The 2024 USA Pickleball National Championships in Mesa, AZ, came and went in a blur, leaving behind unforgettable memories.
I still remember my first Nationals three years ago at Indian Wells. I had just earned my golden ticket in pro singles and was ecstatic to be part of such a prestigious event. Fast forward three years, and I’m in a completely different place—no longer the underdog but the one with a target on her back. It’s a privilege, and it’s taken countless hours of hard work to get here.
Singles: A Grateful Return
While singles hasn’t been my top priority recently due to knee pain, I was grateful to step on the court and compete. Huge credit to Bobbi for her incredible performance, taking the gold. She played outstanding pickleball all weekend. Proud of my bronze medal, after losing in the semis, I came back to win bronze medal match 🥉 JR was the first in the final to claim the national championship with men’s doubles in a thriller final match 11-9 in the 3rd win. Watch match point below:
Doubles with Jill: A Winning Partnership
Doubles with Jill is always an adventure—strategizing, adjusting, and executing together. Her positivity and energy are unmatched, and we share a bond that’s hard to replicate. Friday night, we fought our way to the gold medal match, knowing we’d face a strong team in Allison and Mari. Jill’s enthusiasm kept me locked in, and we were ready to do our homework for the final.
Mixed with Jack: Lessons in Resilience
Saturday was all about mixed doubles with Jack. We’ve played together a lot this season and have built a strong understanding of each other’s games. While we had high hopes for a gold medal, our second-round match against Max and Maddox became a standout moment. It was a tough loss, but one of those rare matches where you walk away with no regrets, just lessons to learn and improve on.
The toughest part of the day wasn’t losing—it was being pulled between my role as a competitor and a mom. While Jack and I battled on court, Lily and JR were competing in their mixed doubles gold medal match. My heart was with them, but I had to stay focused on my own matches. When I finally jogged over to their court, it was too late. They had lost, and seeing Lily in tears and JR frustrated was brutal. These are the moments that make balancing family and sport so challenging.
Still, I couldn’t be prouder of them for competing against adults, handling the pressure, and even giving their first on-court interview.
The Celebrity Match: A Night to Remember
The day ended on a high note as Ryler and I joined the USA Pickleball Serves Celebrity Match. It was an honor to share the court with amazing people like Olympic gold medalist Amy Van Dyken, “Golden Bachelor” Gerry Turner, and my teenage idol, Joey Fatone from NSYNC, who brought unmatched energy as the MC.
Ryler and Frankie Muniz took home the trophy—Frankie’s transition from Malcolm in the Middle to NASCAR served him well on the court! The event raised funds for a great cause, helping provide equipment, inclusive programming, and court access in underserved areas.
Championship Sunday: A Day of Golds
Sunday started bright and early with Lily and JR’s singles matches at 8am. JR fought hard, overcoming an opponent he had previously lost to twice, and ended the day with a bronze medal in 3.0 Men’s 19+. Lily followed up with fantastic play, earning a silver medal after a tough final against a lightning-fast opponent. I couldn’t be prouder of their grit and growth.
Finally, it was my turn. With Jill by my side and DK’s notes fresh in my mind, we stepped onto the stadium court for the women’s doubles final. Jill brought the hype, and I brought the focus. We dominated from the start, taking the first game 11-0. The second game was tougher, but we stayed locked in, finishing 11-4 to claim the 2024 National Championship title.
Reflecting on a Special Year
From Indian Wells to Mesa, this journey has been incredible. This week was a whirlwind of emotions, hard-fought battles, and unforgettable moments with family and friends. I’m grateful for the support of my team, my partners, and everyone who has been part of this journey.
What a year. Stay tuned for what’s happening next…
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