From Tennis Convert to NPL Champion: Alka Stripolli's Rapid Rise in Pickleball
The rookie phenom details her journey from picking up a paddle just last year to hoisting the inaugural NPL trophy with the Indie Drivers
Pickleball has exploded in popularity over the last decade, converts from tennis flooding courts across the country. Among them is Alka Stripolli, who has undergone a meteoric rise after swapping her tennis racket for a pickleball paddle two years ago.
On the Sleeve’s Senior Pickleball Report podcast, host Mike Sleeves sat down with Stripolli to discuss her rapid ascent in the blossoming sport. In 2021 at age 48, she followed Leigh Waters, a former tennis teammate, into pickleball and quickly flourished. In just 24 months, Stripolli was part of the Indie Drivers squad that captured the first-ever National Pickleball League championship.
1. When did you start playing pickleball? (1:39)
Stripolli first picked up a pickleball paddle in 2021 following in the footsteps of Leigh Waters. The two were teammates on the same Delray Beach tennis squad back in 2016. A year after that, Waters branched into pickleball and found great success on the national tournament scene.
By 2021, Stripolli was 48 years old and looking for ways to prolong her competitive playing career. She decided to follow Waters' lead and give pickleball a try. Soon after, the other members of that 2016 tennis team did the same. And just like that, the whole group had converted from tennis to pickleball.
With her solid tennis foundation, Stripolli took naturally to the sport. As she describes, it was a seamless progression given her background. And like so many others who discover pickleball, she was quickly hooked by its fast pace and addictive nature.
At the time Stripolli started playing, she didn't even know about the professional tours for age 50+ players. She simply worked her way up through the amateur rankings. Upon turning 50, she decided to test herself against the top senior pros. Little did she know how rapidly her pickleball journey would accelerate.
2. National Pickleball League (4:38)
Just months after taking up pickleball, Stripolli learned of an exciting new prospect - the creation of a professional league for senior players called the National Pickleball League.
The NPL was the brainchild of entrepreneurs Rick Whiston, Beth Bellamy and Michael Chen. Capitalizing on pickleball's momentum, especially among the 50+ crowd, they envisioned a team-based league showcasing the talents of the sports' top senior pros.
The NPL launched in full force in 2023 with its inaugural season, treating players like professionals with uniforms, team nicknames, a draft combine and more. For Stripolli, it provided a fast track to national exposure and the chance to prove she belonged among the best.
3. Meeting people from all over the country in a very short period of time (6:45)
One of the biggest perks of the NPL for Stripolli was the opportunity to meet and compete with senior pros from all across the United States. Had she stuck to the established APP and PPA tours, it may have taken years to form connections around the country.
The NPL brought together players from California, Washington, Illinois, Texas and beyond. Stripolli, based in South Florida, relished the chance to quickly network and bond with pickleball counterparts from other regions.
She notes the NPL instantly expanded and enriched the existing senior pro community. Players didn't need to gradually trade phone numbers and get to know one another through word of mouth. The stage was set for fast friendships and rivalries to bloom organically.
For Stripolli, one of the biggest highlights of the NPL season was the camaraderie and relationships built with fellow players. Bonds forged in the inaugural season will pay dividends for years to come.
4. NPL Weekend (7:04)
The NPL Championship Weekend in October 2023 proved truly unforgettable. It all kicked off on Thursday evening with Dink for Pink, a charity event raising money for breast cancer research. Makeshift pickleball courts were constructed so passersby could be introduced to the sport.
Players and supporters shared inspirational stories of surviving and overcoming breast cancer. Stripolli describes Dink for Pink as showcasing "feel good stories" and setting a positive tone heading into the finals. Moreover, holding it in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month made the timing perfect.
The competition got underway Friday at the ideal location of Chicken N Pickle in Glendale, Arizona. With restaurants, bars and pickleball courts all within steps, Strippoli loved the convenience factor. The weather also cooperated to provide ideal playing conditions.
Seeded 3rd, the Indie Drivers knew they faced an uphill battle to claim the NPL trophy. But with a "now or never" mentality, the team was ready to leave it all on the court. The stage was set for an unforgettable weekend.
5. Who did you play in the first round? (10:25)
As the 3-seed, the Indie Drivers faced a tough matchup right away in the quarterfinals against 6th-seeded Boca Raton. Given Boca's history, Stripolli said her team still felt confident but knew anything could happen in the unpredictable playoff atmosphere.
In the end, Indie took care of business to eliminate Boca Raton and advance. That set up a compelling semifinal showdown with the 2nd-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC had gotten the better of Indie in a couple regular season meetings that came down to the wire.
