“In 2022, I decided to dedicate my life entirely to padel. At that time, a safe path was in front of me: pursuing a Master’s degree in Finance & International Business. But I chose to follow my heart and step onto the court instead. Looking back today, it was the best decision of my life.”
My name is Lasse Schramm Simonsen, I am 28 years old and a full-time padel player from Aarhus, Denmark.
My sporting journey did not begin with padel; I grew up playing football and handball.
These sports taught me the value of teamwork, strategy, and discipline—qualities that I now carry with me on the padel court.
I discovered padel only a few years ago, yet it quickly became the center of my life.
In 2022, I made the bold decision to dedicate myself fully to the sport. At that time, I was still exploring different directions in life, but I knew that reaching my potential would require total commitment.
Padel was rapidly growing, not only in Denmark but also across Europe and the world, and I saw a unique opportunity to be part of that journey.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Aarhus University.
In the summer of 2023, I was faced with a major decision: should I continue with a Master’s in Finance & International Business, or follow my heart and go all in on padel and social media? At that point, I had 12,000 followers on Instagram. Many would have chosen the safer route, but I chose to trust myself. Today, I have more than 58,500 followers and my content reaches over 18 million monthly views on Instagram alone.
Looking back, it was the best decision of my life.
The progress since then has been remarkable.
In 2023, I won the Arla DM Protein Championship and was honored as Most Improved Player of the Year in Denmark.
In just over a year, I climbed from 981st place in the rankings to 16th.
Today I am ranked 14th in the country, and my goal is to break into the top 10 and secure a place on the national team to represent Denmark at the highest level.
What makes padel so special to me is that it is not only about technique or hitting the ball well.
The essence of the sport lies in connection, adaptability, and teamwork.
You are never alone—every point, every victory, and every defeat is shared with your partner.
Beyond that, padel has allowed me to build friendships with players from Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Montenegro, Portugal, Serbia, Finland, and many other countries.
These international bonds are one of the most valuable aspects of the sport for me.
My life as a professional athlete is built on discipline.
My training involves much more than practice on the court.
I work with a physiotherapist, a nutritionist, and a mental coach to ensure growth in every area.
On court, I refine my shots, tactics, and positioning; off court, I focus on strength, mobility, and recovery.
Social media has also become an integral part of my journey.
Through my profile @Lasse_Padel, I share daily tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and insights from my professional life.
What began as a small platform has grown into one of the most prominent presences in the global padel community.
For me, social media is not just about numbers; it is about building a community, inspiring newcomers, and contributing to the promotion of the sport I love.
Padel, for me, is more than just a sport—it is a lifestyle and a culture.
It combines intensity, strategy, and joy in a way that is truly unique.
Each time I step onto the court, I face new challenges, but I also feel part of something greater.
My vision is not only to compete at the highest level but also to inspire others, support the development of players, and contribute to the international growth of padel.
Looking back, I see that leaving behind my Master’s studies and choosing this path has taken me to where I truly belong.
Padel has given me purpose, achievements, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
As the sport continues to grow, I am excited to grow with it—on the court, online, and across borders.
