Interview with Vivian Glozman: From Challenger to Premier League and Embracing the Fun in Pickleball
Introduction: In this lively interview, we catch up with Vivian Glozman, a rising star in the world of pickleball. Known for her alpha female demeanor and dominant playstyle, Vivian shares her experiences and future plans in the sport. Hosted by James, their conversation covers topics ranging from Vivian's recent tournament performance to her potential move to Florida. Along the way, the duo delves into some humorous anecdotes and fan engagement ideas.
Interview Transcript:
James: Welcome back to the podcast! I have to say, Vivian, after our previous episode, so many listeners reached out to tell me how funny it was. You have this natural ability to bring the laughs, even unintentionally.
Vivian: Oh, really? I wasn't even trying to be funny, or maybe I was without realizing it. But I'm glad people enjoyed it. Thanks for having me again!
James: Of course! Now, let's talk about your recent performance in the Challenger League. You made it to the semi-finals with the Breakers. Rumor has it that you might be moving up to the Premier League in July. Can you shed some light on that?
Vivian: Well, it's true that I reached the semi-finals in the Challenger League. As for the Premier League, I've heard those rumors too, but I'm not setting my expectations too high. There are a lot of talented players out there, and the competition is fierce. I'll be happy no matter what happens. We'll find out on July 12th.
James: It sounds like you're keeping a level head about it, which is great. I must say, your playing style is impressive. You possess incredible power and speed, and yet you use the softest paddle. It's a unique combination.
Vivian: Thank you! I've been working on my game, and I'm glad it's paying off. And yes, I do prefer a softer paddle. It gives me better control. But it's all about finding the right balance between power and finesse.
James: Absolutely. Speaking of your game, I heard from Anna that you could use some work on your dinks. Apparently, you tend to favor cross-court shots. Have you been working on that?
Vivian: (laughs) Yes, Anna did give me some advice on mixing up my dinks. I've been working on it, and I believe I've hit a few down-the-line shots since our last tournament. It's a work in progress, and I'm aiming to become a right-side specialist.
James: That's great to hear. It's all about continuous improvement. Now, another rumor I heard is that you're considering a move to Florida. Is that true?
Vivian: Yes, it is. I'm seriously considering moving to Florida. As much as I love Seattle, the availability of pickleball courts and players there is limited, especially during the winter months. I feel that relocating to a place with more opportunities and a vibrant pickleball community would be a smart move, especially now that I'm going full-time into the sport.
James: Wow, congratulations on becoming a full-time pickleball player! That's an exciting decision. How do you feel about it?
Vivian: Thank you! It's been a dream of mine to dedicate myself fully to pickleball. My co-workers have been supportive, encouraging me to go after what I love. So, this month was my last month of work, and I'm thrilled to embrace this new chapter.
James: That's fantastic, Vivian. I'm glad you have the support of those around you. And now, to wrap things up, tell us about the upcoming Newport app tournament. Who are your partners, and what are your goals for the event?
Vivian: I'll be playing with Alix Trong for the women's division and Brendan Long for mixed doubles. It's an exciting opportunity for me to aim for my first medal. Both Alix and Brendan are talented players, and I'm looking forward to competing alongside them.
Part 2
James: Now, Vivian, I have a couple of questions from our listeners that they wanted me to ask you. First, they wanted to know what your favorite event is in pickleball. Is there one particular tournament or location that stands out for you?
Vivian: That's a tough one, James. There are so many incredible events in pickleball, and each has its own charm. But if I had to pick one, I would say the US Open Pickleball Championships holds a special place for me. It's such a prestigious tournament, and the atmosphere is electric. Plus, it brings together players from all around the world, creating a unique international competition.
James: The US Open is definitely a highlight in the pickleball calendar, and I can understand why it holds a special place for you. Now, let's talk about doubles. Do you prefer playing mixed doubles or women's doubles?
Vivian: Well, James, if I had to choose, I would say I enjoy women's doubles more. It's not that I don't like mixed doubles, but I sometimes feel a bit lost on the right side of the court in mixed doubles. I thrive when I can be a bigger presence on the court, utilizing my stature. In mixed, there's a different dynamic, and I'm still learning my role. I think many listeners would agree that I have an alpha personality, and mixed doubles requires a different approach.
James: I understand what you mean, Vivian. It's important to find your comfort zone on the court, and it sounds like you feel more at ease in women's doubles. It's all about finding your strengths and playing to them. Speaking of which, some listeners were curious if you think certain players prioritize looking good over playing good. What are your thoughts on that?
Vivian: That's an interesting question. I think everyone has their own style and approach to the game, both on and off the court. While appearances can be important to some players, I believe that ultimately it's the performance that matters. Pickleball is a sport where skills and strategy play a significant role, and players who prioritize improving their game tend to stand out. Of course, it's always nice to look good while playing, but the focus should be on honing one's skills and achieving success.
