As the days grow shorter and the summer sun begins to wane, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind.
The past three weeks have been a whirlwind of travel and competition, beginning with a flight straight from Mumbai to Chicago for the APP Chicago Open. Jetlagged and tired, the entire family rallied together, showing up and showing out in full force.
Ryler faced some tough draws in the men’s brackets but emerged victorious in the back-draw for both singles and men’s doubles, finishing in the glorious 9th place, showcasing his tenacity and desire to never give up. Make sure to check out his self made 9th place medals in true "Ryler-style". I’m proud to share that I secured a bronze medal in women’s doubles alongside Jill and fought hard in the singles final to bring home gold. It's hard to describe the struggle I faced on the inside in this event, but part of the iceberg that nobody gets to see.
However, the true highlight of our trip was witnessing our kids in action. On Sunday afternoon, JR and Lily competed in the 3.0 adult division. Despite battling their own jet lag and traveling all over the globe, they played their best event yet. Their teamwork, shot selection, and composure on the court were truly impressive. They dominated the day with an 8-0 record, earning their gold medals with immense pride.
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After the excitement of the Sunday finals at the APP Chicago Open, our family finally made our way back to our base. The constant travel, time zone shifts, and intense competition had taken a considerable toll, both physically and mentally. I knew it was time for a reset, a chance to recover and rejuvenate.
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We chose 30A as our sanctuary—a beautiful spot with stunning beaches, endless sunshine, and delicious, healthy food. It was just what we needed. With the added support of my AIM7 team and the care of a skilled chiropractor, I was able to quickly find my balance again. It became clear to me how crucial mental health is, and how essential it is to listen to your body and mind. Everyone's needs are different, and taking time to recharge isn’t just beneficial; it's necessary.
While my passion for traveling and sharing the joy of pickleball remains strong, I’ve realized the importance of treating my downtime with the same seriousness as my training. Allowing myself to "hibernate" and disconnect when needed is crucial for my overall well-being. The past two weeks have been a period of personal and familial restoration, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with my family and focus on a productive training block.
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During this period, my coach DK made the trip to 30A to train with me for three days. His presence and guidance were instrumental in preparing me for the upcoming tournaments and events. As I geared up for what’s next, I felt reinvigorated and ready to tackle new challenges.
This Friday, Ryler and I flew to Las Vegas for an exciting invitation from Zimmer Biomet at the OSET 24 conference. This event, which gathers over 1,000 orthopedic surgeons, is a fantastic opportunity to witness the growing appreciation for pickleball within the medical community.
Following Las Vegas, I’ll head back to Chicago for more pickleball action while Ryler returns to the kids in 30A. One of the highlights to look forward to is the exhibition match at the Cubs game on Tuesday night. It will be an incredible experience, especially with the chance to exchange Franklin paddles and gloves with Michael Busch, the Cubs’ first baseman and a proud fellow member of the #FranklinFamily.
Traveling without my family is hard on me and even though my schedule is busy with clinics, exhibitions and matches etc. it's just not quite the same without them all with me and my constant thought goes to what they may be up to, balancing the working mom life.
As always, I’m grateful for your support and enthusiasm. I look forward to sharing more adventures and updates with you as we continue this journey. Here’s to balancing hard work with the essential art of rest and renewal.
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