Athletic Competition

This essay examines how racquet sports reflect societal values, tracing tennis’s elite, solitary roots, pickleball’s community-driven rise, and padel’s balanced fusion of both. Though similar in form, small design differences shape vastly different cultures—individualism in tennis, connection in pickleball, and a hybrid ethos in padel.

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!

Team Nicaragua is set to compete at the 2025 Pickleball World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, with native Nicaraguan athletes joining the roster for the first time. Follow their journey as they prepare to represent their country on the international stage.

Get a firsthand look into the PPA Challenger pickleball tournament in Baton Rouge with a breakdown of key moments, hard-earned lessons, and doubles highlights featuring Austin Bricker. This honest and strategic recap reflects on past tournaments, the mindset going in, and what’s next in the journey to improve as a competitive pickleball player. Watch the full tournament recap now on YouTube.

Where’s the line between hype and poor sportsmanship in pickleball? This post explores the rise of on-court screaming, from pro players like Julian Arnold and Anna Bright to juniors emulating them, and why respectful celebration matters in competitive play.

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.

Body bag shots and Nasty Nelsons aren’t just chaotic fun—they’re strategic weapons in competitive pickleball. In this blog, I break down why these controversial plays deserve respect, how to use them effectively, and when it’s just plain funny to unleash them.

Struggling with nerves on the pickleball court? Learn the science behind performance anxiety, how it affects your body and brain, and the 10-minute warm-up routine I use to activate flow state and overcome mental blocks. Whether you're a beginner or a competitive player, this evidence-based approach will help you calm your mind, trust your instincts, and play your best pickleball under pressure.

Singles pickleball is evolving fast—from powerful baseline drives to finesse drop volleys, today’s top players are mastering the full range of strategy and skill.

Drilling builds skill. But winning demands more than clean mechanics—it requires adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to think under pressure. Mastery isn’t just about hitting perfect shots; it’s about training your brain to recognize patterns, quiet the inner critic, and respond instinctively when the stakes are high.