A fast rise from college tennis and ad technology to the pro tour
Humberg grew up in São Paulo and began taking tennis seriously at age nine. She competed internationally before earning a scholarship to Winthrop University, where she was the 2015 Big South Freshman of the Year and earned first-team all-conference honors in singles and doubles. She later transferred to Louisville and became an ITA All-Academic Scholar-Athlete and an All-ACC Academic selection.
After earning an economics degree with a marketing minor and a master’s in business analytics, Humberg built a career at advertising-technology company El Toro. She first played pickleball in August 2022, entered a professional event that December and turned pro in 2023 before committing to the tour full time in 2024.
What defines Mari Humberg’s pickleball game?
Humberg uses the spin, disguise and two-handed shot-making developed during her tennis career to pressure opponents from the left side. Her aggressive slice and backhand flick have become two of the most recognizable parts of her game.