I’m sitting here at Urban Air while the three kids are jumping their hearts out. Yes, Ryler counts as one of the kids—especially in moments like this! It’s been a whirlwind of a weekend, but I couldn’t be prouder of how everyone performed on and off the courts.
JR led the charge. He had a huge weekend, showing up big in singles, doubles, and mixed. The highlight? Securing his golden ticket for Nationals 2025 already! He also brought home a silver medal in singles. Watching him compete is always a thrill, and he continues to impress with his growth and composure.
Lily’s Battle in Singles
Lily’s doubles partner got stuck in Florida due to the storms, which meant they had to skip their event. But that didn’t stop Lily from stepping up. She fought through a tough bronze medal match in singles and came out on top. The way she continues to adapt and perform is inspiring—no matter the challenge.
Ryler’s Return
Ryler likes to joke that he’s the black sheep of the family for not medaling this weekend, but let’s be real—coming off five weeks off and finishing in the top 8 in both doubles and mixed is a strong showing. There’s so much to look forward to in the months ahead, and let’s not forget the coaching “medals” he’s earning with the kids. They are thriving under his guidance, and it’s amazing to watch.
Finishing the Year Strong
As for me, I capped off my last APP weekend of the year with double gold—mixed with Jack and doubles with Jill. What I’m most proud of isn’t just the results, but the way I stayed composed and fought through each match, working together with my partners. It’s never about playing at your peak ability; it’s about doing your best with what you’ve got at the time. Finishing 1 in singles, doubles and mixed is a great way to close out the year!
Also very exciting to see the recap of the weekend on ESPN2 today. Always an honor to be shown on tv and representing this amazing sport on the big screen.
Family Time
Staying with my great aunt Helen and her husband, Gary, was such a nice part of the trip. We shared so many family stories, and I loved reminiscing about my grandfather and his brother, who was a UT physics professor. It’s those connections that make these travels feel like home no matter where we are.
Oasis Club & APP’s New Path with UTR
The tournament at Oasis had a more low-key vibe. Even though we were at great facilities with the 3rd most permanent pickleball courts in the country (maybe in the world) and all the Pros were out there competing, but the transition to the new UTR platform definitely threw amateurs and fans for a loop. APP parted ways with PickleballBrackets, which is owned by PPA, and is now working with UTR platform. While there are some growing pains, APP is moving forward to ensure they have better control of data and the future of the sport. Only time will tell if this is the right move, but I’m optimistic. May do another post in the future to elaborate more.
The Alabama Football Connection
Anyone else excited for college football season? Ever since living in Alabama while Ryler was coaching college tennis there, I’ve become a huge Nick Saban fan. As Nick Saban says, “Nothing is nothing.” It’s a simple reminder that nothing happens unless you make it happen. Whether on the pickleball court or in life, success is built on the effort, the preparation, and the choices we make. This weekend was a testament to that mindset!
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