Pickleballers

Lucy Kovalova is one of the OG queens of pickleball — a former world number one, multiple-time triple crown winner, and one of the most feared right-side players of all time.From a tiny village in Slovakia to Wichita State with no English, to “accidentally” becoming the best in the world, Lucy has lived every chapter of pickleball’s rise. In this episode, she sits down with Roscoe and Jared to share the full story: chasing pro tennis across Europe, landing in Kansas without knowing what D1 even was, discovering pickleball through a made-up paddle game… and then quietly becoming one of the best players on the planet.She opens up about the first US Open in Naples, forming superteams with Irina Tereschenko and Simone Jardim, the golden era of grindy dinking, dominating women’s doubles with Simone, the rivalry years as new talent flooded in, what really separates the top women’s teams today, how the PPA Tour turned pickleball into a real career, and why her relationship with the sport has evolved from pure love of the game to business, purpose, and legacy.Delivered by @DoorDash! 🚘Pickleballers Hat:🧢 https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef0:00 Lucy Kovalova intro and “accidental” world number one1:03 Welcome back to Pickleballers delivered by DoorDash2:20 Growing up in Slovakia: small village, tennis and ballroom dancing4:18 The brutal pro tennis grind and trying to “make it” in Europe5:43 Burnout, quitting tennis and deciding to go to college in the US6:51 Landing at Wichita State with no English and becoming freshman of the year9:04 College life, international crew and first impressions of Americans11:05 Staying in Wichita, coaching at the club and discovering pickleball13:04 The made-up paddle game, first temp courts and saying yes to US Open Naples15:02 First US Open: women’s doubles, slow dinking and singles ATP vs Simone17:14 Early mixed results with Matt and when they started dating20:21 Winning TOC and Nationals and realizing they were a top mixed team24:48 Women’s partnerships: Irina, Simone, Callie and building superteams26:58 Dominating with Simone and the rise of new rivals29:34 Inside the rivalry era and five-game wars on the PPA Tour35:31 Respecting Anna Leigh as a player and Lucy’s perspective on that era41:35 When pickleball became a full-time career and the rise of the PPA43:32 From love of the game to business: contracts, sponsors and pressure44:39 Looking ahead: two more years, legacy and being the “cool aunt”46:00 Could she just coach, commentate or watch without playing?50:06 What separates the top women’s teams in modern pickleball51:13 Missing the old dinking era and thoughts on the wooden paddle event54:11 PPA superlatives: funniest, smartest, loudest, best trash talk and more55:31 How Lucy wants to be remembered on tour and on court56:03 Life after pro pickleball, teaching at the club and ballroom dreams56:50 Craziest match she’s ever played and final thoughts#Lucykovalova #Mattwright #PPA #MLP #Pickleball

Christian “Tweener King” Alshon grew up in a high-achieving Florida tennis family, went 18–0 at the University of Chicago, and won a D3 national title before realizing the finance path wasn’t for him. Then he found pickleball — and everything flipped.He built a brand off trick shots, battled through two years before winning his first singles title, and transformed into one of the most aggressive, emotional players in the sport. But now he’s dropped the Tweener King nickname, leaned heavily into faith, and reordered his life: God, family, pickleball.In this episode, Christian sits down with Roscoe and Jared to talk about the rise, the maturity, why he shows so much emotion on court, how Lee Waters shaped his game, and what he actually wants in the next 2–5 years. Honest, real, and way deeper than people think.Delivered by @DoorDash 🚘Pickleballers Hat:🧢 https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef2:13 Why he killed the Tweener King brand and fan reaction4:12 Beating Ben Johns in Atlanta and learning to work the crowd7:07 Growing up in Florida, siblings, and how tennis started11:22 Wanting a traditional future with wife and kids13:00 Committing to UVA, relaxing after the offer, and college distractions16:05 Balancing academics, social life, and tennis at Virginia17:19 Transferring to University of Chicago and losing the pro dream for a bit22:49 Going 18–0, winning a D3 national title, and that all-time celebration photo25:22 The moment he told his coach, “I think I want to go pro in pickleball”26:03 First pickleball sessions with James Ignatowich and realizing his level27:39 The fake WWE beef text and real competitive tension28:44 Building a brand: wall drills, thirst traps, and online hate32:29 Junior tennis emotions, negative self-talk, and training hard35:01 How he structures his weeks – discipline, calendar, and Jordan Peterson37:21 Why losing used to feel like a knife to the heart41:39 Reordering his life: God, family, pickleball45:03 Playing for something bigger than winning and letting go of “I must be #1”46:20 Touring 25+ weeks a year and trying to enjoy the grind47:49 Is pickleball an individual sport or team sport? PPA vs MLP48:44 Why MLP can feel “first or last” compared to PPA51:01 Playing for the Ranchers and MLP55:04 How serious some MLP teams are and why the Ranchers are good for the sport58:02 Crafting his hyper-aggressive doubles style with Lee Waters1:00:47 Who he loves to battle in singles and the parity at the top1:02:00 Goals for the next 2–5 years: faith, family, financial security 1:03:17 His philosophy on money, big purchases, and wanting a Rolex1:03:54 Faith first, pickleball second – and what he actually wants out of the sport1:06:07 His Paddletech signature paddle, TKO name story, and why so many top singles guys use it#ChristianAlshon #Pickleballers #Pickleball #PPA #MLP #ProPickleball

