From GoFundMe To Pro Pickleball: Nursharneem Shamsuddin’s Remarkable Rise And Plans For A Malaysian Homecoming
Malaysia’s pickleball scene is quickly gaining prominence, and at the forefront of its emerging talent pool is Nursharneem Shamsuddin—or simply Neem to those who know her best. The 26-year-old former tennis player has come a long way since she first picked up a pickleball paddle in 2022, evolving from a casual player to a rising professional with her eyes set on the global stage.
A Love For Pickleball Born In The U.S.
Neem’s introduction to pickleball began by chance. In 2022, while working at a country club in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, she started playing casually with members. It didn’t take long for the sport’s unique pace, strategy, and community spirit to capture her heart.
“I discovered pickleball in 2022 while working at a country club in Hilton Head Island, SC. At first, it was just a fun way to interact with members,” Neem shared in an interview with Pickleball News Asia. “But as time went on, I realised how much I loved the game. By mid-2023, after graduating from King University, I decided to pursue it professionally.”
A Challenging Path Forward
However, pursuing professional pickleball wasn’t as straightforward as Neem might have hoped. While her talent was undeniable, the financial reality of going pro soon became apparent.
“Competing professionally means covering travel expenses, tournament fees, and paying for top-level coaching,” Neem explained. “I launched a GoFundMe to support my journey. The goal was to participate in more tournaments, gain experience, and climb the rankings.”
The response was heartening. Support poured in, and Neem made the most of it, competing in various events, including the PPA State Championship in Bristol, TN, where she earned a spot in the 4.0 Singles Champions Bracket. The momentum continued, and she set up another GoFundMe to fund her 2025 pro season, with a focus on major tournaments like the PPA TOUR, PPA CHALLENGERS, APP, and Nationals.
Facing The Pros – And Holding Her Own
Neem’s progress in the competitive scene soon led her to face some of the sport’s elite. One of her proudest moments came when she qualified for the PPA event in North Carolina, where she found herself facing off against none other than former tennis star Genie Bouchard.
“I played in the qualifiers and won my first match, but lost in the second round. Still, I was picked as a ‘lucky loser’ and got to play against Genie Bouchard in the Round of 32,” Neem recalled. “Even though I didn’t win, the experience was invaluable. Competing against someone of that calibre was a sign of how far I’ve come.”
Expanding To Doubles And Eyeing A Bigger Stage
While Neem has focused primarily on singles, she’s now looking to diversify her game by competing in doubles—a strategic move to become a more complete player.
“I really enjoy the team aspect of doubles. It’s a different game—more strategy, more positioning. I’m looking forward to finding the right partner and competing at a higher level,” she said.
Her ultimate goal for 2025 is to qualify for the World Pickleball Championship in Dallas, Texas, set for November 2-9 at the Brookhaven Country Club.
A Homecoming In Selangor
Before Dallas, however, Neem is eyeing a return to her home country, Malaysia, to compete in the World Pickleball Championship in Selangor this July. The event will not only provide an opportunity for Neem to compete against international talent but also to reconnect with the burgeoning pickleball community in Malaysia.
“I’m really excited about returning to Malaysia. The pickleball scene there is growing rapidly, and it’s inspiring to see more people getting into the sport,” Neem said. “I feel a strong connection to the local community, and I hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams, just as I’m pursuing mine.”
The Road Ahead
Neem’s journey from casual player to aspiring pro has been nothing short of remarkable. What began as a simple GoFundMe campaign has now blossomed into a full-fledged pursuit of greatness. With each tournament, Neem is inching closer to her dream of becoming a dominant force on the international pickleball stage.
For Malaysian fans, her upcoming participation in the Selangor World Pickleball Championship will be an emotional homecoming and a chance to witness the rise of one of the country’s most promising talents.
As Neem continues to chase her dreams, one thing is certain: the best is yet to come.
