CJ Klinger hails from Ohio and started playing pickleball at age 12 when his family moved to southwest Florida. He played a variety of sports as a kid, primarily tennis before he decided to focus on pickleball. In his early tournaments he partnered with his dad. CJ won many medals on the amateur circuit, then at the pro level as he worked his way up to compete full-time. In 2023, CJ was a member of MLP’s Challenger team the SoCal Hard Eights. His efforts helped the team win a three-peat and CJ was twice named MVP.
CJ is left-handed, 6’3” and prides himself on being a great teammate first, while playing an all-around, disciplined and aggressive game. CJ’s other interests include archaeology, geography and music. His hero is Ohio’s own Jesse Owens.
CJ Klinger hails from Ohio and started playing pickleball at age 12 when his family moved to southwest Florida. He played a variety of sports as a kid, primarily tennis before he decided to focus on pickleball. In his early tournaments he partnered with his dad. CJ won many medals on the amateur circuit, then at the pro level as he worked his way up to compete full-time. In 2023, CJ was a member of MLP’s Challenger team the SoCal Hard Eights. His efforts helped the team win a three-peat and CJ was twice named MVP.
CJ is left-handed, 6’3” and prides himself on being a great teammate first, while playing an all-around, disciplined and aggressive game. CJ’s other interests include archaeology, geography and music. His hero is Ohio’s own Jesse Owens.