Tyra “Hurricane” Black grew up in the pressure cooker of junior tennis — sitting courtside in a stroller while her dad coached pros, traveling the world alone at 13, and being turned pro without even knowing it. The burnout, stress, and antidepressants that followed nearly pushed her out of sports for good.Then an earthquake in Turkey became her wake-up call. Tyra came home, tried pickleball, and everything changed. Within two years she went from complete beginner to top-5 in the world, got signed to an MLP team before ever playing a tournament, and even beat Anna Leigh Waters — all while rediscovering joy for the first time in years.In this episode, Tyra joins Roscoe and Jared to talk about leaving tennis, how pickleball helped her get off antidepressants, battling an autoimmune scare, MLP drama, protecting her Dallas Flash teammates, quitting singles after a PPA title, and what she wants the sport to become. Raw, honest, and insanely inspiring.Delivered by ⁨‪@DoorDash‬! 🚘Order the limited Pickleballers hat here: https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/pro...Add us on Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef1:32 Growing up in Boca with a tennis family4:56 Quitting tennis as a kid and rescuing animals6:54 Sister Tornado’s insane junior career and brutal injury7:50 Traveling alone at 13 and burning out on tennis10:47 DoorDash Ad11:05 Turned pro at 13, and feeling miserable on tour13:52 Earthquake in Turkey and the “what am I doing?” moment15:07 Falling in love with pickleball and giving it a real shot17:44 Depression, antidepressants, and how pickleball changed everything20:25 Getting signed to MLP before ever playing a pickleball tournament20:55 Pickleballers Hat Ad21:11 Autoimmune diagnosis, hair loss, and playing through fear24:30 MLP Culture26:13 Can players call each other out and still show empathy29:23 Living for others, guarding her team, and wanting everyone happy30:43 The match where Tyra beat Anna Leigh Waters in singles32:24 Massive respect for Anna Leigh and her dominance34:43 Why Tyra quit singles after winning a PPA title37:00 The mental load of singles vs doubles and needing a “partner”39:35 Tyra’s mindset against Annaleigh and why she plays free42:14 Not letting pickleball become toxic like junior tennis43:42 Crazy sports parents and how to protect kids in the sport45:23 Gambling, pressure, and keeping humanity in pro pickleball46:40 Inside the Dallas Flash: culture, chemistry, and family vibes49:05 Roster cuts and tricky MLP realities51:19 Tornado and Nicole54:31 Julie Johnson’s coaching and support on and off the court56:57 How Tyra wants pickleball to evolve: paddles and international growth59:11 PPA high school superlatives1:01:57 2025 plans: partners, Christian for mixed, Jorja for women’s1:03:42 Turning down a paid partner offer and choosing chemistry over money1:08:45 How Tyra wants to be remembered and what truly matters#Tyrablack #Pickleballers #Pickleball #PPA #MLP #ProPickleball

Andrei Daescu was born to compete. From his early days in Romania as a tennis player to his relentless rise up the pickleball ranks, the 37-year-old giant has been called "the best pickleball player not named Ben Johns".Coming fresh off a Major League Pickleball championship, Andrei joins Roscoe and Jared to discuss his MLP run, what life was like growing up in Romania, his love for inspirational tweets, and more.From PPA battles to his approach to training and mindset, this one’s a clinic in grit, strategy, and focus. Behind the quiet focus is a competitor who never stops studying, never stops evolving, and—depending on who you ask—might just be the best in the world.Delivered by ⁨ @DoorDash ! 🚘Add us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/pickleballershttps://instagram.com/thekitchenpickleballhttps://instagram.com/roscoebellamyhttps://instagram.com/jpaulthechef

Hunter Johnson is the world #1 singles pickleball player — the top spot in the fastest-growing sport on the planet, and a title that comes with way more pressure than people realize.In this episode, Hunter sits down with Roscoe and Jared to talk about what it actually feels like to be #1 in the world — the confidence it takes to get there, the doubts that creep in once you finally arrive, and the psychological weight of knowing every match is someone else’s Super Bowl. He breaks down the “now what?” moment after reaching the pinnacle, how he deals with the target on his back, and why he’s still more hungry than ever to keep the spot.Hunter explains why singles is the future of the sport — and why he believes it’s the format that will make pickleball go mainstream. They talk the Lifetime ball, how singles strategy has changed, why baseline pressure is becoming more valuable, and how the separation between pros and everyone else is getting bigger fast. Plus: the biggest threats to the #1 ranking, how he thinks about the field (Fed, Haworth, Connor, Garnett, and more), and the small tactical adjustments that actually decide matches at the top.Hunter opens up about the mental side of competing — negative self-talk, self-sabotage, pressure, perspective, faith, and what kind of champion he wants to be on and off the court. They also revisit the Lakeland match, momentum (real or not), what it taught him, and how he’s approaching 2026 with a better mindset and a clearer purpose.Delivered by @DoorDash ! 🚘Pickleballers Hat:🧢 https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef2:29 — The pressure of #1: psychology, emotions, staying hungry2:59 — Hunter vs Yates (Palm Springs match)5:28 — Pickleball time moves different (tour life perspective)8:13 — Gratitude + why being a pro makes time feel “slow”9:18 — Lakeland controversy + the post moment11:00 — The real issue: self-talk, mindset, and being watched as #112:09 — “Now what?” after reaching the pinnacle + staying there13:35 — Self-awareness, faith, perspective, and owning your behavior16:35 — The platform of #1: being a role model for juniors19:15 — Target on his back + using pressure as fuel20:18 — Momentum: real vs mental construct23:18 — Who threatens the #1 spot?28:59 — Hot take: singles will make pickleball mainstream30:24 — Why singles pops on TV32:07 — Hot take: Ben & Anna Leigh should split and become rivals35:49 — Ball talk: Lifetime vs Franklin38:15 — Recovery: Hunter’s full routine41:04 — 120-second backstory43:40 — “Civil war draft”: 3 pros you’re taking to survive45:57 — Hunter vs Anna Leigh practice story47:46 — How far could Anna Leigh go in men’s singles?48:44 — The future

