Not every pro athlete starts their journey in a fancy stadium or with top-tier gear. For Aanik Lohani, it all began on a cold Minnesota day shoveling snow off a court just to hit a few balls with a paddle from Target. What started as a casual hit quickly turned into a passion that would change his life.
Fast forward to today, and Aanik isn’t just playing for fun he’s battling it out with the world’s best on the PPA Tour, ranked among the top 25 pickleball players globally. And the most impressive part? He’s doing all of this while holding a full-time job as a data engineer.
From overcoming a serious shoulder injury that cut short his tennis dreams, to rising through the ranks in a new sport, Aanik Lohani’s pickleball journey is about grit, heart, and finding your path even when life throws a curveball.
Aanik Lohani Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Edina, Minnesota, Aanik Lohani grew up in a supportive family that nurtured his athletic ambitions. His parents played a pivotal role in fostering his competitive spirit, encouraging him to pursue sports from a young age. Lohani’s athletic journey began with tennis at age seven, where he quickly displayed natural talent. He competed in top-tier amateur tennis tournaments during his teenage years, earning recognition as a promising player. However, a significant setback came in the form of bone tumors in his right shoulder, requiring surgery and forcing him to step back from tennis.
Lohani’s resilience shone through as he transitioned to pickleball in 2020. His first experience with the sport was unconventional, shoveling snow off a court in Minneapolis to play with a paddle purchased from Target. This marked the beginning of his meteoric rise in pickleball, leveraging his tennis background to excel in a new arena. Lohani graduated from Edina High School and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, balancing academics with his burgeoning athletic career.
Aanik Lohani Professional Pickleball
Aanik Lohani’s entry into pickleball was nothing short of extraordinary. After picking up the sport in March 2020, he quickly dominated local tournaments in Minnesota. By the end of 2021, he had won a state-wide competition against top amateurs, setting his sights on national and professional stages. Lohani turned pro in 2022, a decision that catapulted him into the global spotlight.
His tennis-honed skills, including agility, strategic thinking, and powerful shots, translated seamlessly to pickleball. Within his debut year as a professional, Lohani defeated established players, breaking into the top singles bracket and climbing to a career-high world ranking of #14. As of January 2025, he is ranked among the top 25 pickleball players worldwide, with a PPA Tour ranking of #15 and notable performances in both singles and doubles events.
Career Highlights
Aanik Lohani’s professional pickleball career is marked by impressive achievements, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest levels while balancing a full-time job. Below is a table summarizing his key career milestones:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Began playing pickleball; won local tournaments in Minnesota |
| 2021 | Won Minnesota state-wide amateur pickleball tournament |
| 2022 | Turned professional; broke into top singles bracket in debut year |
| 2023 | Reached #14 world ranking; secured 2nd place in singles at Las Vegas PPA event |
| 2023 | Placed 5th in doubles at Chicago PPA event; signed with JOOLA as a sponsored player |
| 2024 | Ranked #15 in PPA Tour; competed in 22 professional tournaments |
| 2025 | Maintained top 25 global ranking; participated in 95 pro matches as of January |
Notable Tournament Performances
- Las Vegas PPA Tour 2023: Lohani’s breakout moment came when he reached the singles final on Championship Sunday, facing world #1 Ben Johns. Despite the loss, his performance against top seeds like Julian Arnold, Hayden Patriquin, and JW Johnson solidified his status as a rising star.
- Chicago PPA Tour 2023: Secured 5th place in doubles, demonstrating his versatility in team play.
- Indoor National Championship 2023: Took 7th place in men’s singles, competing against 1,200 players in Minneapolis.
Lohani’s ability to juggle a demanding career in data analytics while competing professionally sets him apart. He credits his success to a disciplined training regimen, strategic partnerships, and a competitive mindset honed through years of tennis.
Aanik Lohani Net Worth in 2025
Estimating Aanik Lohani’s net worth in 2025 involves considering multiple income streams, including tournament winnings, sponsorships, coaching, and his full-time job. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, we can provide an informed estimate based on available data.
