Have you ever had a passion so strong it made you rethink everything? Like, “Let’s drop this stable career and chase a wild dream” kind of strong?
That’s exactly what Zane Navratil did.
He walked away from his career as a Certified Public Accountant (yep, a CPA!) to dive headfirst into the fast-growing world of pickleball.
Spoiler alert: it worked out pretty well for him.
Pickleball is not just a backyard game anymore—it’s a global phenomenon.
And Zane? He’s one of the sport’s brightest stars, racking up tournament wins and pushing the game to new levels.
In this post, we’ll dig into Zane Navratil and his journey. From his early days to becoming a household name in pickleball, his story is equal parts bold, inspiring, and downright cool.
Ready to meet the CPA-turned-pickleball-pro who dared to follow his passion?
Let’s jump in.
Zane Navratil: The Early Years
Zane Navratil grew up in Racine, Wisconsin—a charming city about 25 miles south of Milwaukee. (Side note: if you’re ever in the area, check out the Hob Nob, one of the best supper clubs around. Trust me, it’s worth the visit!)
From a young age, Zane had a racket in his hand. He was introduced to tennis at 10 years old, and by 12, he was all in—practicing nonstop and showing serious potential.
And all that hard work paid off.
By the time he finished high school, Zane had racked up three state tennis championships. Pretty impressive, right?
Naturally, colleges took notice.
Zane chose to continue his athletic and academic journey at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Not only did he shine on the court, but he also crushed it in the classroom, earning Academic All-American honors while studying accounting.
After graduating, Zane landed a job at Deloitte, a top-tier accounting firm in Milwaukee. It wasn’t long before he earned his CPA designation—a huge accomplishment for any young professional.
But as we’ll see, Zane’s story was only just beginning.
The Bold Transition to Pickleball
So, with all this tennis success and a promising career as a CPA, you’re probably wondering—how does pickleball fit into the picture?
Zane’s first encounter with pickleball happened when he was 18. His dad took him to the local rec center to give it a try. Like many tennis players, Zane was… let’s say, a little skeptical. He thought pickleball was just an “old person’s” game.
That idea didn’t last long.
It turns out those “old people” at the rec center could play, and they gave Zane a proper schooling. He quickly realized this wasn’t just some casual backyard activity—pickleball had strategy, finesse, and a unique energy that hooked him right away.
From there, Zane dove in.
He kept playing, practicing, and learning everything he could about the game. Before long, he was competing in amateur pickleball tournaments—and winning.
Then came the pandemic, and everything shifted.
By July 2020, as pickleball’s popularity started to explode, Zane had a decision to make. He could stick with his stable CPA job at Deloitte… or take a leap of faith and chase his growing passion for this fast-paced, addictively fun sport.
You can probably guess what happened next.
Zane quit his job and made pickleball his full-time focus, teaching and competing professionally. It was a bold move—but as it turns out, it was one of the best decisions he could’ve made.
Tournament Success
In a remarkably short time, Zane Navratil climbed into the top ranks of the pickleball world, swiftly moving into the top five and setting his sights on the number one spot. He began collecting medals at tournaments nationwide, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication.
By the end of 2021, just a year after leaving his accounting job, Zane had secured over 20 medals. His impressive performance continued, and as of December 2024, he had competed in 33 professional tournaments, participating in a total of 224 pro matches.
In 2024, Zane’s prowess was on full display at the Desert Ridge Open, where he partnered with Erik Lange to clinch the bronze medal in men’s doubles. Their aggressive, power-driven strategy dominated the court, underscoring Zane’s adaptability and competitive edge.
Beyond individual tournaments, Zane has been a key player in Major League Pickleball (MLP), contributing to multiple championship victories. His innovative approach to the game includes the development of a unique spin serve, which, due to its effectiveness, was eventually banned for being “too elite.”
Known for his quickness and agility, Zane has earned the nickname “Zane ‘Gucci'” among fans and fellow players. His journey from a CPA to a top-tier pickleball professional continues to inspire many in the sports community.
Paddle of Choice for Zane Navratil?
Zane Navratil has partnered with ProXR Pickleball, a company known for its innovative grip technology. ProXR has signed some of the top professional players in the world, including Zane, who is currently ranked as the No. 3 men’s pro singles player.
The ProXR Zane Navratil Signature 14mm Carbon Fiber Pickleball Paddle is designed for maximum control and power on the court. It features a T700 carbon fiber face for extended ball contact and spin control, a polypropylene honeycomb core to enhance the sweet spot, and an extended handle with Performance-Tac grip for leverage and swing speed.
Weighing 8.2 oz., this lightweight yet powerful paddle is perfect for players who demand the best from their equipment.
ProXR’s ergonomic 23° handle provides unmatched performance connection between player and paddle, allowing for quicker reloads in the kitchen, added control, increased spin, and more power from the baseline.
Click the button below to learn more about this awesome new paddle.
Off The Court
As far as life off the court for Zane, you can find him teaching at one of his clinics that he has throughout the country. He has developed a lot of passion for the game and loves teaching it to people of all ages. Zane likes to incorporate his funny personality into his clinics so people can learn and have fun!
Zane is married to Jenny who he has been dating since his high school days. They have a dog Murray who you can find on social media!
Growing The Game
Zane isn’t just focused on his own success—he’s passionate about the future of pickleball. As one of the sport’s top ambassadors, he’s determined to see it grow in popularity and reach even more fans.
For Zane, it’s about creating an environment where everyone—players and fans alike—can have fun. He believes pickleball should never feel stiff or overly formal. Matches should be energetic and exciting, where fans can cheer, laugh, and truly enjoy the experience.
He knows that when people see how much fun pickleball can be, they’ll want to get involved themselves. That’s what makes Zane so special—not just his skill on the court, but his vision for the sport’s future. He wants pickleball to be accessible, inclusive, and, most importantly, a blast for everyone involved.
What Tournaments Will Zane Be Playing In?
Zane has a busy tournament schedule this year and will be playing in most PPA and MLP tournaments. For his full schedule you can check his website, or the PPA or MLP sites. We wish him great success and look forward to seeing him compete!
Conclusion
Zane Navratil’s story is proof that chasing your passion can lead to incredible things. From his days as a state tennis champion and CPA to becoming one of the top pickleball players in the world, Zane has embraced every challenge and opportunity with determination and heart.
He’s not just a champion on the court—he’s a champion for the sport itself. Whether he’s racking up medals, teaching the next generation of players, or bringing energy and fun to pickleball matches, Zane is helping shape the future of this amazing game.
His journey inspires us all to take chances, follow our dreams, and have a little fun along the way. If you haven’t already, pick up a paddle and give pickleball a try. Who knows? You just might find your next big passion.