Andre Agassi is one of the most iconic athletes of all time — an 8-time Grand Slam champion, Olympic gold medalist, and a legend changed tennis forever.In this episode, Andre sits down with Roscoe and Jared to explain why he’s gone all-in on pickleball — not as a gimmick, not as a cameo, but because the sport genuinely hooked him. He breaks down what tennis players don’t understand yet: pickleball isn’t just “easy” — it’s insanely nuanced, mentally exhausting, and filled with tiny variables that change everything in real time. He even explains why two hours of tennis leaves him energized… but two hours of pickleball leaves him so mentally cooked he can’t even make it to the shower.Andre dives deep into his game and what he’s learning — what translates from tennis, what absolutely doesn’t, why the rhythm and “blood pressure” of pickleball is harder to manage, and why he’s become a right-side player focused on forehand dinks, two-handed counters, and deception. He also answers the big questions: tennis vs pickleball difficulty, what he would change about the sport (including a wild idea to widen the net posts), why pickleball struggles on TV with camera angles, how the Lifetime ball is changing singles, and why paddle “grab/spin” might matter more than pure power.Andre tells the story of playing the US Open with Anna Leigh Waters — including the one thought he couldn’t shake: “Don’t be the first person to lose with Anna Leigh.” He shares how a back injury nearly derailed the run, how fierce Anna Leigh is as a competitor, and why pickleball has genuinely changed his life — physically, mentally, and socially — even in his mid-50s.Delivered by @DoorDash ! 🚘Pickleballers Hat:🧢 https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef1:25 — Tennis vs pickle “animosity” + Andre’s take2:35 — The real reason he fell in love with pickleball4:28 — Small margins + why pickle is tricky for TV6:47 — Andre’s game: what translates from tennis + what he’s working on9:39 — Pickleball Slam prep: when he actually got committed11:30 — Roscoe’s Pickleball Slam story + why Andre matters to the sport12:59 — Tennis/pickle/padel: do they grow together or cannibalize?15:38 — Andre’s honesty: “Tennis is the Everest of racket sports”17:07 — Crazy poker story18:57 — US Open with Anna Leigh Waters22:06 — How Agassi x Joola partnership happened26:24 — Gambling in pickleball29:39 — Andre’s dinner speech to Joola pros31:23 — What pro would Andre play with?33:36 — What would he change in pickleball?40:08 — Singles evolution + the Lifetime ball changing44:50 — What’s harder: tennis or pickleball?47:01 — Carlos Alcaraz on a pickle court 52:53 — Pickleball Olympics path: college + scholarships54:13 — Legacy + why he wants to help grow the game55:38 — Has pickleball changed his life? #pickleballers #andreagassi #pickleball #ppa #mlp

Leigh Waters is the mom and coach of Anna Leigh Waters — the most dominant pickleball player of all time — and the person who’s been in the room for every major moment that turned Anna Leigh into the face of the sport.In this episode, Leigh sits down with Roscoe and Jared to tell the full story behind pickleball’s biggest moves: Anna Leigh signing with Nike, switching from Paddletek to Franklin, and what those months were really like behind the scenes. She breaks down the stress of negotiations, the pressure of making a once-in-a-career decision at 19, and how she kept Anna Leigh grounded while the internet and the entire sport watched every step.Then we go deeper.Leigh explains what it’s actually like wearing every hat at once — mom, best friend, coach, and protector — while raising someone whose “normal” is winning everything. They talk perfectionism, motivation when you’re already the best, how Anna Leigh stays obsessed with getting better, and why Leigh constantly reminds her: this level of dominance isn’t normal, and losing doesn’t mean the sky is falling.And it’s not just pickleball strategy.We get into the reality of Anna Leigh’s growing celebrity — security at tournaments, massive autograph lines, online hate that shows up in Leigh’s DMs, and the full team that’s now been built around Anna Leigh (social, PR, equipment, travel) to protect her peace while she keeps pushing the sport forward. Plus: women’s doubles predictions for 2026, who could eventually threaten the throne, and what pickleball still needs to do to reach the Olympics.Delivered by @DoorDash ! 🚘Pickleballers Hat:🧢 [https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521](https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521)Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef2:36 – Nike + Franklin: the stressful months leading up to both deals4:43 – “Mom, coach, best friend”: what Leigh’s role really looks like6:23 – “This isn’t normal”: how Leigh keeps Anna Leigh grounded7:38 – Why the Nike/Franklin moves actually energized Anna Leigh8:20 – What Nike HQ was like (all-day meetings, gifts, massive photo wall)10:46 – What Nike could unlock next (events, access, collabs, Caitlin Clark)12:24 – Ryan Harwood’s impact + doing deals the right way (no bidding wars)13:42 – Pickleball Power 50 + Leigh’s real influence in the sport14:34 – “Did you give up your dreams?”16:39 – Coaching other players vs coaching your daughter18:51 – Leigh playing again22:33 – How Anna Leigh stays motivated when she’s already the best24:05 – The perfectionism and obsession that drives Anna Leigh26:13 – Who could threaten Anna Leigh’s reign (Caitlin Christian + wildcards)29:51 – Women’s doubles landscape + who can challenge Anna Leigh/AB35:36 – Being the mom of the GOAT36:59 – Missing “normal life” (prom, friends, growing up in the spotlight)41:21 – Fame is real now: security, fan lines, and managing the hate44:43 – “Psycho mom” comments + the truth about money and the team45:47 – The full team: PT, RV driver, publicist, and more49:15 – Pickleball in the Olympics#LeighWaters #PPA #MLP #AnnaLeighWaters #Pickleball #Pickeballers

