Jackie Bradshaw earns silver at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships in Naples, Florida

NAPLES, FLORIDA — More than 3,000 pickleball players of all ages and skill levels, competed in the 2024 Minto US Open Pickleball Championships at East Naples Community Park in Naples, Florida.

Among them was Jackie Bradshaw from Cambridge, who earned a silver medal in women’s singles. She is the program director for the Salvation Army of Cambridge and a music student at Muskingum University.

Bradshaw overcame quite the adversity on the road to the podium.

In June she underwent shoulder replacement at Ohio State.

“I was just super thankful to have the opportunity to compete. The US Open is my favorite tournament, truly a big prestigious pickleball party. This past year has been especially tough trying to overcome injury and stay healthy enough to compete, and I’m thankful I was able to do so and represent the area well. I cannot thank my support team enough. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for all of you," Bradshaw said.

That support team includes Dr. Julie Bishop at OSU, those at Ohio Health Southeastern Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation, Selkirk Sport, the Salvation Army, her friends and professors at Muskingum University, and her friends and coaches.

More than 5,000 matches with nearly 1,000 medals and $150,000 in prizes were awarded during what is known at the Biggest Pickleball Party in the World. It attracted a record 40,000 spectators.

For more information, visit www.USOpenPickleball.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Local pickleball player earns silver medal at Florida tournament