It’s been a few weeks since I last wrote a blog but I’ve got a great excuse! Life has been a whirlwind of pickleball training, coaching, traveling, and balancing family life. Finding that perfect rhythm is always a work in progress.
We kicked off the year in one of the most beautiful places in the world: Oahu, Hawaii. A fellow pickleball player, Laura—a senior pro—invited us to stay with her to train, explore, and recuperate. I had no idea just how breathtaking Hawaii would be. Laura wanted to immerse herself in our daily lives, training sessions, and adventures. From intense training to hiking and swimming, our days were packed. Let’s just say Laura might still be recovering from keeping up with us for two weeks!
One of the highlights of our time in Hawaii—and the past few months—has been discovering my love for snorkeling. The underwater world is mesmerizing. It takes my breath away while also calming my mind and offering an escape from everything above the surface. From the vibrant coral reefs to the dazzling colors of tropical fish, each snorkeling trip has been unique.
In Kauai, I snorkeled alongside massive sea turtles, and in Kona, I had the surreal experience of swimming with manta rays at night. Each destination—Thailand, Kauai, Oahu, and the Big Island—offered something different and magical. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.
Traveling with my kids has been incredible. They continue to amaze me with their adaptability. Over seven weeks on the road, living out of suitcases, they embraced every challenge, whether it was tough hikes, meeting new people, or hopping on multiple international flights. Their resilience and eagerness to explore inspire me daily.
Speaking of hiking, I’m an avid hiker! I use an app wherever we go to find the best trails. From steep climbs to jaw-dropping views, I’m always on the hunt for our next adventure. One of the highlights was the Captain Cook Monument Trail in Kona. The hike was challenging, with steep gravel paths, wild pigs and goats along the way, and a stunning snorkeling spot waiting for us at the bottom.
Lily had a tumble on the way down, landing on her wrist. Ryler went full dad mode, making sure she was safe and comfortable, but she didn’t let it slow her down. By the time we reached the bay, the turquoise waters and vibrant marine life made the tough hike worth every step. As a bonus, we were treated to an incredible whale sighting in the bay—a magical moment we’ll never forget.
On a side note, I have some amazing footage from these adventures—hiking, snorkeling, and more. If anyone knows a talented video editor, let me know. These moments deserve to be shared, and with the right touch, they could become epic!
After our time in Hawaii, we flew back to Orlando, picked up our RV in Ocala, and headed south to prepare for APP The Fort. We’d been training every day, and it felt great to test out the new Franklin paddle while fine-tuning our game.
In 2025, Ryler and I are focusing on coaching more in all the cities we visit. We started the year with clinics in Oahu and on the Big Island at an incredible pickleball vacation rental—two covered courts in the backyard, room for 16 guests, and only a short drive from the erupting volcanoes. It’s a dream spot for players looking to combine training with adventure.
Back to tournament life: we dove straight into training with DK on Tuesday and Wednesday before singles day on Thursday. Jet lag wasn’t an option—we hit the ground running!
I’ll save the details of my play at The Fort for the next blog. This one’s long enough already! Thanks for catching up with me—more adventures and updates to come soon.
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