Anna Leigh Waters is the most dominant pickleball player of all time — the sport’s biggest star, the standard everyone is chasing, and now the first-ever Nike signed pickleball athlete.In this episode, Anna Leigh sits down with Roscoe and Jared to tell the full story behind the two biggest moves in pickleball: signing with Nike, and leaving Paddletek after years to join Franklin. She breaks down what the public didn’t see — the pressure of rumors before anything was actually signed, how she handled the internet going crazy after the leaked practice photo, and why she ultimately chose brands based on what would grow the sport long-term.Then we get nerdy.Anna Leigh explains the paddle testing process, why she didn’t want a “bidding war,” how important it was to actually love the paddle, and what it felt like walking into the Masters with a brand-new setup — new paddle, new Nike kit, new expectations — and still winning. She also talks foam tech, Gen 1 vs newer paddles, why the “singles paddle vs doubles paddle” trend is coming, and what she wants to build next with Franklin (shapes, thickness, and future prototypes).And with Nike, she shares what it was like visiting Nike HQ, sitting in all-day meetings, helping them think through true pickleball-specific gear, and why this partnership feels bigger than just her — it feels like a milestone for the entire sport.Delivered by @DoorDash! 🚘Pickleballers Hat:🧢 https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef

Genie Bouchard is one of the most recognizable athletes of her generation — a former world No. 5, Wimbledon finalist, and one of the biggest tennis stars to ever come out of Canada.From growing up in Montreal, to moving to Florida at 12 to chase tennis full time, Genie’s story is all sacrifice, pressure, and competing on the biggest stages in the world. In this episode, she sits down with Roscoe and Jared to tell the full journey: the abnormal junior life, winning Junior Wimbledon at 18, cracking the Top 100 in a year, and what it actually feels like walking onto Centre Court at Wimbledon — including the mindset, nerves, and reality of playing a Wimbledon final.Then the conversation turns to pickleball.Genie breaks down why she signed with the PPA, what it was like starting 0–9 in her first tournaments, dealing with expectations and noise from the outside, and how she’s gone from “tennis star trying pickleball” to a legit threat making finals and beating top players. She also talks MLP pressure, doubles being a whole different world, paddle switches, and why this new chapter has brought her more happiness and stability than tennis ever allowed.Delivered by @DoorDash! 🚘Pickleballers Hat:🧢 https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef1:04 Welcome + Genie’s intro3:36 Growing up in Montreal, moving to Florida at 124:18 Abnormal childhood: school + training grind7:31 Leaving home young + Florida academy life9:14 Going pro vs college11:52 DoorDash giveaway mention12:37 Winning Junior Wimbledon at 18 + why it mattered15:15 Top 100 timeline + getting stuck in the minors17:41 Branding, spotlight, and being “different” early on18:09 Anna Kournikova, fame, and unfair criticism21:00 Social media authenticity23:33 Hatred, privacy, and staying genuine29:38 Has it been hard being Genie Bouchard?31:25 Wimbledon Centre Court: what it feels like33:05 Wimbledon final pressure + physical nerves36:51 Pivot to pickleball: why it happened37:53 PPA signing process (2023) + what appealed to her44:17 Pickleball “validation moments” + the sport arriving45:06 First pro tournament pressure + internet expectations50:34 0–9 start: first wins and breaking through52:03 MLP pressure53:05 Franklin paddle ad53:23 Proton partnership54:07 Vietnam trip + team bonding55:40 Making finals, real results, and new motivation57:31 Number one vs “knocking on the number two door”58:15 Playing vocal opponents1:00:07 Tennis vs pickleball: what’s more fun?1:01:49 How fast could Coco Gauff be top 5 in pickleball?1:04:15 How long will Genie play + what’s next?1:05:45 Favorite people on tour + Ryan Sherry stories1:09:33 Message to the pickleball audience1:10:22 Tennis vs pickleball

Matt Wright is one of the most polarizing, respected, and mysterious players in pickleball — and somehow, he had never done a real pickleball podcast… until now.At 48 years old, Matt is still making PPA finals, still out-thinking kids half his age, and still one of the most entertaining players on tour. In this episode, Matt sits down with Roscoe and Jared to finally tell his full story: from obsessed tennis kid in Wichita, to #1 at Michigan with Tom Brady in his dorm, to discovering pickleball through a made-up “mini tennis” game with a wooden mallet.He opens up about the first US Open, early days with Lucy Kovalova, his loyalty to Connor Pardoe and the PPA through the tour wars, the Riley Newman breakup, what it was really like playing with Ben Johns, the Julian Arnold rivalry, cheating vs trash talk, and why he thinks pickleball is at a crossroads: chess match or power game?Delivered by @DoorDash ! 🚘Pickleballers Hat:🧢 https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=58191198781521Instagram:📲 @pickleballers📲 @thekitchenpickleball📲 @roscoebellamy📲 @jpaulthechef01:12 – Why Matt Wright has never done a pickleball podcast02:37– Growing up in Wichita as an only child05:20 – Falling in love with tennis watching John McEnroe07:05 – Junior grind, national tournaments & balancing real school08:32 – Choosing Michigan over Stanford & TCU11:35 – Playing #1 at Michigan, rivalry matches & old tennis footage13:00 – Age vs Athleticism 16:22 – Fire, villains, and why sports need characters20:57 – Don't piss Matt off22:34 – Discovering “mini tennis,” meeting Lucy, and the backyard sport that led to pickleball26:15 – 2016 US Open debut: pushing Morgan Evans & Marcin Rozpedski to the brink29:35 – 2016 Matt Wright footage36:52 – Early paddle deals, Engage days, and the pre-testing paddle era37:41 – Connor Pardoe, PPA beginnings, and why Matt stayed loyal during the tour wars42:06 – The Riley Newman breakup45:05 – Playing with Ben Johns: gameplans, covering 65% of the court & the backhand counter era49:19 – Blowing leads, mental edges & why everyone tightened up against Ben/Collin51:15 – Partner carousel: Rafa, Jay, Dylan & the hypothetical JW/Matt super team53:00 – Ranking today’s top 5 men’s doubles players54:17 – The Julian Arnold rivalry, chirping, and separating on-court battles from real life56:54 – Hitting Jesse, not apologizing58:54 - Cheating in pickleball59:57 – Who Matt really is off court, no social media, and being “mysterious” on tour1:03:10 – No Senior Pro plans, Andre Agassi fantasy partner & where pickleball goes next1:04:12 - The future of pickleball?1:06:21 – Legacy: how Matt Wright wants to be remembered#Pickleballers #Pickleball #PPA #MLP #ProPickleball #MattWright

