Mariana Fortes: The Rising Star with Competitive Fire and Grounded Roots
Competitive Fire, Grounded Roots
We met the way many do nowadays—through social media. Mariana Fortes doesn’t need much to stand out. Just watch her play a couple of points and you’ll notice that spark athletes are born with—it can’t be taught.
Mariana is the kind of person who stands out for her discipline, her calm attitude, and her quiet—but powerful—way of competing. Those who know her describe her as kind, direct, and deeply committed to everything she does, with a positive obsession for getting better.
And that’s exactly how she’s carving her way into the top ranks of international pickleball.
"I'm someone who enjoys competing. I like challenging myself, growing from every experience, and always keeping my feet on the ground—with the best attitude and full commitment in everything I do," she tells us.
Her journey into pickleball began eight years ago when her mom, a fan of the sport, introduced her to it through a group of friends. At first, she thought it would just be a casual hobby... but that "hobby" quickly turned into a serious pursuit. And she took it on her own terms—with consistency, humility, and that inner fire that doesn’t settle.
“I don’t believe in limits. I believe in hard work, passion, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who share the same competitive spirit. I’m Mariana Fortes, proudly from San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, and a professional pickleball athlete.”
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These days, her training routine includes hitting the gym three times a week, on-court drills at least three times, and a sports psychology session once a month. Mariana leaves no loose ends. She’s methodical, realistic, and works with long-term vision.
She proudly represents the San Carlos Pickleball Club, where she trains and plays alongside people who inspire her to give her best every day. Backed by her family, brands like Gearbox, the unconditional support of Seaside Realty, and a mindset focused on constant evolution, she keeps writing her story tournament by tournament—unafraid of challenges and always eager for what’s next.
“Pickleball is teaching me that true victory lies in not giving up, even when the road gets tough. That strength is with me in every point I play.”
Her goals for 2025 are crystal clear: to compete more internationally, face higher-level opponents, gain experience, and earn her place in the global circuits. And she’s well on her way—her game is getting noticed, her discipline is admired, and her name is becoming a reference.
When we ask her about the state of pickleball in Mexico, she answers with both hope and a critical eye:
“There’s so much talent and potential in Mexican pickleball. Even though we still don’t have a consolidated national federation, I believe that with more structure and support, the sport can grow quickly and go far—just like it already is in other countries.”
“My mission goes beyond competing. I want to inspire others, open the path for more Mexican athletes, and prove that with focus and determination, no goal is unreachable.”
Mariana Fortes is the featured player in this May edition of Dink Authority Magazine. Because we believe in her story. Because she represents the wave of passion pickleball is awakening across Latin America.
Because she blends the drive of an elite athlete with the heart of someone who’s still moved by every new step she takes.
And most of all—because we know this is just the beginning.
Competitive Fire, Grounded Roots
We met the way many do nowadays—through social media. Mariana Fortes doesn’t need much to stand out. Just watch her play a couple of points and you’ll notice that spark athletes are born with—it can’t be taught.
Mariana is the kind of person who stands out for her discipline, her calm attitude, and her quiet—but powerful—way of competing. Those who know her describe her as kind, direct, and deeply committed to everything she does, with a positive obsession for getting better.
And that’s exactly how she’s carving her way into the top ranks of international pickleball.
"I'm someone who enjoys competing. I like challenging myself, growing from every experience, and always keeping my feet on the ground—with the best attitude and full commitment in everything I do," she tells us.
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Her journey into pickleball began eight years ago when her mom, a fan of the sport, introduced her to it through a group of friends. At first, she thought it would just be a casual hobby... but that "hobby" quickly turned into a serious pursuit. And she took it on her own terms—with consistency, humility, and that inner fire that doesn’t settle.
“I don’t believe in limits. I believe in hard work, passion, and the power of surrounding yourself with people who share the same competitive spirit. I’m Mariana Fortes, proudly from San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, and a professional pickleball athlete.”
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
These days, her training routine includes hitting the gym three times a week, on-court drills at least three times, and a sports psychology session once a month. Mariana leaves no loose ends. She’s methodical, realistic, and works with long-term vision.
She proudly represents the San Carlos Pickleball Club, where she trains and plays alongside people who inspire her to give her best every day. Backed by her family, brands like Gearbox, the unconditional support of Seaside Realty, and a mindset focused on constant evolution, she keeps writing her story tournament by tournament—unafraid of challenges and always eager for what’s next.
“Pickleball is teaching me that true victory lies in not giving up, even when the road gets tough. That strength is with me in every point I play.”
Her goals for 2025 are crystal clear: to compete more internationally, face higher-level opponents, gain experience, and earn her place in the global circuits. And she’s well on her way—her game is getting noticed, her discipline is admired, and her name is becoming a reference.
When we ask her about the state of pickleball in Mexico, she answers with both hope and a critical eye:
“There’s so much talent and potential in Mexican pickleball. Even though we still don’t have a consolidated national federation, I believe that with more structure and support, the sport can grow quickly and go far—just like it already is in other countries.”
“My mission goes beyond competing. I want to inspire others, open the path for more Mexican athletes, and prove that with focus and determination, no goal is unreachable.”
Mariana Fortes is the featured player in this May edition of Dink Authority Magazine. Because we believe in her story. Because she represents the wave of passion pickleball is awakening across Latin America.
Because she blends the drive of an elite athlete with the heart of someone who’s still moved by every new step she takes.
And most of all—because we know this is just the beginning.
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