Playing in Perfect Harmony: The Kawamoto Sisters Light Up Pro Pickleball
Twins Jade and Jackie Kawamoto discuss balancing careers, competitive play, and sisterhood on The MaryGoAround podcast
The world of professional pickleball expanded exponentially in 2023, with prize money and media coverage reaching new heights. And among the fastest rising stars of the sport are twins Jade and Jackie Kawamoto. The Hawaiian-born sisters have been tearing up the pro tour, reaching the finals of major tournaments and establishing themselves as one of the most formidable women’s partnerships in the game.
On a recent episode of The MaryGoAround podcast, hosted by pro player Mary Brascia, the Kawamotos opened up about their beginnings in the sport, keys to their success, and the unique dynamics of being sisters and partners on the court.
4:23 Welcome To The Show - The Kawamoto Sisters
Host Mary Brascia welcomed Jade and Jackie Kawamoto as her special guests on Episode 7 of her popular podcast. She expressed excitement about the “sister edition” of the show, with the Kawamotos joining Mary and her sister and frequent partner Maggie Brascia. “I’m so honored that we’re having this sister edition of The MaryGoAround podcast. I know we’re excited can you see us both are we okay?” Brascia asked. The Kawamotos confirmed they could be seen and were ready for the interview.
Brascia introduced the sisters, noting they were born in Maui, Hawaii, now live in Indianapolis, Indiana, work full-time jobs with the NCAA, and play professional pickleball on the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. She highlighted their impressive run so far, including making the finals of the Atlanta MLP event.
5:15 - Balancing Full-time jobs with NCAA and Full-time pickleball
Brascia opened by asking the Kawamotos how they balance full-time careers with playing pickleball professionally.
Jade explained that the NCAA has been flexible in allowing them to work hybrid schedules so they can travel for tournaments. “Being able to work remote and have some virtual days has been really helpful,” she said. Their bosses have been supportive in following their pickleball careers.
Jackie agreed it’s been a balancing act but focusing on their day jobs provides a helpful break from the “drama” and politics of the pickleball world. The sisters enjoy being able to concentrate fully on their NCAA responsibilities when not traveling for tournaments.
6:42 - The twins are on fire! What is their secret?
Brascia congratulated the Kawamotos on their fantastic tournament results so far, including final appearances at the Cincinnati Open and in Major League Pickleball. She asked what their secret is for finding success as a sister partnership on the court.
Jackie said it took them 27 years to figure it out, but they have found more chemistry together in 2023. She cited their previous low point at the 2022 Beer City Open and recent high of the MLP Atlanta Open finals. “I think we’re trying to emulate you guys a little more, where you seem like you enjoy each other’s company on the court and are supportive of each other,” she told the Brascia sisters.
Jade echoed they are focused on being positive and supportive like their friends Mary and Maggie. She admitted they were the opposite at the beginning of 2023 but have worked to improve. “Jackie and I were like the exact opposite at the beginning of this year, so we’re trying, we’re trying our best.”
8:36 - The highs and lows of playing with a sister
When asked about the unique dynamics of their sister partnership, the Kawamotos acknowledged there can be “really low lows” because everything can feel more personal with family. But Jade said “there’s no one more that you want to share [success] with than your sister on the court.” They recognized they have to work through challenges but feel the good outweighs the bad.
Jackie revealed she is the more vocal sister who will “take the heat” for them both, while Jade is more reserved. But they feel their natural connection and lifetime of playing sports together gives them an advantage on the court. Mastering positive communication has been key in 2023.
9:15 Tips For Success
Building on the theme of sisterhood, the Brascias shared an insightful tip from their father: “Treat your partner like you want to go on a third date with them.” They explained this means showing respect, a good attitude, and support at all times.
Jade and Jackie loved this advice. Jade noted that as siblings, it's easy to get overly comfortable and critical of each other. But actively treating your partner with the care and kindness of an early dating relationship leads to better results.
9:54 - Will the twins play more together in 2024?
Looking ahead, Brascia asked if pickleball fans can expect to see more of the Kawamotos joining forces in 2024 after their success this season.
Jackie said they will likely continue mixing it up but also playing together at times. She’s unsure if they’ll get drafted together again for Major League Pickleball. But either way, they know they have a winning chemistry when they choose to partner up.
Jade added that their strengths complement each other well. So as long as they keep improving their communication and positivity, they expect to thrive together on the court.
11:58 - Mic’d up Pickleball; Brascias vs Kawamotos
In a funny moment, the Brascias proposed an exhibition match where they mix up the sister pairs across teams and mic everyone up to compare their on-court chatter. Jade immediately accepted the challenge, saying “It’s gonna be live streamed, it’s coming to the people, we’re ready!”
Jackie joked it would reveal the difference between their more subdued communication style versus the Brascias’ constant energetic outbursts. Everyone agreed it would be both hilarious and fascinating to hear the sisters’ contrasting sideline mannerisms up close.
12:32 - Training Regimen for Kawamotos
Transitioning to discuss their training and improvement, the Kawamotos revealed they are drilling together more this season after hardly doing so previously. Jackie said they have focused on offensive shots and patterns.
They train a few evenings a week, playing recreational games with local players to sharpen match play skills. Jade’s boyfriend and other experienced players often join them. With more indoor facilities opening up around Indianapolis for winter play, the sisters expect ample court time to continue improving.
15:38 - How did the Kawamotos get introduced to pickleball?
Reminiscing about their start in the sport, Jackie recalled their dad discovering pickleball at a local rec center in 2019 and bringing his daughters into the game. For about a year they just played casually on basketball courts and at their church.
But when COVID-19 hit, pickleball became a safe activity the whole family could play together. The sisters got more serious practicing throughout 2020 and decided to pursue the pro tour. Now they say they’re “addicted” and haven’t touched a tennis racket since!
16:44 - University of Dayton tennis connection
An entertaining coincidence is that the Kawamotos and Mary Brascia all attended the University of Dayton for college — just missing each other by one year. The sisters were thrilled to learn Brascia’s fun nickname on campus was “Mary in the Club” for her energetic spirit.
They reminisced about attending some of the same tennis matches and social events. And the Kawamotos playfully warned Brascia they would cheer her on enthusiastically — but not join in themselves — if she sang karaoke on a potential return visit.
18:21 - Who is more likely to...Sister Edition!
Moving into a lighthearted game of “Who is more likely to?”, the Brascias and Kawamotos compared their sisterly traits and tendencies:
- More organized: Jade, as the elder twin who handles planning
- Better cook: Jackie, though the sisters often cook together
- Late to practice: Jackie is not a morning person
- Get married first: Jade has dated her boyfriend longer than Maggie
- Favorite sibling: Maggie is never problematic! Jackie stirs up more trouble
- Better singer: Both say they are equally terrible singers. Mary admitted to singing while talking.
The revealing questions provided a glimpse into the sisters' close bonds, playful rivalry, and balanced partnerships on and off the court.
Summary
Through an open and fun conversation on The MaryGoAround podcast, Jade and Jackie Kawamoto offered fans an inside look at their rapid rise as pro pickleball phenoms. Their chemistry as twins has translated into a winning formula in competition. Yet they stay grounded through their day jobs, family life, and careful attention to improving their on-court communication.
As pickleball continues gaining momentum and legitimacy as a pro sport, the Kawamotos are poised to remain breakout stars. They make a compelling case for siblings being able to successfully balance their personal and professional relationships through mutual respect, support, and sharing in each other's successes. The Kawamoto sisters have each other's backs, on and off the court — a beautiful example of sisters playing, and living, in perfect harmony through a shared passion. (SelkirkTV Blog Post)
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