The Simply Pickleball Podcat with Crystal Brown - Interview with Lindsey Newman

 

The Rapid Rise of Pro Pickleball Star Lindsey Newman From College Tennis Champion to Gold Medal Pickleball Pro Lindsey Newman has quickly risen to become one of the top professional pickleball players in the world. But her journey to the pickleball court has been anything but traditional. The former collegiate tennis champion and referee transitioned to pro pickleball just a few years ago, but has already won numerous titles alongside her brother Riley Newman. Now Newman is balancing her blossoming career with motherhood, an impressive feat in the world of competitive sports. Crystal Brown, host of The Simply Pickleball Podcast, sat down with Lindsey to learn about her unique path in pickleball and what's next for this multi-talented athlete and mom. 1. 00:00 Lindsey Newman Early Days Summary: Lindsey grew up in a very sports-oriented household with six siblings. Their home was constantly busy and competitive between the kids with various sports practices and competitions. Lindsey refers to it as a "Survivor household" where you had to fend for yourself at the dinner table and in day-to-day life. 2. 03:35 A Family of Athletes Summary: All of Lindsey's siblings were very athletic and competitive growing up. Her parents instilled the values of character, respect and teamwork through sports participation. Lindsey played multiple sports competitively as a kid including tennis, volleyball and basketball. 3. 04:18 Lindsey and Riley Newman Rivalry Summary: Lindsey was closest growing up with her brother Riley. They were the most competitive siblings and would often play tennis together, getting into fights over disputed line calls. Lindsey frequently won when they were younger, making Riley very upset. 4. 05:47 From Tennis to Pickleball Summary: In college, Lindsey played Division 1 tennis and got a full athletic scholarship. After graduating, she started refereeing college basketball aspiring to ref at the top levels. A boss introduced her to pickleball after learning Lindsey had played competitive tennis. 5. 08:15 First Time Playing Pickleball Summary: Lindsey's initial opinion of pickleball was that it was a sport for old people and too easy for a Division 1 athlete. Her boss convinced her and Riley to try playing at a pickleball center. They instantly fell in love with the game after playing for hours. 6. 08:42 First Professional Pickleball Tournament Summary: After her boss heard Lindsey and Riley enjoyed playing pickleball, he encouraged them to enter a nearby tournament in Oregon. They decided to play without any experience or their own gear, miraculously winning the pro bracket. 7. 10:52 Pickleball in Arizona Summary: Lindsey ended up moving with her husband to Arizona for his job. She found there was a huge pickleball presence there with courts popping up all over the place. This allowed her to continue pursuing the sport. 8. 13:32 No Pickleball Coaches Summary: Surprisingly, neither Lindsey nor Riley have ever had a pickleball coach. They have been mostly self-taught throughout their rapid rise as pros. Lindsey cites their competitive nature and stubbornness as reasons they've relied on themselves. 9. 15:10 Balancing Pickleball and Motherhood Summary: Now as a mom of two young daughters, Lindsey prioritizes family over her pro pickleball career. She spends about 80% of time with her kids versus 20% playing and training. Lindsey doesn't want to miss her daughters growing up. 10. 17:12 Pickleball Training Summary: Since having kids, Lindsey trains for pickleball in creative ways that allow her to also spend time with her girls. This includes activities like jump roping, trampolining, biking, and chasing them around the park. 11. 19:00 New Doubles Partner for Riley? Summary: Lindsey wants her brother Riley to succeed so she has stepped back from being his partner. She encourages him to find a woman who can train full time. Riley has been trying out partners, but Lindsey is open to still playing with him occasionally. 12. 23:20 Pickleball Mom Summary: Lindsey sometimes brings her 2.5 year old daughter out on the pickleball court to play with her. She's eager to teach her girls the sport and hopes they'll pursue something athletic as they grow up, maybe tennis or pickleball. 13. 24:40 Pickleball Popularity Summary: Lindsey believes pickleball has gotten so popular because it's affordable, inclusive across ages and skill levels, and very social. It provides opportunities to travel and meet new people. The community is welcoming compared to tennis. 14. 26:13 What's Next? Summary: In the future, Lindsey wants to continue playing pickleball professionally as long as she remains competitive. She may consider retiring from tournaments if she starts losing badly. She also wants to grow her family and get into real estate. 15. 28:07 Conclusion At just 30 years old, Lindsey Newman has already solidified herself as one of the premier pickleball players in the world. Her unconventional path from top-tier tennis to professional pickleball is a testament to her natural athletic abilities. As Newman continues to balance motherhood and her career, she serves as an inspiration that women don't have to choose between family and professional sports. It will be exciting to watch this pickleball superstar thrive in the years to come.