14-Year-Old Pickleball Prodigy Crushes Competition and Fosters Community
In the second episode of the popular podcast "Crush Life," hosts and parents Richelle and Pete Nassos interview their teenage son Joey about his meteoric rise in the sport of pickleball.
1. Introduction, 0:22 Over the past two years, Joey has rapidly developed from rookie player to winning tournaments against adult competitors. He credits the inclusive and supportive pickleball community for much of his success.
2. Crushing Life - Does Pickleball foster relationships?, 3:49 Joey explains how pickleball enables him to form meaningful connections through competition and mentorship across age groups. Veterans take him under their wing.
3. Tournaments - PPA San Clemente, 4:43 Recalling a breakout performance at 2023 Pickleball Professional Association event.
4. Sandbagging - Play at a higher level, 5:53 Joey laughs about accusations of sandbagging, or downplaying ability to play in lower skill bracket. He strives for top-flight competition.
5. What has pickleball done for you?, 7:40 Beyond trophies and travel perks, Joey says pickleball has built confidence and maturity. He's learned sportsmanship.
6. Joey teaches mom how to play pickleball, 8:33 In a fun role reversal, Joey gives his mom Richelle pickleball lessons. He enjoys passing on expertise.
7. NextGen - Kansas City, 10:29 At a premier youth showcase event, Joey awed observers as an undersized giant killer in the 14-and-under bracket.
8. Joey turns the tables on mom and dad, 11:25 Interview style flips, as Joey asks the questions about his parents' introduction to pickleball as a family activity.
9. Crush Paddles - Worldwide, 13:29 As Joey's reputation grows, so does interest in his Crush Paddles pickleball equipment brand and its global sales.
10. Calls, 14:33 College recruiters already reach out, but Joey focuses on high school academics and pickleball development for now.
11. Going to a different state for a tournament, 15:07 Traveling the country for competitions, Joey learns independence and adapts to new places.
12. What's your DUPR?, 16:18 Joey calculates his DUPR or Daily Pickleball Rate is an impressive 30 games per day through classes, sessions, tournaments.
13. Crush Life Stories, 17:17 The podcast concludes with family members swapping funny pickleball memories like the time Joey got in trouble for breaking a hotel furniture rule.
Joey Nassos mixes prodigious pickleball skills with an outgoing, magnetic personality that wins over fellow competitors and fans. Despite his youth and small stature, he crunches the competition on the court. Yet Joey stays humble and hungry to improve at his blossoming sport. With support from communities across North America, this crushing kid seems destined for greatness.
- 0:22 Introduction - Joey's Journey
- 3:49 Crushing Life - Does Pickleball foster relationships?
- 4:43 Tournaments - PPA San Clemente
- 5:53 Sandbagging - Play at a higher level
- 7:40 What has pickleball done for you?
- 8:33 Joey teaches mom how to play pickleball
- 10:29 NextGen - Kansas City
- 11:25 Joey turns the tables on mom and dad
- 13:29 Crush Paddles - Worldwide
- 14:33 Calls
- 15:07 Going to a different state for a tournament
- 16:18 What's your DUPR?
- 17:17 Crush Life Stories
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