The Life of a Young Pro w/ Alix Truong | Pickleball Wisdom & Wellness Ep. 3

 

Up-and-Coming Pickleball Pro Alix Truong Discusses Balancing Academics and Athletics on the Road to Success Introduction: Alix Truong is an 18-year-old pickleball pro making waves on the professional tours while also finishing up high school and preparing for college. In this wide-ranging interview, Alix provides an inside look at a day in her life, opens up about pickleball dating, and shares how the sport has helped her gain maturity and independence. Despite her youth, Alix's wisdom and focus shine through as she discusses her future plans, embracing social media, and building her own team of support. [00:30] Day in the Life of Alix - Alix describes a typical day starting with schoolwork in the morning, getting a workout in, grabbing breakfast/lunch, more schoolwork, pickleball practice, picking up her brother, another workout or drilling session, dinner, and sometimes Netflix. She highlights the flexibility of online school.

"Currently I am taking classes through the Northern Virginia Community College and by the time that I graduate Public High School this June I will technically be a year and a half ahead with all my credits that will transferred to George Mason University."

[02:23] Pickleball Scene in Virginia - Alix discusses the pickleball scene in Virginia, often practicing with her dad or finding local players to drill with. She prefers drilling over recreational play for the benefits.

"Mostly I go out and I want to drill rather than rec play. Personally, I think I just get more benefits out of drilling one-on-one with somebody." [04:03] College and Future Plans - Alix talks about finishing high school online this June and having a year and a half of college credits already. She plans to graduate college early while traveling for pickleball.

"When covid hit that's when I originally experienced the online class environment and I just thought it was so much better for me. I liked getting to stay at home, wake up on my own time and kind of just get through the work at my own pace." [05:40] Business Management Degree Benefits - Alex explains wanting a business management degree to relate to potential entrepreneurship or small business opportunities in pickleball. Marketing and social media also appeal to her.

"I want a photographer or videographer to help me get content."

[08:26] Balancing School and Pickleball - Alex reflects on her long history of playing sports while excelling academically. She discovered a real passion for pickleball that led her to create a balanced schedule.

[09:51] Pickleball Dating and Couples on Tour - Alex gives her perspective on pickleball dating as a 18-year-old. She likes long distance relationships and notes her favorite couples on tour.

[12:49] Dealing with Social Media Attention - Alex reflects on growing her social media presence authentically. She interacts positively with supporters and focuses on her goals despite some negativity. [16:08] Building a Support Team - Alex discusses building her team slowly with people she trusts, such as her dad as coach and manager. She sees pros who have full teams and wants to work towards that. [18:39] How Pickleball Has Helped Growth - Alex shares how pickleball has helped her gain independence and maturity that people notice in conversations, along with situational awareness and continuing to learn. [21:01] Favorite Post-Tournament Meal - Alix names Cava as her favorite post-tournament meal. She details her perfect bowl order and all the nutrient and flavor packed toppings. [22:36] Workout Music Choices - Alix listens to hip hop and Eminem when working out to get pumped up and motivated. [23:05] Best Academic Subjects - Alix shares her longtime interest in science and medical classes. Sports medicine also appeals considering her athletic interests. Summary: This wide-ranging interview provides an inside look at pro pickleballer Alix Truong's busy life balancing academics and athletics. Despite being only 18 years old, Alix displays wisdom beyond her years when discussing independence, maturity, managing social media, and building her own team of support. She offers insightful perspectives on pickleball dating, her college and career goals in business management, and how pickleball has helped her personal growth. Throughout the conversation, Alix comes across as genuine, relatable, focused on constant learning, and appreciative of those who support her journey. As she continues developing as a player and person, Alix Truong remains grounded in who she is while preparing to take the pickleball world by storm. (April 12, 2023)

Topic Time Code List

1. [00:00] Introduction
2. [00:30] Day in the Life of Alix
3. [00:43] Morning Routine
4. [01:13] Workouts
5. [01:28] Breakfast and Lunch
6. [01:41] Afternoon Routine
7. [01:55] Pickleball Training
8. [02:23] Evening Routine
9. [02:37] Pickleball Scene in Virginia
10. [03:49] College and Future Plans
11. [04:03] Online Learning Benefits
12. [04:18] College Major and Career Goals
13. [04:58] Balancing School and Pickleball
14. [05:40] Business Management Degree Benefits
15. [06:37] Challenges as a Student Athlete
16. [07:04] Taking Advantage of Time Now
17. [07:32] Staying Organized and On Top of Work
18. [07:59] Time Management Skills From Sports
19. [08:26] Always Athletic But Found Real Passion in Pickleball
20. [08:55] Creating a Balanced Schedule
21. [09:24] Using a Paper Calendar for Organization
22. [09:51] Pickleball Dating and Couples on Tour
23. [10:21] Thoughts on Pickleball Dating
24. [10:47] Long Distance Relationships Appeal
25. [11:15] Favorite Pickleball Couples
26. [11:54] Pickleball Crushes
27. [12:07] Staying Friendly But Focused on Goals
28. [12:49] Dealing with Social Media Attention
29. [13:16] Relatable Social Media Presence
30. [13:44] Trendsetter with Pickleball Instagram
31. [13:58] Engaging POSITIVELY with Followers
32. [14:26] Dealing with Trolls and Negativity
33. [14:54] Staying Grounded and Authentic
34. [15:23] Prioritizing Pickleball Itself
35. [15:38] Importance of Genuine Content
36. [16:08] Building a Support Team
37. [16:35] Dad as Longtime Coach and Manager
38. [16:49] Tight Inner Circle of Trusted Support
39. [17:15] Learning to Be Careful in "Dog Eat Dog" World
40. [17:30] Inspiration From Other Pros' Teams
41. [17:43] Cultivating the Right Partnerships
42. [18:11] Building the "Alix Strong Nation"
43. [18:26] Preparing for More Pros to Have Full Teams
44. [18:39] How Pickleball Has Helped Growth
45. [18:56] Conversations Reveal Maturity Beyond Years
46. [19:08] Gaining Independence and Maturity
47. [19:23] Always Very Street Smart
48. [19:38] Traveling Solo and Other Lessons
49. [19:52] Learning from New People and Experiences
50. [20:05] Practicing Situational Awareness
51. [20:19] Continuing to Learn and Grow
52. [20:34] Embodying a "Student of Life" Mentality
53. [20:49] Avoiding Others' Mistakes
54. [21:01] Favorite Post-Tournament Meal
55. [21:16] Love for Cava
56. [21:30] Cava Bowl Order
57. [21:42] Toppings Preferences
58. [21:58] Austin's Cava Order
59. [22:11] Cava's Unique, Flavorful Sauces
60. [22:24] Nutrition and Flavors Appreciation
61. [22:36] Workout Music Choices
62. [22:51] Hip Hop and Eminem When Working Out
63. [23:05] Best Academic Subjects
64. [23:19] Science and Medical Class Interests
65. [23:33] Anatomy Benefits as an Athlete
66. [23:45] Future Sports Medicine Interests
67. [23:59] Go-To Celebratory Yell After Winning a Point
68. [24:12] Switching Up Celebrations Based on Pictures
69. [24:27] Social Media Management Tips
70. [24:41] Final Appreciation and Sign Off