Abigail's Journey

Last week at the Punta Gorda PPA Challenger, I faced some of the toughest mental battles of my pickleball journey. From struggling with nerves in singles to finding calm and rhythm in doubles, every match taught me the value of resilience and focus. The weekend wasn’t about the wins or losses; it was about growth, grit, and learning.

Follow my journey to the 2025 Punta Gorda PPA Challenger as I compete in 4.0 pickleball singles, doubles, and mixed with family by my side!

I don’t play singles because I hate doubles—I play singles because I love running the show. No guesswork, no soft shots unless I feel like it, and definitely no babysitting someone else’s pop-ups. Just me, the court, and a whole lot of forehands down the line.

New to pickleball and confused by the rules? I break down three of the trickiest ones for beginners — the kitchen rule, the double bounce rule, and who makes line calls. These quick tips come from real mistakes I made when I first started, so if you're just learning the game, this post will help you play smarter and with more confidence.

Thirteen-year-old Abigail Bourgeois shares her experience medaling at her first PPA pickleball tournament in Cape Coral, Florida. From battling cold weather and fatigue to learning the importance of prep, hydration, and mental focus, she reflects on her competition experience.