Six Zero Welcomes Polina and Sam Libo to the Team
Some journeys in pickleball are built through traditional pathways. Others are built through resilience, sacrifice, and shared belief. The story of Polina and Sam Libo is firmly in the second category.
A mother and son competing together on the professional pickleball stage is rare. Doing it while navigating the challenges of travel, training, and competition makes it even more remarkable. But for the Libos, this journey is not just about results. It is about pushing each other, growing together, and chasing a dream side by side.
Now, they bring that same competitive energy to Team Six Zero.
Built From a Tennis Foundation
Both Polina and Sam arrived in pickleball with strong tennis backgrounds that helped shape their competitive identities.
Polina competed at the highest junior levels in tennis, played professionally, and went on to compete at the Division I level. She also spent years coaching high performance athletes, which helped accelerate her transition into pickleball.
Sam followed a similar path, competing in junior tennis in the Eastern section before eventually discovering pickleball. The competitive foundation was already there. The next step was believing they could compete at the highest level.
For Polina, pickleball reignited something familiar.
"I was always competitive and enjoyed adrenaline in my life. Pickleball gave me that chance to compete again."
For Sam, it came once results started stacking up.
"Once I started winning local tournaments, I knew that I wanted to play on the higher level and play the best players."
Breakthrough Moments
Confidence on the pro stage often comes from one defining match. For Polina, that moment came early.
Her first tournament in Daytona included a match against Lina, who was ranked inside the top five at the time. Competing toe to toe with one of the best players in the world changed everything.
"I knew that I was able to compete with the best."
For Sam, the breakthrough came after winning gold in Mesa.
"After winning Mesa, my first gold, it was a remarkable feeling and I just knew that I wanted to keep going."
Those moments confirmed what both already believed. They belonged at this level.
A Grinding Style With Competitive Edge
The Libos bring a mindset built on endurance, patience, and pressure. They are grinders who thrive in long rallies and tight matches.
Polina describes her game simply.
"I am definitely a grinder and bring my tennis game to pickleball."
Her endurance is a major strength. At 40, she believes she is in the best shape of her life and uses that conditioning to outlast opponents and stay composed in pressure situations.
Sam mirrors that mentality with a baseline-oriented foundation while continuing to evolve his all court game.
"I love grinding the points and with each tournament I'm getting more comfortable getting into the kitchen and finishing the points."
Both are actively working to round out their games. Polina is focusing on her kitchen play and building stronger doubles and mixed results. Sam is developing his right side game as he continues to grow at the pro level.
When matches tighten, their composure comes from experience and discipline.
Polina relies on her tennis background to stay mentally locked in.
Sam slows the game down, takes extra time between points, and looks for ways to disrupt momentum.
Why Six Zero
The connection with Six Zero started at Worlds in Dallas, where they met Dale and immediately saw the passion behind the brand.
"The professionalism and the love for the company was visible right away."
Once they stepped on court with the paddles, the decision became even easier. Both immediately connected with the feel of the Coral.
"The sweet spot and the control on the Coral was unmatched."
At the highest level, they both prioritize the same core qualities in a paddle. Control and power. The ability to stay consistent while still finishing points.
That balance is exactly what they found.
Competing Together on Tour
For Polina and Sam, the most exciting part of the pro tour is simple. They get to do it together.
Competing on the biggest stages while cheering each other on adds a layer that few players experience. Every win is shared. Every match is personal.
"I am extremely lucky to have my mom always by my side," Sam says.
That support system is a defining part of their journey and one of the reasons they continue to push forward.
Goals for the Season
Both players have clear goals for the year ahead.
Polina is targeting a breakthrough into the top 50 in doubles and mixed.
Sam is focused on getting signed and winning his first matches in the main draw.
These are ambitious goals, but their trajectory suggests they are well within reach.
A Story Built on Resilience
The Libo story goes deeper than rankings and results. It is built on sacrifice and perseverance.
Polina has navigated the demands of competing while raising Sam as a single mother. Financial challenges, travel demands, and the grind of professional sport have all been part of the journey.
"My story is different from other players. We definitely don’t come from money and as a single mom it's definitely a struggle, but I believe the strength and love that we have makes us stronger and want to keep going."
Competing at 40 and beating players half her age makes every win even more meaningful.
For Sam, that motivation is deeply personal.
"I know how hard it is for my mom and I just want to show her and myself that I can be the best and make it. Winning and beating top players motivates me more and more each tournament."
Welcome to Team Six Zero
Polina and Sam Libo represent more than just talent. They represent grit, family, and the drive to compete at the highest level together.
Their journey is still being written, and this season marks another major step forward.
We are proud to welcome Polina and Sam Libo to Team Six Zero.
