Remember when your biggest childhood drama was missing that game-winning shot, right? Well, for Filipino-American Lauren Mercado, basketball was life. This Vegas-based talent was all set to make her mark in the US's competitive Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Then, you know the drill – the world paused, and her hoop dreams were put on hold.

But hold up, this isn't a sad story! It's about a thrilling pivot served with a paddle. Bored and buzzing with energy, Lauren discovered pickleball, a casual game with her dad that spiraled into a full-blown obsession.

From a casual player to now a full-on Pickleball athlete, Lauren Mercado’s journey to Pickleball is quite a story worth telling. 
(Image from Lauren’s Instagram page)

From just a fun pastime to a dominant force in the pro scene? Absolutely! At just 17, Lauren Mercado is electrifying the pickleball world. Forget those dusty "it's just for titos and titas" vibes – Lauren, who had zero tennis experience, went from her first tournament win in 2021 to battling the titans in the PPA, APP, and USA Pickleball by 2023, racking up victories and top-tier finishes. Her resume? Already legendary in the making. Here’s a quick overview of Lauren Mercado’s achievements to date:

Pro & Open-Level Results

• Top 16 Finishes – Multiple APP Pro events (Sacramento, Fort Lauderdale, Dallas, New York, Cincinnati, SoCal)
• 1st Place – Women’s Pro at the 2024 Canada-USA Challenge
• 3rd Place – Mixed Pro at the 2024 APP English Open
• 1st Place – Mixed Open at the 2024 PNW Classic & Frontier Days Bend
  

   

  
  
  At 17 years old, Lauren’s Pickleball journey is already lined with many accolades! (Images from Lauren’s Instagram page)

  Emerging Pro-Level Results

  • 3rd Overall – 2024 APP NextGen Dallas & APP NextGen St. Louis
  • 1st Place – 2023 USA Pickleball Mixed Doubles National Champion
  • 1st Place – 5.0 Mixed Doubles (Mountain Regionals), 5.0 Women’s Doubles (Utah Shootout)

At the tender age of 17 years old, Lauren Mercado is just getting started.

And in case you’re wondering: Yes, the buzz is real AND you can witness this incredible talent live! Lauren Mercado is hitting up SM Active Hub to share her pickleball prowess and ignite the passion of the next generation of players.

Here's your chance to see the magic happen:

• April 11, 2025 – SM Mall of Asia: Brace yourselves for an electrifying day as Lauren goes to the SM Mall of Asia! Get the chance to meet and greet her in person and who knows? You just might snag a chance to play pickleball with her too!
• April 12, 2025 – SM Megamall: Level up your own game with another high-energy clinic and captivating exhibition match. It's your front-row seat to witness her exceptional skills and grab some insider pro tips.
• April 13, 2025 – SM Southmall, SM City Marikina, SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Bicutan: Immerse yourselves in a fantastic Pickleball Clinic and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Keep your eyes peeled – the electrifying Lauren will also be making special appearances at the pickleball courts in these malls!

Ready to get up close and personal with the future of pickleball and maybe even train with her? Here's the inside scoop: sign up to be an SM Active Hub member through the SM Malls Online app. Insider tip: Early sign-ups unlock the ultimate perks – priority access to clinics, coveted Meet & Greet slots, and even exclusive Lauren Mercado merchandise! So, smash that sign-up button ASAP – spots are vanishing faster than a perfectly placed drop shot!

Join SM Active Hub today via SM Malls Online!

Don't let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip away. Come witness the electrifying talent of Lauren Mercado and maybe, just maybe, discover your own inner pickleball champion.

See you on the courts in select SM Malls nationwide!

Be the next Lauren Mercado and hone your pickleball skills at our courts available in select SM Malls nationwide. In picture are pickleball courts at (clockwise) SM City CDO Uptown,SM City Sta. Mesa, SM City Novaliches, and SM Seaside City.

About SM Active Hub

SM Active Hub is the biggest sports playground in the Philippines! Whether you’re playing for fun or pursuing your fitness goals, this is your home court for all things sports and wellness. 

SM Active Hub is the Philippines' largest sports playground for casual fitness seekers and competitors alike. SM is home to the biggest network of pickleball venues for learning clinics and tournaments, with 44 pickleball courts across 21 malls and 14 malls with running hubs nationwide. SM Active Hub is your home court. Connect with the Philippines' largest running community and the widest network for recreational runners.

Download the SM Malls Online app and be part of the SM Active Hub community now: https://click.smmallsonline.com/DFqS/SMACTIVEHUB 

P.S. Stay locked in on SM MALLS for all the electrifying updates. You can also find the latest mall guidelines and hours for 2025 right here.