Windy Shao windysjf@hotmail.com MIKE NEWELL, the vice president of strategic development at pickleball brand Ramsports, has embarked on an exciting journey in Shenzhen since December 2024. Originally from Australia, Newell has a wealth of experience in both tennis and pickleball. During his nearly three-decade career as a coach, he has worked with elite professional players like Amanda Coetzer, the former world No. 3 WTA player. Transitioning to pickleball in 2018, he quickly rose to prominence as Australia’s leading pickleball coach. Newell was motivated to move to Shenzhen because of the vibrant opportunities the city offers. “I was very excited when I came here for the first time last year. This is my second trip with Ramsports, and I came to check out the venue where we currently operate,” he shared. Discussing the city’s livability, Newell said, “One thing I really appreciate is how convenient everything is. I live just 40 meters from where I work, and the metro makes it easy to travel, especially when I fly into Hong Kong and then take the train here.” With grocery stores, a gym, and pickleball courts all within reach, he finds daily life fulfilling despite facing a language barrier. “I’m starting to develop friendships with some English-speaking expatriates here,” he said. Newell’s mission in SZ Working for Ramsports, a global pickleball lifestyle brand dedicated to elevating the game, Newell’s mission is to promote pickleball throughout the city. “We built this beautiful facility with several goals in mind,” he explained. “One of our main objectives is to create a pickleball club where people can come and play.” To achieve this, Newell has implemented various programs to attract players of all skill levels. “We host weekly programs for individuals to experience our courts and also organize corporate team-building events. We established this facility as a pro training ground,” he elaborated. Earlier this year, Newell led a nine-day training camp that showcased Asia’s top players to the public. He is keen on organizing events that foster community engagement, such as a friendly competition between Shenzhen and Hong Kong that brought together 48 players from both cities. “What’s truly exciting about pickleball is its accessibility — people of all ages can participate. From young children to seniors, everyone can get on the court and enjoy the game together,” Newell noted. Newell has ambitious plans for Ramsports in Shenzhen. “We’re currently working on opening a new facility in Longgang [District] or elsewhere, and we want it to be much bigger. We’re talking about 20 climate-controlled indoor courts under one roof — this will be a state-of-the-art facility,” he said enthusiastically, adding that it will include a stadium court. This new facility will not only cater to local players but also host large-scale tournaments, drawing participants from across the Asia-Pacific region. “We aim to have this facility operational before August, especially with several major tournaments slated for China and the Asia-Pacific region later this year,” he added. From tennis to pickleball An accomplished coach and competitor, Newell has made significant strides in the world of pickleball after a successful career in tennis. Reflecting on his transition, Newell noted, “It was an interesting journey.” While running a tennis center in Australia, he was drawn to pickleball during a visit to the United States in 2018. “I was at a facility with pickleball courts, and my friend who managed the place explained the business potential. I realized that one tennis court could be transformed into four pickleball courts, allowing for more players and greater engagement.” Upon returning to Australia, Newell converted two of his tennis courts into pickleball facilities. “Initially, it was more about the business angle,” he admitted, “but soon I discovered I actually enjoyed playing the sport.” His enthusiasm for pickleball grew as he witnessed the immense social and recreational opportunities it offered. “In my town on the Gold Coast, we started with a small pickleball club, but it has now grown to over 1,600 members. The sport is truly inclusive. It was amazing to have my dad, my son, and I all playing together,” he shared. Newell’s extensive experience in coaching elite tennis players has shaped his approach to pickleball. “I spent about nine years coaching on the pro tour,” he said. “I began with a university scholarship but quickly found my passion in coaching.” His travels allowed him to witness the dedication and hard work of athletes striving for success. “Different cultures influence how players train and engage,” Newell explained, referencing his experiences with players from various countries. “An example would be Chinese players. I have never worked with any pro Chinese players, but I have worked with some very good juniors who came to train with me in Australia. Generally speaking, they were much more hardworking than the average player.” | 