This time, with championship stakes, Stripolli and her teammates were determined to breakthrough. She credits the Indie Drivers' team depth as a key advantage entering the postseason.
The owners assembled a well-rounded roster through the NPL draft. Legendary player Rick Whiston, their first round pick, provided valuable guidance. Stripolli believes his insight assisted the owners in constructing a deep and versatile squad.
Heading into the semifinals, Indie's depth would be put to the test against a tough OKC squad. But Stripolli could sense her team's calm confidence that this was their time to finally take down their nemesis.
6. NPL Final: We were down 2 nothing. Momentum shift. Match Point. (16:08)
The Indie Drivers did indeed get past OKC in an adrenaline-filled semifinal. That set the stage for a dramatic championship clash with the top-seeded Austin Sidewinders.
In the finals, Austin seized early control and jumped ahead 2-0. Stripolli admits glancing at the scoreboard with concern, realizing her team had to quickly regroup.
The turning point came courtesy of legends Rick Whiston and Rich Lopez. With Indie's title hopes dangling in the balance, the duo pulled out a thrilling mixed doubles victory that finally got the Drivers on the board.
Stripolli described their inspiring performance as "getting the ball rolling" and initiating a pivotal momentum shift. Shortly after, she and Christy Bradley notched a critical women's doubles win to make it 2-2.
The stage was set for an unforgettable finish. In the decisive mixed doubles match, Lopez was involved in one of the most epic points in pickleball history. On a match point collision at the net, he took a nasty tumble that left him bloodied yet unfazed. Lopez popped up and hit a reflex backhand winner to seal the match, championship and $100,000 top prize for the Drivers.
7. A comeback win. A perfect script. Channeling the zone. Team effort. (18:41)
In reflecting on the championship comeback, Stripolli struggled to imagine a more storybook finish. She described the NPL's first-ever finals as "a perfect script" packed with drama and electricity.
Despite Austin grabbing an early edge, the Indie Drivers channeled "the zone" to slowly turn the tide. Stripolli pointed to a sense of calm confidence pulsating through her team as they rallied.
With the veterans leading the way, she emphasized how the milestone title was a total team effort. Every member contributed throughout the season, and on that deciding Sunday, they collectively willed their way to the top.
The 10-9 finals triumph will forever bond the Drivers. Stripolli cherishes being part of the NPL's inaugural championship team. For a brand new league to deliver such an exhilarating finish was a landmark moment.
8. What are you looking forward to? (19:57)
Stripolli could not be more enthusiastic about the NPL's future after its smashing debut season. The league is set to expand heading into 2024, increasing from 6 to upwards of 12 teams.
Three combines will be held around the country to scout talent, compared to just one combine last season. This signals surging interest and demand among players and sponsors.
Stripolli expects the level of play to get even stronger as the NPL grows. More teams will lead to increased depth and competitiveness league-wide.
She is eager to be part of the journey and continue elevating her game. For 2024, Stripolli hopes to again be drafted and contribute to another spirited title chase.
Wherever she lands next season, Stripolli will carry the confidence and championship pedigree forged with the Indie Drivers. She remains deeply grateful for the NPL's inaugural campaign and has only scratched the surface of her potential.
9. What were some of the things you were working on during the season? (22:11)
For Stripolli individually, the NPL season provided eye-opening lessons on and off the court. She credits her championship-winning teammates for helping evolve her game.
Legends like Natalie Cox and Christy Brock shared their wisdom and insights mid-match. Stripolli absorbed everything she could about strategy and positioning from these veterans.
She embraced the challenge of mixed doubles, leaning on partners like Chris Miller and Rich Lopez. Their in-the-moment coaching and pointers on supporting effectively proved invaluable.
With a lifelong student mindset, Stripolli soaked up every piece of instruction from her renowned peers. She affirms that win or lose, she learned something from each game that helped strengthen her skills.
Beyond tactics, Stripolli focused heavily on physical conditioning to handle the grueling NPL schedule. Hours of standing and stop-and-go play required training off-court to prevent injuries.
She also discovered the mental toll of the NPL's win-by-one scoring system. With so many pressure points, she honed her mental tenacity and resilience.
Thanks to these lessons, Stripolli emerged at season's end a markedly sharper and smarter player. The strides she made in just a few months bode extremely well for her long-term outlook.
10. What do you have going on in 2023 and 2024? (26:16)
After a well-deserved offseason break, Stripolli has a busy Pickleball calendar lined up for 2023 leading into the next NPL campaign.
She plans to compete at the National Championships in November where she'll team up with reigning U.S. Open medalist Ellen Novalesi. Stripolli expects a strong showing against the country's finest players.