- Tournament Earnings: As a top-ranked player, Lohani earns prize money from PPA Tour and UPA Tour events. High placements, such as his 2nd place in Las Vegas, contribute significantly to his income.
- Sponsorships: Lohani is sponsored by JOOLA, a leading pickleball brand, which provides paddles, apparel, and financial support. His partnership with JOOLA, using the Simone Jardim Hyperion CFS 14 paddle, enhances his visibility and earnings.
- Coaching: Lohani coaches advanced pickleball lessons at Lifetime, adding a steady income stream.
- Full-Time Job: As a data engineer at U.S. Bank, Lohani earns a competitive salary, reportedly in the range of $80,000–$120,000 annually for similar roles in Minneapolis.
Based on these factors, Aanik Lohani’s net worth in 2025 is estimated to be between $200,000 and $500,000. This figure accounts for his dual career in pickleball and data analytics, supplemented by sponsorships and coaching. As pickleball’s popularity grows, his net worth is likely to increase with new opportunities and endorsements.
Aanik Lohani Relationship and Family
Aanik Lohani maintains a private personal life, with limited public information about his relationships and family. He credits his parents for their unwavering support, particularly during his recovery from shoulder surgery and his transition to pickleball. Their encouragement helped him overcome setbacks and pursue his ambitions without defeat.
As of 2025, there are no confirmed reports of Lohani being married or in a public relationship. His focus appears to be on his professional pickleball career and corporate job, with little media coverage of his romantic life. Lohani’s family remains a cornerstone of his success, providing emotional and motivational support as he navigates the demands of dual careers.
Aanik Lohani Professional Life
In addition to his pickleball achievements, Lohani excels as a data engineer at U.S. Bank, where he specializes in analytics and reporting. His work involves creating dashboards for key performance indicators, such as the “Grow Your Knowledge” dashboard for the bank’s Technology Services team. This role requires precision and strategic thinking, qualities that also enhance his performance on the pickleball court.
Lohani’s ability to balance a corporate career with professional sports is remarkable. He emphasizes transparency with his employer, ensuring realistic deadlines while committing fully to both roles. His detail-oriented approach and competitive mindset make him a valuable asset in both domains.
Aanik Lohani Contributions to Pickleball
Beyond competing, Aanik Lohani is passionate about growing pickleball’s accessibility. He views the sport as inclusive, citing its low cost and suitability for all ages. His goals include:
- Ambassadorship: Promoting pickleball as a fun, affordable sport through clinics and community events.
- Coaching: Sharing advanced techniques with aspiring players at Lifetime.
- Inspiring Newcomers: Encouraging others to try pickleball, leveraging his story of transitioning from tennis to pro pickleball.
Lohani’s partnership with JOOLA strengthens his influence, as he represents a brand committed to advancing the sport globally.
Why Aanik Lohani Stands Out
Aanik Lohani’s story resonates with fans and aspiring athletes due to his unique journey:
- Resilience: Overcoming a career-threatening injury to excel in a new sport.
- Dual Career: Balancing a high-level corporate job with professional athletics.
- Rapid Rise: Achieving top 25 global ranking within three years of starting pickleball.
- Community Impact: Advocating for pickleball’s growth and accessibility.
His competitive spirit, combined with a relatable backstory, makes him a compelling figure in the pickleball world.
Conclusion
Aanik Lohani’s ascent in professional pickleball is a story of talent, perseverance, and strategic adaptation. From shoveling snow to play his first game to facing the world’s best on Championship Sunday, Lohani has redefined what’s possible in a short time. With a net worth estimated at $200,000–$500,000 in 2025, a thriving career at U.S. Bank, and a commitment to growing pickleball, he is poised for even greater success. As pickleball continues to gain traction, Aanik Lohani remains a name to watch, both on and off the court.
For the latest updates on Aanik Lohani’s pickleball journey, follow his official Facebook page or check PPA Tour and UPA Tour websites. Whether you’re a fan or an aspiring player, Lohani’s story is an inspiration to chase your dreams with determination and heart.
Sources: PPA Tour, Peak Pickleball Agency, U.S. Bank, Picklewave, JOOLA USA
