A college hockey player who built one of pickleball’s most recognizable games
Koller grew up in St. Louis playing hockey and tennis. He later attended the University of Colorado Boulder, played four seasons of college hockey and earned a civil-engineering degree before spending approximately eight years in construction project management.
A move to Las Vegas led him to pickleball in 2018. Koller entered professional tournaments in 2019 and is listed by the PPA Tour as turning professional in 2020. His game reflects his hockey background through strong wrists, quick reactions and unusual lateral movement at the kitchen.
Why is AJ Koller known for the crab walk?
Koller’s low, lateral movement along the kitchen line resembles a crab walk. It helps him cover space defensively and complements the quick hands, strong wrists and lower-body balance he developed during 16 years of hockey.