James: Well said, Vivian. Performance should always take precedence in a sport like pickleball. Now, there's something else the listeners wanted me to ask you. They mentioned that Jesse Irvin has been coaching you and providing guidance during matches. What's your experience like working with Jesse?
Vivian: Jesse has been fantastic as a coach and mentor. Some people might find her coaching style bossy, but for me, it's exactly what I need. I appreciate her telling me where to be, where to hit, and guiding me through the game. I'm someone who loves feedback and instruction, so having Jesse in my corner has been incredibly helpful. She's a great player herself and excels in mixed doubles, so I'm looking forward to learning more from her.
James: That's wonderful to hear, Vivian. Having a coach who understands your needs and provides the guidance you seek can make a significant difference in your development as a player. Now, let's shift gears a bit. I wanted to touch on potential future partnerships for you. Do you have any players in mind that you would like to partner with in the future?
Vivian: Currently, I don't have any set partnerships beyond the next few tournaments. However, I would love to play with Anna Leigh Waters. She's an incredible player, and we've been discussing the possibility of teaming up for an event this year. Anna is highly skilled, and I think we would make a formidable team. As for the long term, I'm still exploring my game style and getting to know other players better, so it's a bit early to say. But I'm excited to see what the future holds.
James: Anna Leigh Waters is definitely a formidable player, and it would be exciting to see you two team up. As you continue to grow in your pickleball journey, I'm sure you'll find more partnerships that suit your style and goals.
Part 3: Vivian = International Superstar
James: Thank you, Vivian, for sharing your aspirations to travel to Europe, Japan, Korea, and other tropical destinations. It's clear that you have a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the world. Speaking of international experiences, you mentioned being an international superstar in Taiwan. Can you tell us more about that?
Vivian: Absolutely! Whenever I visit Taiwan, I receive an incredible amount of attention. People often approach my mom, thinking I don't understand the language they're speaking, and they shower me with compliments about my appearance. It's quite overwhelming, to be honest. I guess being tall and standing out from the crowd makes me stand out even more in a place like Taiwan.
James: That's fascinating! It must be an interesting experience to navigate those situations. Have you ever encountered any negative comments or misunderstandings?
Vivian: Surprisingly, I've never received any negative comments in those situations. People have always been kind and complimentary. Of course, there have been instances where people spoke in a different language while I was present, like when I was in the car with some friends who were conversing in Spanish. I always wonder if they're talking about me, but I try not to let it bother me too much. It's a natural human reaction, I suppose, to assume that people might be saying something negative when they switch languages.
James: That's understandable. It's always a bit disconcerting when we can't understand what others are saying about us. Moving on, you mentioned watching your matches during MLP and hearing some commentary. How did that experience affect you?
Vivian: Well, I didn't actually catch the live chat during the matches because I'm not very technologically savvy, but I did go back and listen to the commentators' analysis afterward. Generally, the feedback was positive, but I remember one comment that stung a little. They mentioned that I was looking a bit shaky at the time, and they would go to me because I was popping up some dinks. It was like a knife to the heart because I always strive to perform at my best. However, I understand that criticism is part of the game, and I use it as motivation to improve.
James: It's commendable that you can take criticism constructively and use it to fuel your growth. Have you encountered any other negative comments or criticisms in your career?
Vivian: Overall, I've been fortunate to receive mostly positive feedback and support from fans and teammates. However, there have been instances where some teammates made up things about me or questioned my authenticity. It was challenging because I thought they knew who I truly was, but it turned out they had a different perception. It led me to question my identity at times, but I've learned to focus on staying true to myself and not letting others' opinions define me.
James: That's a great mindset to have, Vivian. Embracing your uniqueness and staying true to yourself is essential in any competitive field. As we wrap up, I want to thank you for joining us today and sharing your thoughts and experiences. And to our listeners, thank you for tuning in and being a part of this interview. Remember, constructive feedback is always appreciated, but let's keep the comments positive and uplifting. Until next time, take care!
Vivian: A big thank you to all the fans for their support. I'm constantly humbled by the love and encouragement I receive. And to those who have left positive comments and cheered me on, I truly appreciate your kindness. Stay tuned for more updates on my pickleball adventures, and I'll keep working hard to bring my best game to the court. Thank you, James, for having me on the podcast. It's been a pleasure.
Time Stamps
0:00 - The James Ignatowich Show Episode 24 Trailer 🎬 0:23 - Vivian Glozman introduction 🫠 1:11 - MLP Challenger League vs. Premiere League 👀 4:24 - Dinking down the line or cross-court 😂 6:49 - Vivian to Florida?! 🙌 🌊 8:30 - Susie story 2.0 😩 11:44 - Pickleball camp counselor polls 🤲 15:23 - 2023 Newport APP preview 📆 17:06 - Mixed or Women's Doubles? 🥵 22:07 - Do some players care more about looking good versus playing good? 🤑 24:19 - Vivian's upcoming partnerships 🙃 26:55 - Europe Trip CANCELED ❌ 30:00 - Vivian = International Superstar 🤩 💠
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