(Photos via Logan Russell Facebook page)
Almost three years after picking up a paddle, Menifee’s Logan Russell is now ranked among the top junior pickleball players in the world.
A sponsored athlete of the SoCal Pickleball Club and Gearbox, 14-year-old Logan competes in Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) tournaments across the country, playing in junior divisions against top young athletes from around the world. Now ranked 15th globally in mixed doubles for players under 16, the eighth-grader balances school and a travel schedule while representing Menifee on the courts.
Logan started playing pickleball after he was invited to play with his father, Eric Russell, and his friends. Menifee City Councilman Dan Temple helped spark their interest in the sport, although Logan was initially apprehensive, calling it an “old man sport.”
Once he learned how to play, Logan continued to sharpen his skills, and he hasn’t slowed down since.
“I kind of just fell in love with it from there,” Logan said.
Logan recently competed in The Carvana Masters PPA tour in boys’ doubles and mixed doubles for players 16 and under. He will soon travel to Mesa, Arizona to compete again. Each tournament, players earn points that determine a player’s ranking throughout the year.
The Santa Rosa Academy student also has plans to compete in the 2026 National Deaf Pickleball Tournament later this year. Logan wears hearing aids full-time, as he is 50 precent deaf.
To continue his development, Logan said he practices multiple times a week while juggling schoolwork. Eric said he has enjoyed watching his son progress in the sport, as it is challenging.
“It’s really fun to watch,” Eric said. “He is really excelling at learning character development and emotional resilience. It’s a mental game as much as it is a physical game.”
Professional pickleball player Roscoe Bellamy, who was ranked in the top 10 for men’s singles at the time of this writing, has taken Logan under his wing. Bellamy has been an inspiration to Logan’s drive for success. He attends Logan’s competitions and offers guidance and encouragement before matches.
Logan is also inspired by professional pickleball players Anna Leigh Waters, who was ranked No. 1 in women’s singles, and Hayden Patriquin, who was ranked in the top five for men’s mixed doubles and in the top 10 for men’s doubles.
Pickleball has given Logan the opportunity to share the court with other players as well, including former Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman and former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens. He is also coached by professional pickleball player Emily Cederquist in Temecula.
When asked about his future plans, Logan didn’t hesitate.
“I want to be No. 1,” he said.
In his free time, Logan enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling and playing other sports with his brothers.
Logan’s development has taken place largely on local courts, where Menifee’s pickleball community continues to grow.
“Menifee has been wonderful and supportive,” Eric said. “The community in Menifee is very nice and very welcoming, from kids to seniors.”
Looking back on how quickly pickleball has become an important part of his life, Logan said he never expected it to lead where it has.
“I didn’t think it was going to take me this far,” he said.
