Arnas “Arnie” Sabonis is a professional tennis and pickleball player born and raised in Palanga, Lithuania. He was introduced to tennis at the age of seven and quickly formed a connection with the game, one that would grow with him over time. From an early age, tennis became more than competition; it became a teacher of discipline, patience, and appreciation for the journey itself.
Growing up, Arnas spent much of his time with his grandmother, helping sell fresh produce at local markets, food they had grown themselves. Those early mornings and long days instilled in him a deep sense of humility, work ethic, and respect for honest effort. Family and connection became central values, especially as he later left home at just 14 years old to pursue his dreams abroad. Living independently at a young age taught him resilience and self-reliance, while also deepening his appreciation for meaningful relationships.
His development eventually brought him to the United States, where he attended Cheshire Academy in Connecticut. During those years, Arnas learned the importance of leadership, responsibility, and contributing to a team, lessons that shaped him as much off the court as on it.
Arnas went on to compete at the NCAA Division I level with Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, where balancing academics and athletics remained a priority. He was recognized as an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete and later earned an MBA with a focus on executive business leadership, graduating with a 3.7 GPA. These experiences broadened his perspective beyond sport and reinforced the value of growth across multiple areas of life.
As a professional, Arnas has competed internationally on the ITF circuit and continues to play in the Naples Pro League. Alongside competition, coaching and mentorship have become an important part of his journey. His involvement with the ACEing Autism Foundation has been especially meaningful, using tennis as a way to create inclusive and empowering experiences for children with disabilities. Working with players of all ages, whether as a coach, mentor, or hitting partner, has deepened his appreciation for the sport and the community around it.
Beyond tennis, Arnas has embraced pickleball, where he has reached as high as a world top-300 ranking in singles play. The transition has allowed him to remain competitive while continuing to grow as an athlete, adapting to new challenges with curiosity and humility.
The journey has not been without adversity. During the 2021–2022 season, Arnas suffered a serious shoulder injury that required surgery and six months of rehabilitation. As college graduation approached, he made the difficult decision to step away from full-time competition and prioritize his professional future, pursuing a career in investments. Over the next three years, he worked in finance, gaining valuable perspective outside of sports. While tennis never fully left his life, competition took a back seat.
A move from Pittsburgh to Florida marked a turning point. Being immersed again in an environment rich with tennis and pickleball rekindled something familiar and deeply personal. Today, Arnas works at the Pelican Bay Foundation as a rackets professional, overseeing overall rackets operations. Despite a history of significant physical setbacks, including a torn shoulder, three herniated spinal discs, a dislocated hip, and temporary heart valve complications, he has chosen to return to competition with renewed purpose.
In 2026, Arnas plans to compete on the PPA, ITF, and Naples Pro League stages, with the goal of continuing to push his limits and striving toward a world top-100 ranking. Looking ahead to that year, he has also set a personal goal to run the Pittsburgh Marathon, embracing the challenge as another way to test discipline and endurance beyond the court. Experiencing life in the corporate world ultimately reminded him of who he is without tennis and how essential the sport remains to his identity. While he continues to invest and day trade on the side, competition remains at the heart of his journey.
Off the court, Arnas is committed to giving back. He plans to expand his involvement with the ACEing Autism Foundation, traveling to major U.S. cities such as New York and making occasional weekend visits to Chicago throughout 2026 to support programming and raise awareness. He also continues to work with the Next Level Athlete Foundation, helping European athletes pursue opportunities in the United States. In addition, Arnas is developing his own initiative that will combine his financial background, MBA education, and passion for sport to create meaningful impact.
Despite a demanding schedule filled with competition, travel, and professional responsibilities, Arnas values the simple joys of life. Having moved many times throughout his life, he has learned that home is less about location and more about connection. Naples has been one of his homes since childhood, and Florida remains where his heart feels most grounded. At the same time, he often finds inspiration and energy in larger cities. Time spent reconnecting with friends in places like Pittsburgh and New York brings balance and perspective, while limited time exploring cities such as Chicago through foundation work, and Manhattan, where he spent meaningful time growing up and continues to draw inspiration, allows him to stay connected to broader communities. In quieter moments, he enjoys spending time with friends over simple games, whether cards like Uno or King’s Corner, or board games such as The Game of Life, small rituals that create space to slow down and connect. While Florida remains his base, Arnas remains open to where future opportunities, work, or family life may lead.
While ambition and movement have shaped much of his journey, Arnas believes the most meaningful moments often happen in stillness. He values deep connection, shared time, and the quiet understanding that comes from being truly present with others. Even within a full schedule, he makes space for shared quiet moments, whether through conversation, reflection, or simply being present with those he cares about. To him, partnership is built on intention, care, and the ability to slow down together, even in a fast-moving life.
At the core of his ambitions are goals that remain refreshingly simple. Arnas hopes to one day have a family and to provide them with the same opportunities he was fortunate to receive. He believes that being able to travel with loved ones, support one another, and appreciate life’s quiet moments is among life’s greatest blessings.
Professionally, his focus is to continue competing for as long as he is able, fully aware of how quickly chapters can close. Having seen his own college career end unexpectedly, he approaches each opportunity with gratitude. Turning professional at just 15 years old allowed him to experience more than many ever do, and for that, he remains deeply thankful.
Above all, Arnas views his journey as a gift. Whatever lies ahead, he hopes to meet it with a smile, faith, and openness to growth. His wish for 2026 and beyond is simple: that we stay happy, grow closer with God, and experience the moments that bring genuine joy.
