I played sports throughout my childhood. I ran track in my High School Years and played Lacrosse. I went on to play Lacrosse for the University of Utah and absolutely loved it. Watch me on the courts and you will see my lacrosse strokes come out in Pickleball too!!
My dad introduced me to the sport as he had recently begun playing and was quite hooked himself. I played casually once a month with family and friends. As a saw a quick improvement in my game from one month to the other, I began to play more regularly with the folks in my city. A friend asked me to try out a tournament. I got bronze out of 18 teams and decided I wanted to see how much better I could get with more experience. I have been doing tournaments ever since, moving up 3 skill levels.
My dad is a 4.5 rated player and my step mom is a 5.0 level player, but they just play for fun now and don’t compete.
I try to play 2 times per week (used to be more) and I try to drill 2 times a week with specific strategic drills to improve the weakest areas of my game.
I live and play in Simi Valley, and travel from time to time to play new competition.
I play: Mixed Doubles, Women’s Doubles
I have always loved sports, hitting a ball around, and getting exercise while having fun. As an adult it is a little tougher finding leagues (specifically an adult lacrosse league). So I love that I was able to find a sport that I could improve in and not have to travel long distances to play it and was easily accessible. I love that it challenges me in many ways. Fast, hard, patient slow, and mentally the most. There is always something more to learn. Let’s face it; once you master something, it can get kind of boring. There is always something to work on and improve and I love that challenge.
My biggest Pickleball goal right now is to create better habits in my game. I am currently drilling out one of my biggest weaknesses. Without a goal, it is easy for me to just go through the motions of pickleball. Quarterly, I want to pick out one element of my game that needs to be improved and drill it out until the better way becomes natural for me. I am also continuing to practive my mental focus on the game as well, versus going through the motions of the game. Confidence can win points. Do not doubt yourself. Trust yourself to make the shots.
I have a garage full of a couple 3.5 medals, lots of 4.0, 4.5 medals and even a few 5.0 and open age medals. My most recent medals have both come from a USAPA Regional Tournament in which my GOLD in mixed at the West Regionals and my GOLD in Women’s at the Southwest Regionals have qualified me for Nationals this year
I am using the Third Shot Drop Kratos Model D. It has an aluminum core which is ideal for my soft game and gives me the “touch” that I need. The graphite surface is light and responsive and allows for quick hands at the net to put a ball away
I love being on TEAM TSD. I love that I was able to become educated on paddle materials. This is HUGE!!
I now have the ability to make an educated choice on what I play with. I also can size the handle and grip to me.
I also have the opportunity to spread this Education to others so that they can also elevate their game by having the right tool for the job. I also get a chance to run clinics with TSD and share my knowledge about all things pickleball with others.