More tournaments await in early 2024 on the senior pro circuits to stay sharp before NPL combine tryouts. During the winter off months, Stripolli will focus intently on strength training and conditioning.
Entering her second full season as a senior pro, Stripolli feels prepared to consistently compete with the sport's elite. Her championship experience and continued improvement have her poised for another memorable year.
11. Nationals (27:23)
In just her first year on the senior tour, Stripolli has already qualified for the prestigious National Championships happening in November. She's partnering with Ellen Novalesi, a decorated doubles player fresh off winning a U.S. Open bronze medal.
Stripolli is eagerly anticipating the chance to test her skills against the country's best players at Nationals. She knows it will be a challenging battlefield but plans to enjoy the experience and chance to showcase her ever-expanding game.
Earning a spot at Nationals so quickly into her Pickleball career reinforces Stripolli's exceptionally rapid rise. Her fast-track path from rookie to NPL champ to Nationals qualifier is practically unheard of.
With Novalesi by her side, Stripolli hopes to continue turning heads and building momentum at the National Championships.
12. Support and sponsorships (28:17)
On her extraordinary pickleball journey, Stripolli credits unwavering support from family as instrumental every step of the way. Her husband and two boys hold down the home front while she travels for tournaments. Stripolli calls herself "incredibly blessed" and "lucky" to have such a supportive family network.
She's also thrilled to represent sponsor Joola Pickleball. The company took a chance on Stripolli as a relative newcomer but saw her immense promise and potential. She proudly plays with their Radius paddle, appreciating its lightweight feel and oversized surface area that caters to her quick-handed style.
With her family's backing plus partners like Joola, Stripolli has thrived early in her professional career. She feels incredibly grateful for those providing opportunities for her to shine on the big stage.
13. What paddle do you play with? (29:56)
As part of her sponsorship with Joola Pickleball, Stripolli has enjoyed practicing and competing with their Radius paddle model. Its defining feature is a unique circular face shaped akin to a ping pong paddle.
This paddle face generates additional power while the lightweight composite construction ensures maneuverability. Stripolli loves the Radius for its pop off the face coupled with the ability to react quickly thanks to its feather-light weight.
The oversized circular shape also compensates for Stripolli's smaller stature, allowing her to generate extra spin and control. As she continues evolving her pickleball skills, the Radius provides an ideal match for her playing profile and strengths.
14. Shout out to teammates (30:56)
In closing, Stripolli took a moment to sincerely thank her Indie Drivers teammates. She called the journey “an incredible ride” and said she wouldn’t have wanted to experience it with any other group.
From team bonding, to thrilling wins, to the history-making comeback, Stripolli will forever cherish being part of the NPL’s maiden champions. She credits the support system they built as a key ingredient throughout the pressure-packed season.
Stripolli says she received a text before every match offering encouragement and reminding her to take it one point at a time. This uplifting team culture enabled each player to shine in pursuit of the ultimate goal.
The lifelong relationships and memories formed will far outlast the championship titles and trophies. Stripolli is beyond grateful to have shared the ride with her Indie Drivers squad.
Summary
In an upbeat and insightful interview, host Mike Sleeves and rising pickleball star Alka Stripolli took fans behind the scenes of her astronomical first year on the professional scene. She covered her transition from high-level tennis and rapid improvement after discovering pickleball in 2021.
Stripolli then gave an exclusive player’s perspective of the electric inaugural National Pickleball League season. From new friendships built to the drama-filled final, she reminisced about the landmark campaign that saw her Indie Drivers hoist the first-ever trophy.
Looking ahead, Stripolli is focused on continuous growth as she tackles more elite tournaments like the upcoming National Championships. Her unmatched passion for the sport radiates through.
With home support from her family and sponsors like Joola Pickleball, the ceiling appears limitless for this humble yet driven rookie phenom. Alka Stripolli has officially put the pickleball world on notice and scratched the surface of a potentially Hall of Fame career.
YouTube Time Code List
1:39 When did you start playing pickleball?
4:38 National Pickleball League
6:45 Meeting people from all over the country in a very short period of time
7:04 NPL weekend
9:32 A special evening - Championship weekend
10:25 Who did you play in the first round? Team Depth
16:08 NPL Final: We were down 2 nothing. Momentum shift. Match Point.
18:41 A comeback win. A perfect script. Channeling the zone. Team effort.
19:57 What are you looking forward to?
22:11 What were some of the things you were working on during the season?
26:16 What do you have going on in 2023 and 2024?
27:23 Nationals
28:17 Support and sponsorships
29:56 What paddle do you play with?
30:56 Shout out to teammates
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