Catherine Parenteau and her coach (and wife) Athena Trouillot join Pickleballers for a wide-open conversation about love, pressure, and what it takes to sustain greatness. Catherine walks us through her journey from Montreal tennis prodigy to pickleball star: the early days with Simone Jardim, the US Open win that changed her trajectory, going full-time on tour, and the realities of splitting with Anna Leigh Waters after a dominant run.Athena shares the story from her side—how their relationship began, why coaching your spouse is both tricky and rewarding, and how they’ve built a small team and brand around Catherine’s career. We also get into mindset, handling recency bias, future family plans, and what life might look like after pro pickleball.If you enjoy behind-the-scenes stories from the top of the sport, competing mindsets, and practical takeaways on building a career in pickleball, this one’s a must-watch. Delivered by  @DoorDash ! 🚘Add us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/pickleballershttps://instagram.com/thekitchenpickleballhttps://instagram.com/roscoebellamyhttps://instagram.com/jpaulthechefOrder the limited Pickleballers hat here: https://shop.thekitchenpickle.com/products/pickleballer-snapback?variant=581911987815211:21 Intro1:54 Growing up in Montreal and falling in love with sports2:58 College tennis journey: Arkansas to Michigan State4:56 The first time Catherine tried pickleball6:54 Inside Michigan’s early pickleball scene8:26 Tough college days10:05 Athena’s story and background11:21 Forced doubles partners turned best friends14:12 Shoulder injuries that led Catherine to pickleball15:21 How their relationship really began19:13 Eleven years strong as partners on and off court22:08 Catherine’s unstoppable drive to compete25:03 Living to train, staying balanced, and planning for a family27:02 From small local events to big prize money28:13 The PPA letter that changed everything30:05 Balancing coaching, sponsorships, and full-time play31:17 Going all-in as a professional pickleball player32:14 Building a brand and growing a following34:16 The US Open breakthrough win37:23 Dominating singles and claiming her first PPA title38:23 Tennis roots in pickleball40:01 The Nationals controversy and public backlash47:02 Parting ways with Anna Leigh Waters49:32 The electric MLP Dallas dreambreaker moment53:04 How marriage and coaching mix on tour56:01 Handling pressure, perspective, and recency bias57:30 Life beyond pickleball – animals, purpose, and what’s next

Brazilian pickleball pro Eric Oncins joins Pickleballers to share his journey from growing up in São Paulo to becoming one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.Eric opens up about his father’s tennis legacy, discovering pickleball in 2017, training under Simone Jardim, and the heated match with Johnny Goldberg that changed everything. After back-to-back pro titles in Asia, he’s now a global fan favorite bringing fire, flair, and emotion to the court.From being drafted by MLP Miami to signing with the PPA Tour, Eric’s story is proof that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere — and that the next great pickleball star might come from anywhere in the world. 🌎🔥Add us on Instagram:⁠⁠https://instagram.com/pickleballers⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/thekitchenpickleball⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/roscoebellamy⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/jpaulthechef(1:20) – Early tournaments and first impressions(2:19) – How Eric started playing pro pickleball(3:00) – Growing up in Brazil(5:58) – Moving to the U.S. for tennis(8:08) – Discovering pickleball in 2017(9:19) – Playing early tournaments with his dad(12:16) – Mentorship from Simone Jardim(14:10) – Leaving pickleball to pursue college tennis(17:10) – The infamous match against Johnny Goldberg(21:32) – Getting drafted to MLP Miami(27:23) – Bringing energy and personality to pickleball(28:40) – Why emotion matters in sports(30:43) – Eric’s legendary father Jaime Oncins(35:38) – Moving to Nashville and mentorship from Simone Jardim(39:20) – Signing with the PPA and turning full-time(40:04) – The Asia trip that changed everything(47:23) – How pickleball is growing in Asia(49:09) – Comparing Asian and U.S. talent(50:57) – Florida training culture(53:56) – Discipline — what separates pros from amateurs(54:54) – Tyson’s viral “backhand flick” comment(56:22) – Life outside pickleball and future goals(1:01:10) – Handling trash talk and mental warfare(1:02:40) – The mindset behind confidence and preparation

