Who is Jackie Booth? The Smasher Chats with South Africa’s Padel Queen and Academy Founder

The Smasher: Jackie, you’ve made waves in the South African padel scene and are ranked as the number one female player on the Playtonic rankings. Let’s kick things off: what sparked your passion for Padel, and how did you rise to the top?

Jackie Booth: Hey, Smasher, and Hi to all you Padel fanatics out there! The very first time I picked up a padel racket, I felt like I’d landed on a mix of home turf and a sci-fi set. Coming from a tennis background, playing at the net was my strength. But stepping onto a padel court? That glass wall threw me a curveball—literally! It’s a whole new challenge: quick exchanges, crazy ricochets, and the thrill of turning the glass to your advantage. Honestly, padel had me hooked from day one.

I’ve always been competitive—thanks, Dad! I thrive on pushing myself and learning the game’s nuances. But here’s the thing: the padel scene in South Africa is still growing, so while I’m proud to be a top player, I know there’s still so much to learn. At the elite level, shots like the bandeja and vibora are game-changers, and mastering them takes real coaching. That’s where I’m focusing my energy—both as a player and now as a coach.

The Smasher: Your journey sounds incredible, but it’s never all smooth sailing. What were the pivotal moments that brought you here?

Jackie Booth: Oh, for sure, Smasher. Life’s curveballs have a funny way of turning into opportunities. I was happy running my tennis academy and serving as Sports Manager at a top private club in Cape Town when I stumbled into padel. Back then, Africa Padel was revolutionizing the sport in South Africa, building clubs faster than you could say “smash.” Their CEO—a visionary—saw potential in me to build their coaching infrastructure. It was a dream team of passionate people, and I was all in.

Then the unexpected happened. The leadership changed, and the dream unravelled. Leaving Africa Padel was tough, but it pushed me to start something of my own. That’s how the Padel Academy was born. Looking back, it was a blessing in disguise—an opportunity to create something meaningful and lasting.

The Smasher: Africa Padel has played a significant role in shaping the sport. How do you see its growth and future in South Africa?

Jackie Booth: South Africans love their sports, so it’s no surprise that Padel is taking off. It’s the perfect mix: accessible, fun, and easy to pick up. Even if you’ve never played a racket sport, you can rally on a padel court. That’s what makes it so inclusive and addictive.

Africa Padel laid a solid foundation, and now we’re seeing an explosion of clubs and courts. The next big leap? Developing top-tier players through structured coaching—something the Academy is poised to lead.

The Smasher: Speaking of development, you’ve been a strong advocate for women in Padel. What’s your take on the state of women’s padel in South Africa, and how are you inspiring the next generation?

Jackie Booth: Women’s padel is on the rise, Smasher! Over the past year, I’ve seen a real shift. Women who started playing for fun are now hungry to train and compete. But here’s the deal: to get better, you need coaching. Shots like the bandeja don’t magically improve—they need practice and guidance.

I try to lead by example. Whether it’s on the court or through coaching, I want young girls to see what’s possible. One of them could be the next Padel Olympian—who knows? We need to keep pushing, promoting, and showing sponsors the untapped potential of women’s padel. It’s our time.

The Smasher: You’ve now launched the Padel Academy. What’s your vision, and what can players expect from this game-changing initiative?

Jackie Booth: The Academy is my dream come true. Padel’s popularity is booming, but to truly grow the sport, we need professional coaching structures. At the Academy, we cater to everyone—from casual players to aspiring pros. We’ve got specialized programs, high-performance training, and cutting-edge tools like video analysis to take players to the next level.

For young talent, it’s about creating a winning environment—intensive schedules, top coaches, and opportunities to compete locally and abroad. But it’s not just about technique. I’m big on instilling values: discipline, respect, and teamwork. It’s about shaping not just great players but great people.

The Smasher: Looking ahead, how do you see your Academy shaping the future of padel, especially for women in Africa?

Jackie Booth: I want the Academy to be a catalyst—a hub where players, coaches, and clubs come together to elevate the sport. For women, it’s about creating equal opportunities and inspiring the next generation. Did you know 40% of the 30 million Padel players globally are women? In South Africa, it might be even higher. Imagine the potential!

My call to action? To sponsors, businesses, and media: get on board. Support women’s padel, and let’s pave the way for an SA team at the Olympics. The future is bright, and I’m excited to play a part in it.

The Smasher: Jackie, your journey is nothing short of inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story. Any final words for our readers?

Jackie Booth: Thanks, Smasher! To everyone out there: pick up a racket, hit the court, and experience the magic of padel. And who knows? You might just fall in love with it—like I did.

The Smasher with Jackie Booth