Based on my last blog, you probably noticed how little time we had to get back from Hawaii and dive into tournament mode. Once we hit the road and arrived in Orlando, it was time to switch gears, put my tournament cap on, and get to work.
With just two days of training on Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday kicked off the first day of competition with singles, as is typical at most APP tournaments. Singles, Mixed Doubles Friday, and Doubles Saturday—it was a packed schedule.
Singles Day
Singles has always been more of a physical and mental challenge for me. I hadn’t played singles since Nationals, and I don’t practice it often since it’s not something I focus on or particularly enjoy. I pour more of my energy into doubles and mixed. But singles day was here, and I was determined to take it one match at a time.
The first round was tough—I was down a game and battling hard in the second. Somehow, I managed to squeak through and found my rhythm as the day progressed. Each match felt better, and I was able to build confidence and momentum.
Mixed Doubles Friday
Friday was mixed doubles with Jack, and as always, it was such a fun day. We had some great matches filled with fast hands battles, smart setups, and dynamic points. Playing with Jack always feels natural—we glide and slide together so well on the court.
Doubles Saturday
On Saturday, Jill and I faced some challenges—not with our partnership, but with the weather and court conditions. We were moved to an indoor facility with a one-game-to-15 scoring format, which limited the chance to experiment with new formations. Instead, we stuck to our basics and played to our strengths. Jill’s energy on court is infectious, and I felt so comfortable playing on the right side with her. It was another opportunity to work on my versatility, as I play full left side in mixed with Jack.
A Shot at the Triple Crown
I was fortunate enough to qualify for all three gold medal matches on Sunday, which meant I had a shot at the triple crown. It’s not something I fixate on, but being in the hunt for three golds is always exciting. However, it’s also a lot to juggle since singles, doubles, and mixed require three completely different mindsets.
I requested to play singles last, allowing me to focus on doubles and mixed first. Jill and I had a great doubles final against Allison and Jana, battling intense wind and adversity. At times, tactics and game plans went out the window—it was all about adjusting to the conditions and finding a way to make the ball. Coming away with gold in that match felt amazing and set the tone for the rest of the day.
Mixed Doubles and Singles Finals
In mixed doubles, Jack and I had a solid game plan, but the wind made execution difficult. Credit to our opponents, Will and Jill, for adapting well and coming out on top. I’m already looking forward to playing them again soon.
Finally, in singles, I faced Sophia—a phenomenal player with an impressive tennis background (formerly ranked #7 in junior tennis). Her ball-striking and movement were outstanding, and she’s quickly adapting to pickleball. It was a fun and competitive match with long rallies, and I was happy to pull out the win.
A Family Affair
I walked away with two golds and a silver, which felt like a great start to the year. But the weekend wasn’t just about me—my whole family was competing. My kids were on the courts past 10 PM some nights, pouring their energy into their matches. Ryla came home with a bronze in men’s doubles, and both kids earned bronze medals as well. It’s a team effort every time we compete, and the energy of these tournaments—especially at The Fort, the new APP headquarters—makes it all worth it.
By Sunday night, I was physically and mentally drained, but I couldn’t help but feel proud of what we accomplished as a family. Now, it’s time to rest, regroup, and gear up for what’s next.
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