*Annapolis, MD — June 19, 2025* – A new bronze statue of pickleball’s reigning superstar was unveiled today on the scenic waterfront of Annapolis, marking a watershed moment for the rapidly growing sport and its most iconic champion, Ben Johns.
Commissioned by the Maryland Sports and Cultural Heritage Commission and crafted by acclaimed sculptor Eleanor Simmons, the life-size statue of Johns was revealed during an afternoon ceremony at City Dock. The event drew hundreds of fans, local dignitaries, and pickleball enthusiasts eager to honor the modern phenomena of the fastest-growing racket sport in America.
**A Statue Fit for a Champion**
The sculpture portrays Johns in mid‑action, poised at the kitchen line—poised for his trademark backhand down the line. Captured in flowing motion, the nearly seven-foot bronze figure reflects both athletic grace and competitive focus. Simmons’ attention to detail is evident in the sculpted tennis shoes etched with Johns’ initials (“BJ”), the mesh texture of his shirt, and his determined gaze, all supported by a granite base engraved with his career milestones.
**Milestones Engraved in Stone**
Etched into the base are a series of Johns’ greatest achievements: youngest World No. 1 at age 22; record 60+ pro titles; three US Open singles championships; and pivotal role in advocating for pickleball’s inclusion in international competitions. These inscriptions not only celebrate his personal achievements but chronicle the ascent of pickleball from community courts to professional arenas.
**Ceremony Sparks Celebration**
The unveiling ceremony was led by Annapolis Mayor Lily Rothman, who praised Johns as “a homegrown talent whose global success reflects Annapolis’s spirit of ambition and community.” Maryland Governor Allister Jacobs echoed the sentiment, calling the statue “a beacon of sporting excellence and an inspiration to future generations.”
Notable guests included pickleball pioneer John “Trejo” Strachan, who described Johns as “a generational talent redefining what athleticism means on the court.” Johns’ parents, hometown coach, and former doubles partner were also on hand. The legend himself offered heartfelt remarks: “I started playing at a public park ten blocks from here—who knew it would lead here? This isn’t just my statue; it represents all of us who’ve believed in pickleball.”
Opening remarks concluded with kids from local youth leagues presenting Johns with a commemorative paddle, symbolizing the next generation he continues to inspire.
**A Sports Legacy in the Heart of Annapolis**
The statue joins a growing collection of public artworks in Annapolis—traditionally home to military- and historical-themed monuments—ushering in a new era of athletic representation. While Annapolis typically honors naval heroes, statesmen, and Supreme Court jurists, the addition of a figure from the modern sporting world underscores the city’s evolving identity.
Positioned near the bustling City Dock promenade and steps from the Maryland State House, the statue is destined to become a popular photo-op for tourists. City officials hope it will boost sports tourism and signal Annapolis’ readiness to embrace 21st-century cultural touchstones.
**Growing Pickleball in the Chesapeake Region**
Since Johns ascended to prominence in 2021, the Annapolis area has witnessed a surge in pickleball courts—from converted tennis courts at Quiet Waters Park to new public facilities at the Anne Arundel County Community Center. The statue unveiling coincides with the city’s first youth pickleball clinic series, designed to nurture local talent and mirror Johns’ pathway from grassroots to greatness.
**A Symbol for the Future**
For Ben Johns, now 26, the tribute is as much about legacy as it is celebration. “My hope is that people walking by see someone who worked hard, stayed curious, and respected the game—that’s a reflection of Annapolis values, to me,” he said.
As the sun set over the Chesapeake Bay, Johns—with family, friends, and fans at his side—stood before his likeness. It was more than a statue: it was a symbol of ambition, progress, and a community rallying around its rising star.