Charlie Ball remains “Unstoppa-Ball.”
The former “American Ninja Warrior Junior” standout from Readington recently made his rookie appearance on Season 18 of NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior,” the adult version of the reality competition series. After placing fourth in the June 29 episode, Ball earned a bye into the semifinals and will compete again July 13.
“It was super,” said Ball, now 16. Before his first run, he said he took a moment to soak in the experience.
“It was very different from the kids show, and it was just crazy,” said Ball, who taped his runs in September 2025 in Las Vegas. “Especially when I was standing on the starting platform before I ran, I definitely felt the different atmosphere. I was super nervous, but it was good.”
Once he began the course, the nerves disappeared.
Ball completed the seeding course in 57 seconds, navigating six obstacles: Shrinking Steps, Rollercoaster, Domino Effect, Kite Surfer, Wall to Wall and the Mega Wall, the show’s towering 18.5-foot version of the iconic Warped Wall.
By finishing the first five obstacles in less than a minute, Ball unlocked the Mega Wall challenge. He also posted one of the fastest times of the night, quickly establishing himself as one of the competition’s standout newcomers.
Commentator and co-host Akbar Gbaja-Biamila predicted Ball would be a rookie to watch.
His “pick to be the fastest time of the night,” Ball “did not disappoint,” Gbaja-Biamila said during the broadcast.
“I didn’t hear his comment until the episode aired,” Ball said. “That was really cool to see because he’s the same commentator who saw me on the kids show. So it’s cool that he remembered me and had faith in me to have a good run.”
Ball trains alongside fellow ninjas Abby Clark and Joseph Capobianco. He previously competed on the second and third seasons of “American Ninja Warrior Junior” at ages 9 and 11.
Since discovering the sport at age 4, Ball’s passion for ninja competition has never faded.
His interest began after watching “American Ninja Warrior” with his father, Duane Ball; mother, Deana DeRosa; and grandparents, Celine and John DeRosa. The preschooler started imitating the athletes he saw on television and quickly fell in love with the sport.
Competing since 2018, Ball still finds joy in every run.
Some things have changed over the years.
He continues to train four to five times a week, but he now teaches younger athletes and has added another title to his “Unstoppa-Ball” nickname: Coach Charlie.
The athletes he once admired have become friends, and he now serves as a role model for the next generation of ninjas at Next Level gym in Flemington, where he trains and coaches.
“I have the same love for it that I always have had,” Ball said. “When I was younger, it was something super fun to do, and I was able to look up to all the older ninjas on the show and want to be like them one day. Now it’s kind of flipped, and I feel like a lot of people are looking up to me at this point. It’s super cool to set a good example for all the kids.”
His advice to young competitors is simple: enjoy the sport.
“It’s not something that, especially when you’re young, you want to force yourself to do,” Ball said. “You can’t let your love for it be based on your performance. If you enjoy it and put the work in, you’ll become successful. That’s what it’s really about. It’s great for your body and for getting out and doing something.”
Viewers will see Ball return during the racing portion of the competition July 13, when he will compete head-to-head against two other ninjas on identical courses.
And if fans are wondering whether this season will be his last, Ball has a quick answer.
“I definitely plan to be there,” he said of future seasons. “I just have to fill out the application.”
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning feature, news and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Readington teen advances on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ debut
