sports and I’d love to be able to show my skills on such a big platform as well as being able to explore some new territory,”
He added: “America has always had a huge presence in all sports and I’d love to be able to show my skills on such a big platform as well as being able to explore some new territory.
“My ultimate goal in padel is to be the best in my country for as long as I can, whilst achieving the best international ranking possible. I’d like people to think of me as someone who always tried his best and always enjoyed any playing time on court.
“My current schedule consists of two on-court padel sessions and one off-court fitness session every day. The strongest aspect of my game would be my overhead game especially the power smash.”
Gibson calls selection for PPL “potentially life changing.” She is keen to state her credentials as an asset to the competition.
“My most impressive aspect is my consistency, and being left-handed, which I use to my advantage. Due to my tennis background, I am also very strong mentally during pressure points and never give up.”
“I would like people to find me an approachable person, to be relatable to the public. To fans I have always wanted to seem fair, accessible, and an exciting player to watch who never gives up on a point. My fellow players I hope would respect my game and me as a person and want to be my partner.”
A version of this article originally appeared on our sister title The Padel State