Season 2 of Pickleballers kicks off with a bang as we’re joined by the greatness of the GOAT himself — Ben Johns. Widely considered the Michael Jordan of pickleball, Ben has racked up 150+ gold medals and once ripped off a 108-match winning streak in singles. Mind-bending dominance.In this episode, Ben opens up about what it’s really like to be the greatest pickleball player alive. He takes us back to his childhood, the moment he fell in love with the game, and how Kyle Yates took him under his wing as he climbed to World No. 1.Ben also shares never-before-heard stories about his on-court dynamic with his brother Collin Johns, the criticism that he can sometimes look too relaxed, and whether he believes the “next Ben Johns” even exists.The GOAT. The era. The legacy. Episode 1 starts now.Add us on Instagram:⁠https://instagram.com/pickleballers⁠⁠https://instagram.com/thekitchenpickleball⁠⁠https://instagram.com/roscoebellamy⁠⁠https://instagram.com/jpaulthechef(00:00) - Intro(02:05) - Austin vs. Boca lifestyle(03:41) - Childhood in Maryland and homeschooling(05:00) - Table tennis and siblings(07:15) - Collin’s tennis career(10:16) - How Ben discovered pickleball(12:14) - First tournament at the 2016 US Open(13:38) - Kyle Yates’ mentorship in 2017(18:55) - When Ben realized pickleball was his future(20:45) - Ben’s college years(24:17) - Engineering pickleball paddles(26:11) - Lifetime deal with JOOLA(28:07) - Why JOOLA’s leap into pickleball was genius(29:03) - When Kyle Yates “created a monster”(30:25) - The 2018–2019 domination run(32:11) - Building chemistry with Simone and facing Tyson(33:15) - Mindset, pressure, and staying humble(35:28) - Why learning faster keeps Ben ahead(38:11) - Drilling with Collin and mastering patterns(39:13) - Developing the two-handed backhand counter(40:41) - The Matt Wright partnership years(41:04) - Handling pressure, fans, and criticism(43:01) - When losing becomes data, not defeat(44:19) - Battling focus, boredom, and longevity(46:02) - PPA control vs. MLP chaos(48:04) - Why playing with Ben isn’t easy(50:26) - The Collin chapter and the difficult split(53:46) - How paddle tech changed the sport(56:50) - Power vs. spin and what fans really want(59:37) - 2019 vs. 2025 pickleball(01:01:29) - What Ben wishes he had—and what really wins matches(01:03:03) - The art of decision-making and playing percentages(01:06:59) - The moments that humbled Ben Johns(01:10:06) - Legacy, perspective, and doing things right(01:11:33) - The search for the next Ben Johns(01:12:36) - What Ben learned from Asia(01:14:23) - Could Ben and Anna Leigh win men’s doubles?(01:15:59) - Who’s more dominant—Ben or Anna Leigh?(01:16:15) - How two Anna Leighs would fare in men’s doubles

Today on Pickleballers, we sit down with the most powerful man in pickleball, Connor Pardoe. He is the CEO of the UPA (the combined PPA Tour + MLP). Connor shares his origin story, how he fell in love with the game, and the napkin-math that became the PPA. He walks us through exclusivity with players, the pivotal partnership with Tom Dundon, the wild Kansas City “Tour Wars” weekend, and why unifying pro pickleball under UPA changed everything. We dig into the new three-year extensions, the shift toward prize-money-driven earnings, how MLP and PPA now run in distinct seasons, and the bigger vision: turning millions of doers into viewers with bigger moments, bigger purses, and a more premium product for fans and players alike.Add us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/pickleballershttps://instagram.com/thekitchenpickleballhttps://instagram.com/roscoebellamyhttps://instagram.com/jpaulthechef(0:00) – Intro – Connor Pardoe, CEO of PPA & MLP(2:00) – Early Life(6:40) – Marriage young, Mormon culture, and family values(9:57) – First time playing pickleball with his dad(12:28) – Family life with two sets of twins(14:39) – Early career in real estate development(15:55) – First tournaments and falling in love with pickleball(18:39) – Atlanta event and first exposure to pro pickleball(20:22) – Founding the PPA Tour: napkin math and early vision(23:39) – Launching Mesa with $50,000 prize money(27:35) – Leaving real estate to go all-in on pickleball(31:12) – Signing Ben Johns and legitimizing the PPA(35:18) – Partnering with Tom Dundon – equity, not cash(41:20) – Scaling up operations and rapid growth(46:21) – Meeting Tom Dundon at 26 and early PPA expansion(47:19) – Enter Steve Kuhn and the birth of MLP(50:05) – Early meetings, team pickleball tension, and exclusivity battles(52:13) – VIBE league launch and celebrity owners lined up(55:57) – Kansas City chaos – player contracts and the tour wars explode(1:01:22) – Locking in Anna Leigh Waters and Ben Johns saves the PPA(1:07:56) – Why unification ultimately helped the sport(1:12:56) – New contracts – guarantees plus prize money(1:17:39) – Turning doers into viewers – growing the fan base(1:20:00) – The future of pro pickleball and closing thoughts

