When I was a young lad, I found myself enrolled in a swim class at a swim and tennis club in Kent. I stood out as the only one unable to float, yet I had a fondness for tennis. You see, many top-tier tennis players skip high school, and I relished being among the other kids. It was an amazing experience being on the team at Kentwood, and we achieved the prestigious AAAA championship. During my high school freshman year, coach Matt Anger extended an invitation for me to visit the UW. It didn't take much to win me over; my parents are both Huskies.

After College and the Pickleball Revelation

After college, I ventured to Indonesia for the Peace Corps. When I returned, I was astonished to see the booming popularity of pickleball. Having once been in the top thousand in the world for tennis, I naively thought that after just an hour on the court, I'd be the best player. But that wasn't the case at all. I didn't win a single game that entire day. It was a humbling experience, yet it hooked me! I decided to make pickleball the centerpiece of my master's degree in anthropology. I spent eight months observing in various places - yards, courts, barns, and parks - anywhere pickleball was played. This sport has numerous cooperative elements that often go unnoticed or unappreciated. I've come to refer to it as "coopetition."

The Thesis and the Book

I transformed my thesis research into a book aimed at a general audience titled "A Pickleball Gospel: The Harmony of Competition and Cooperation in Sport." This work delves deep into the unique aspects of pickleball. It showcases how the sport combines the intensity of competition with the joy and playfulness of cooperation. Through detailed observations and analysis, it reveals the hidden gems within pickleball.

Professional Pickleball and Big Moments

Now, I'm a professional pickleball player. My partner, Erik Lange, and I participated in a major tournament in Miami and faced one of the top teams in the world. To our surprise, we managed to defeat them, which was a significant upset. This achievement somehow led to my being drafted into Major League Pickleball. Pickleball is not just about competition; it's also about the social and playful aspects. Go to any park, and you'll witness the laughter, giggles, and funny remarks. People often comment on the fun factor more than any other sport I've been involved in. It's this unique blend that makes pickleball truly special.