Lara Giltinan: From Tennis Prodigy to Rising Pickleball Star
Lara Giltinan’s story is one of reinvention through passion.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Lara was a standout tennis player, reaching #42 in the ITF Junior rankings and climbing to #540 in the WTA rankings. However, at just 18 years old, an injury forced her to retire from professional tennis, bringing an abrupt end to a promising career.
Yet her connection to sports never faded.
From 2010 to 2013, she worked as the Tournaments and Operations Manager for Tennis NSW (Tennis Australia), overseeing more than 35 tournaments annually, from junior events to ITF Juniors and WTA/ATP competitions.
In January 2013, Lara moved to the United States and entered a completely different industry: entertainment. For the past 12 years, she has worked in the Las Vegas nightlife and daylife scene, managing some of the city’s most iconic venues, including pool parties, nightclubs, and major shows.
She is currently the Beverage Manager at Magic Mike Live, the show inspired by the hit movie.
But her connection to sports wasn’t over.
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In 2024, almost by accident, Lara picked up a pickleball paddle for fun. What began as a casual game quickly turned serious when several local Vegas pros recognized her natural athletic ability and encouraged her to compete.
She listened.
Lara began competing in October 2024, and in just a few months she signed with the PPA Tour.
Current Rankings
PPA Tour Pro Singles Ranking: #38
PPA Tour 2025 Race Ranking: #25
Recent PPA Tour Results:
PPA 1000 Tucson Open (Jan 2025)
Quarterfinals in Singles and Doubles
PPA 1000 McKinney & Cape Coral (Mar 2025)
Qualified into the Main Draw
Reached Round of 32
PPA 1000 St. George (Apr 2025)
Reached Round of 16
PPA 1000 Milwaukee (Nov 2024)
Qualified into Main Draw
Reached Round of 32
PPA World Championships — Dallas (Nov 2024)
Qualified into Main Draw
Reached Round of 64
Current Sponsor: The Picklr Henderson
Lara Giltinan is quickly becoming a name to watch in the world of pickleball. With her competitive mindset, technical foundation, and inspiring story, she represents a new generation of athletes discovering the sport and rising rapidly through its ranks.
From Las Vegas to the world stage, her journey is just getting started.
Lara Giltinan’s story is one of reinvention through passion.
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Lara was a standout tennis player, reaching #42 in the ITF Junior rankings and climbing to #540 in the WTA rankings. However, at just 18 years old, an injury forced her to retire from professional tennis, bringing an abrupt end to a promising career.
Yet her connection to sports never faded.
From 2010 to 2013, she worked as the Tournaments and Operations Manager for Tennis NSW (Tennis Australia), overseeing more than 35 tournaments annually, from junior events to ITF Juniors and WTA/ATP competitions.
In January 2013, Lara moved to the United States and entered a completely different industry: entertainment. For the past 12 years, she has worked in the Las Vegas nightlife and daylife scene, managing some of the city’s most iconic venues, including pool parties, nightclubs, and major shows.
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She is currently the Beverage Manager at Magic Mike Live, the show inspired by the hit movie.
But her connection to sports wasn’t over.
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
In 2024, almost by accident, Lara picked up a pickleball paddle for fun. What began as a casual game quickly turned serious when several local Vegas pros recognized her natural athletic ability and encouraged her to compete.
She listened.
Lara began competing in October 2024, and in just a few months she signed with the PPA Tour.
Current Rankings
PPA Tour Pro Singles Ranking: #38
PPA Tour 2025 Race Ranking: #25
Recent PPA Tour Results:
PPA 1000 Tucson Open (Jan 2025)
Quarterfinals in Singles and Doubles
PPA 1000 McKinney & Cape Coral (Mar 2025)
Qualified into the Main Draw
Reached Round of 32
PPA 1000 St. George (Apr 2025)
Reached Round of 16
PPA 1000 Milwaukee (Nov 2024)
Qualified into Main Draw
Reached Round of 32
PPA World Championships — Dallas (Nov 2024)
Qualified into Main Draw
Reached Round of 64
Current Sponsor: The Picklr Henderson
Lara Giltinan is quickly becoming a name to watch in the world of pickleball. With her competitive mindset, technical foundation, and inspiring story, she represents a new generation of athletes discovering the sport and rising rapidly through its ranks.
From Las Vegas to the world stage, her journey is just getting started.
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