In this episode of the Pickleballers podcast, we sit down with Dekel Bar, one of the best pickleball players in the world, with over 30 PPA medals to his name. Dekel shares his journey growing up in Israel, battling through the brutal grind of professional tennis, and eventually finding pickleball through his close ties with the Johns family. We dive into his struggles with injuries, his rise on the pickleball tour, what it’s like to have one of the most feared serves in the game, and his thoughts on paddle technology, PPA vs MLP, and the future of pro pickleball. Along the way, Dekel ranks his top five players in the world, shares war-ready teammate picks from the PPA tour, and clears up some hilarious internet rumors about his “girlfriends.”(0:00) Intro and Dekel’s background(2:24) Growing up in Israel and choosing tennis(5:02) The grind of professional tennis(8:27) Injuries and mental toll of tennis(10:20) Finding pickleball through the Johns family(14:46) First tournaments and early results(16:30) Breakthrough with Adam Stone(19:00) Balancing school and pickleball(20:50) Developing one of the biggest serves on tour(24:00) Paddle technology and evolution of the game(26:48) How much power is too much?(28:31) Ranking the top five male players(30:35) Ranking the top women players(31:09) Inside the Johns family circle(33:00) Record vs the Johns brothers(34:10) Long-term goals and resurgence(36:23) PPA vs MLP and the future of pro pickleball(38:14) MLP formats and home crowd concept(40:47) What a 4.0 needs to reach 4.5(42:24) Serving in the Israeli army — who makes the best soldiers?(44:40) Funniest pickleball story and girlfriend rumors(46:41) Closing thoughts and outro

Today on Pickleballers, we sit down with two legends of the senior pro game: Beth Bellamy, a top-ranked 50+ women’s pro with 99 medals, multiple US Open and National titles, former WTA tennis star, and co-founder of the National Pickleball League, alongside Scott Moore, a 21-time USA Pickleball National Champion, 12-time US Open winner, Hall of Famer, and founder of Pickleball Trips. We dive into their incredible journeys from tennis to pickleball, the rise of the senior pro game, the creation of the NPL, Scott’s famous “dance timeout,” Beth’s transition to pickleball dominance, and how they stay competitive and injury-free at the highest level beyond 50. Packed with history, stories, strategy, and lessons, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the game.(0:00:00) – Intro: Beth Bellamy & Scott Moore(0:01:01) – Roscoe introduces his mom & Scott(0:02:28) – Beth’s early tennis journey(0:05:00) – Junior Grand Slams & turning pro(0:09:06) – Facing Billie Jean King at Wimbledon(0:11:30) – Beating Martina Navratilova(0:12:00) – DoorDash giveaway(0:12:42) – Scott’s path through racket sports(0:15:05) – Discovering pickleball in 2011(0:17:03) – First Nationals & finding his calling(0:19:08) – Becoming the #1 senior player(0:20:00) – Beth discovers pickleball during COVID(0:22:29) – First tournaments & new goals(0:23:40) – Parenting, empty nest & pickleball(0:25:37) – Life in Japan & raising a family(0:27:36) – Why no trash cans in Japan(0:28:31) – Daniel Moore becomes a pickleball star(0:29:21) – Starting Pickleball Trips(0:32:02) – Founding the NPL (National Pickleball League)(0:36:31) – NPL’s unique team format(0:38:04) – Scott’s famous US Open dance timeout(0:41:16) – Strategy talk: skills + brain swap(0:42:25) – Nick Kyrgios in pickleball?(0:43:09) – Training Japan’s #1 soft tennis player(0:45:03) – The rise of Asian pickleball(0:46:04) – Paddle technology changes everything(0:49:26) – Who was the best before Ben Johns?(0:52:13) – Three generations win gold in one day(0:55:04) – Pickleball as a lifetime sport(0:55:39) – Message to future players(0:57:02) – Staying fit & injury-free over 50(1:00:45) – Closing thoughts: relationships matter most#Pickleball #Pickleballers #Podcast #senior #NPL #MLP #PPA #PickleballLife #Pickleballers #PickleballersPodcast #BethBellamy #ScottMoore #USOpen #Sports #Highlights #TheKitchen

Thomas Wilson, one of the most athletic and beloved players in pro pickleball, joins the Pickleballers crew for an inspiring and emotional episode. Thomas opens up about his journey from college tennis to the pro pickleball stage, his battles with life-threatening health challenges, and the resilience it’s taken to fight his way back. He shares his long road through fertility struggles, the joy of adopting two beautiful daughters, and his hopes to return to the court. (00:00) – Intro(00:54) – Thomas’s positive energy and presence on tour(02:00) – Growing up in Texas and college tennis journey(04:06) – Meeting his wife and Bible college experience(06:23) – Working at a prayer call center(08:03) – Career in insurance and software sales(08:09) – Thomas and Britney’s long fertility journey(10:29) – Adopting Holland and Haven(13:20) – First pickleball experiences and family tournaments(14:02) – Training with his parents(14:26) – Early tournaments and breakthrough matches(16:17) – Deciding to go full-time in pickleball(18:05) – MLP championship and connection with Drew Brees(19:57) – Playing eight days after heart surgery(20:50) – Discovering Wolf Parkinson White syndrome(23:39) – New health challenges after heart surgery(25:00) – Severe breathing issues and hospital stays(26:49) – Emotional toll and uncertainty about living(27:56) – Exploring holistic treatments and peptides(32:01) – Goals for returning to pickleball(33:27) – Perspective shift after adopting children(35:35) – Desire to play with Vivian David again(37:42) – Meeting Hunter and Yates Johnson(39:26) – Moving to New Braunfels, Texas(39:37) – Oakfire Ridge pickleball resort project(42:24) – Toughest opponents and playing against Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters(43:36) – Partnership with Julian Arnold in MLP(44:59) – Challenges for tennis players transitioning to pickleball(46:04) – Who Thomas would take on a 10-hour road trip(47:30) – Jeff Johnson’s positive energy(48:39) – Adjusting to the modern pace of the game(49:25) – Funniest pickleball memes about Thomas(49:31) – Advice for players to improve their game(49:55) – Closing thoughts and support for Thomas’s recovery

