Adam Peck

Croquet Anthony Alexander was able to catch up with Adam Peck while he was competing in a tournament over in Egypt. Despite a packed schedule, Adam made time to share his story, his passion for the game, and the journey that brought him to croquet.

Q: Adam, tell us about where you're from and what it was like growing up there.

I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and moved to the United States as an infant. I grew up going to school in the U.S. but spent my summers back in Joburg. My mom’s side of the family is still in South Africa, while my dad’s side is scattered across the U.S. Experiencing the good and the bad in both countries has given me a well-rounded outlook on life and shaped how I see the world today.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from childhood?

Football—soccer—was everything to me. In the U.S., it was all about tournaments with my travel team and getting into harmless mischief with friends from school. In South Africa, I played football in the streets with my cousins—those games really sharpened my skills. We also played Wild Wild West with BB guns, and once my brother and I even threw darts at each other (I accidentally hit him on the top of the head—thankfully he’s fine!). Those memories still feel like yesterday.

Q: What’s the passion or work that really lights you up, and how did you find it?

Helping others has always been at the center of who I am. Every job I’ve chosen has been in service to others—it’s what fulfills me the most.

Q: Can you share the story of how Croquet first came into your life?

My introduction to croquet was totally unexpected. I drove my mom—who’s worked for the U.S. Croquet Association for more than fifteen years—to the 2024 GC World Championship in Virginia. At first, I thought it was just a soft-hitting, slow-paced game. But after helping set hoops and serving as a ball boy, I realized how wrong I was. Watching the players’ precision and strategy, I saw how croquet combines the mental toughness of chess, the touch of billiards, and the focus of golf. When I got back home to Florida, I started playing on November 14—and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Q: When did Croquet shift from being something you played to something you truly loved?

The moment I hit my first jump shot. That feeling sealed it for me.

Q: If you could pass on one message or gift to the next generation of Croquet players, what would it be?

Always play confidently and for fun. Keep showing up with positivity. The rest will come naturally.

You can keep up with Adam by following him on Instagram @adamepeck.