Thursday, March 21, 2024

Third Shot Podcast Ep 66- Tennis Star to Pickleball Pro: Brooke Revuelta Interview

  


Brooke Revuelta: The Rising Pickle Star Conquering the Court with Smiles and Sushi

From Tennis Prodigy to Pickleball Phenomenon, This 18-Year-Old is Taking the Sport by Storm


In the ever-growing world of pickleball, a new star is rapidly ascending the ranks, captivating audiences with her youthful exuberance, infectious smile, and an unwavering love for sushi. At just 18 years old, Brooke Revuelta has already etched her name in the annals of the sport, claiming prestigious titles and leaving a trail of awe-struck opponents in her wake. With a background in tennis and a natural gift for athleticism, Revuelta's transition to pickleball has been nothing short of meteoric, proving that age is merely a number when passion and talent collide.


1. 15:04, Into Brooke Revuelta, Brooke Revuelta, a high school senior prodigy from Miami, is quickly becoming a household name in the pickleball world. With an infectious smile and an unrelenting competitive spirit, she has captured the hearts of fans and fellow players alike. Revuelta's journey from a promising tennis career to dominating the pickleball courts is a testament to her unwavering determination and love for the game.


2. 16:03, Pickleball Journey, Revuelta's foray into pickleball was a happy accident. Initially introduced to the sport by a friend's father, she stumbled upon her newfound passion while still excelling at tennis. Despite her initial skepticism, considering pickleball an "old person's sport," Revuelta took to the court and fell in love with the game's fast-paced nature and strategic depth. Within six months, she had transitioned from a complete novice to a professional player, showcasing her remarkable talent and adaptability.


3. 17:00, Parents Support (No D1 College Tennis), While her parents were initially hesitant about her decision to step away from a promising tennis career and the prospect of a Division 1 college scholarship, Revuelta's unwavering determination and early success in pickleball eventually won them over. Her mother, a constant presence at her tournaments, witnessed firsthand the joy and passion her daughter exhibited on the court, solidifying her support for Revuelta's unconventional path.


4. 19:06, First Tournament, Revuelta's fearlessness was on full display at her first pickleball tournament, where she jumped into the deep end, competing in a mixed 40+ event with virtually no knowledge of the rules. Despite her inexperience, she embraced the challenge, stepping into the kitchen and hitting third shots with reckless abandon, immediately falling in love with the sport's unique dynamics.


5. 20:30, Playing Anna Leigh Waters 2023 PPA Denver, In a true baptism by fire, Revuelta found herself facing off against pickleball superstar Anna Leigh Waters at the 2023 PPA Denver tournament, just six months into her professional career. Despite the daunting challenge of taking on the world's number one player, Revuelta held her own, narrowly losing 11-8, 11-9, and showcasing her incredible potential on the grandest stage.


6. 22:12, Training Process, Revuelta's early success can be attributed to her relentless work ethic and commitment to learning the intricacies of pickleball. Initially, her training regimen consisted of drilling and playing recreational games, but after her eye-opening experience in Denver, she sought the guidance of a dedicated pickleball coach, Mario Figuro. Under his tutelage, Revuelta refined her technique and developed a deeper understanding of the game, laying the foundation for her meteoric rise.


7. 23:45, Travel, One of the hallmarks of Revuelta's young career has been her incessant travel schedule, crisscrossing the country to compete in tournaments from Hawaii to Texas to Florida. Balancing her schoolwork, training, and travel demands has been a remarkable feat, but one that she has embraced wholeheartedly, fueled by her passion for the sport and her unwavering determination to succeed.


8. 25:23, Home School, To accommodate her hectic schedule, Revuelta made the strategic decision to pursue online homeschooling, allowing her the flexibility to balance her academic pursuits with her burgeoning pickleball career. This unconventional path has enabled her to chase her dreams while ensuring her education remains a priority, a testament to her dedication and time management skills.


9. 25:38, Tournament Climate, Revuelta's travels have exposed her to a diverse range of climates, from the oppressive heat of Florida to the cool breezes of Sacramento. However, she has proven adept at adapting, crediting her hydration regimen and resilience for her ability to perform consistently across varying conditions, a trait that sets her apart from her peers.