James Valentine, lead guitarist of Maroon 5 and passionate pickleball player, joins the Pickleballers crew for an unmissable episode. James shares his journey from Nebraska to the global stage of music, the grind behind Maroon 5’s rise, and how his love for tennis led him to discover his newest addiction, pickleball.(00:00) – Intro(01:10) – From Nebraska to LA(04:18) – How James joined Maroon 5(06:40) – Playing bars and paying dues(08:18) – Musical influences that shaped him(10:19) – Meeting John Mayer(12:43) – Touring with music legends(14:19) – Maroon 5’s first album journey(16:07) – Headlining shows and selling out arenas(17:03) – Milestone moments: Saturday Night Live and Letterman(18:26) – Life and bonds in the band today(19:53) – Spotlight on Adam Levine: the frontman’s pressure(21:02) – The evolution of Maroon 5’s songwriting(23:40) – Sneak peek: new album and upcoming tour(31:09) – Transitioning from tennis to pickleball(33:41) – First pickleball match in Vegas(35:13) – The flow state: where music meets sport(37:08) – Pickleball on the road: finding community(38:05) – Local courts and training with Mariano(39:39) – Celebrity pickleball(41:01) – The addictive flow of pickleball(43:22) – Pickleball strategy(43:43) – Watching and learning from the pros(44:55) – Celebrity pro-am experiences(46:14) – MLP: pro matches(47:30) – Peeling back the layers of pickleball(48:12) – Current skill level and tournament play(50:23) – The competitive scene of pickleball(51:16) – Musicians who’d crush on the pickleball court(55:07) – Pickleball or guitar(56:16) – Paddle picks(57:06) – Final thoughts

Hunter and Yates Johnson, twin brothers making their mark in the world of pickleball, join the Pickleballers crew for a must-listen episode. They share their journey from professional tennis to pickleball, diving deep into the highs and lows of competition, life on tour, and overcoming injuries. We also talk about Hunter’s incredible rise to becoming the number two singles player in the world and the dedication it took to get there. Hunter opens up about his public breakup with Parris Todd in one of the most candid moments of the show. Packed with real stories, honest conversations, and plenty of laughs, this episode offers an inside look at the sport’s most fascinating personalities.(00:00:00) – Introduction with Hunter and Yates Johnson(00:02:05) – Childhood sports and choosing tennis(00:03:27) – College tennis at SMU and turning pro(00:04:08) – Twins’ bond and on-court communication(00:05:15) – Growing up active and family support(00:06:50) – Early connection with Roscoe and friendships(00:08:22) – Building relationships on the pickleball tour(00:09:31) – Deciding to go pro and tennis tour grind(00:11:49) – Yates’ wrist injury and its impact(00:15:10) – First impressions of pickleball(00:16:59) – Learning and improving in pickleball(00:20:23) – Infamous match against Johnny Goldberg and Jeff Warnick(00:22:6) – Crazy tennis stories: robbery in Dominican Republic(00:26:46) – Betting scandals and match-fixing in tennis(00:31:49) – Transition from tennis to pickleball(00:33:35) – Early pickleball struggles and breakthroughs(00:34:28) – Yates’ injury and Hunter’s rise in pickleball(00:38:17) – Hunter’s mental shift and path to success(00:41:18) – Breakup with Parris Todd(00:43:37) – Joining the Mad Drops team(00:46:11) – How Ben Johns joined the Mad Drops(00:49:48) – Predictions for upcoming MLP events(00:51:34) – Yates’ return from injury and future plans(00:54:27) – Building the perfect “Johnson” pickleball player(00:56:00) – Hypothetical bear encounter on tour(00:57:44) – Who would win a PPA swim contest?(00:58:45) – Ideal date night with Genie Bouchard

Drew Brees, Super Bowl MVP and one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, joins the Pickleballers crew for one of the most inspiring and wide-ranging episodes we’ve ever done. Drew opens up about almost quitting football in high school, battling through injuries, getting benched in the NFL, and the mindset that helped him become a legend.He also shares how beating Andy Roddick in junior tennis shaped his competitive fire, why he chose New Orleans over Miami, and how he fell in love with pickleball after retirement. From mental toughness and leadership to franchise investing and the growth of the sport, Drew drops gems the entire episode. This one’s a masterclass in perseverance and passion.(00:00) – Intro(00:53) – Who’s the best celebrity pickleballer?(02:15) – Drew’s journey: from Austin kid to pro athlete(04:06) – How tennis & baseball shaped his football career(07:03) – Playing Andy Roddick & childhood sports stories(11:46) – The turning point: almost quitting football(14:00) – Tearing his ACL & building mental toughness(16:02) – Why adversity matters(18:25) – NFL beginnings(20:52) – Getting benched & battling for his career(23:38) – Competing with Philip Rivers & proving himself(25:04) – Peak performance: what it takes mentally(27:27) – Decision-making over stats: a QB’s philosophy(30:31) – Losing arm strength & adapting his game(31:06) – The Chargers injury that changed everything(34:12) – The comeback decision: football or retire rich?(35:12) – Miami vs. New Orleans: why he chose the Saints(37:06) – New Orleans post-Katrina: “This is bigger than football”(39:34) – Discovering pickleball & building a backyard court(41:14) – The viral post that launched his pickleball journey(42:15) – Investing in MLP & the Pickler franchise(45:54) – NOLA Picklefest: bringing community & charity together(47:27) – Should athletes give back? Drew’s perspective(49:04) – Tennis vs. pickleball vs. padel: Drew picks his favorite(50:28) – Best athlete in pro pickleball? Drew weighs in(51:24) – Could Tom Brady play pickleball?(52:01) – Island scenario: Drew picks his dream team(52:59) – Final thoughts & why Drew inspires so many