10. 26:50, Partners, In the world of professional pickleball, finding the right doubles partner can be a challenge, but Revuelta has navigated these waters with grace and adaptability. From her consistent mixed doubles partnership with Michael Lloyd to her ever-changing women's doubles pairings, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to forge chemistry and synergy with new partners, often practicing with them for only a day or two before taking the court.  Judit Castillo APP Sacramento Open Blog


11. 29:07, Practice with tournament partners, Revuelta's approach to preparing for tournaments with new partners is both strategic and efficient. Typically, she and her partner will practice together for a couple of days leading up to the event, allowing them to develop a rapport and fine-tune their on-court communication, a crucial element for success in doubles play.


12. 29:58, Partner Selection Etiquette, In the close-knit world of professional pickleball, partner selection is often facilitated through social media or personal connections, with Revuelta leveraging her growing network to identify potential collaborators. While there may be unwritten rules or etiquette surrounding partner selection, Revuelta navigates this process with grace and professionalism, prioritizing compatibility and shared goals above all else.


13. 31:24, Social Aspect At Tournaments, Beyond the intense on-court battles, Revuelta embraces the social aspect of the professional pickleball circuit, relishing the opportunity to meet new people and forge lasting friendships. The camaraderie and welcoming atmosphere within the pickleball community have been a source of joy for the young phenom, creating a supportive network that extends far beyond the boundaries of the court.


14. 32:28, Traveling with mom, One of the unique aspects of Revuelta's journey has been the constant presence of her mother, who accompanies her on the tournament circuit. While her father's work commitments prevent him from being a regular fixture, her mother's unwavering support and companionship have been instrumental in her success. From sharing meals with her pickleball friends to providing a familiar face in unfamiliar locales, Revuelta's mother has been an invaluable ally on this incredible adventure.


15. 33:26, Coaching, While Revuelta's natural talent and determination have been key factors in her rapid ascent, she credits much of her success to her coach, Mario Figuro. Recognizing the unique nuances of pickleball, Revuelta sought out Figuro's expertise, and their partnership has proven fruitful. Through his guidance, she has developed a deeper understanding of the game's technical and strategic aspects, enabling her to reach new heights with each tournament.


16. 34:19, Vivienne David, Among the pantheon of pickleball greats, Vivienne David stands out as a player Revuelta admires and aspires to emulate. David's combination of skill, poise, and positivity on the court has left a lasting impression on the young phenom, who hopes to model her own game after the seasoned veteran's exceptional abilities and infectious enthusiasm.


17. 35:02, Pickleball Highlights, While Revuelta's career is still in its infancy, she has already etched her name in pickleball lore with a series of remarkable accomplishments. Chief among them was her triumph at the NextGen tournament, where she claimed both the singles and mixed doubles titles. Revuelta credits her unwavering focus and a peculiar sushi ritual for her success, highlighting the unique blend of mental fortitude and superstition that fuels her competitive fire.


18. 36:55, Sushi, Speaking of sushi, Revuelta's love affair with the Japanese delicacy has become a defining part of her pickleball journey. What started as a pre-tournament ritual has blossomed into a full-fledged obsession, with the young star crediting her newfound appreciation for sushi as a key factor in her recent surge of success on the court.


19. 37:57, Sponsors, As Revuelta's star continues to rise, she has attracted the attention of major pickleball brands, securing a sponsorship deal with Holbrook Pickleball. The process of finding the right sponsor was a patient one, as Revuelta meticulously tested various paddle options until she found the perfect match in Holbrook's offerings, which provide the ideal combination of control and pop to complement her dynamic playing style.


20. 39:12, Holbrook, The Holbrook paddle, with its exceptional balance and power, has proven to be a game-changer for Revuelta. After initially favoring the Joola Pereus, she was instantly smitten with the Holbrook's superior pop and control, recognizing it as the perfect tool to unlock her full potential on the court. With her trusty Holbrook in hand, Revuelta has taken her game to new heights, leaving opponents in awe of her precision and power.


21. 40:51, What's next, With a slew of upcoming tournaments on the horizon, including the PPA in Austin, Texas, and the APP events in Miami and Delray Beach, Revuelta's momentum shows no signs of slowing down. As she continues to blaze a trail through the pickleball world, her sights are set on adding more accolades to her already impressive resume, solidifying her status as one of the sport's brightest young stars.


22. 41:40, Social Media, For those seeking to follow Revuelta's remarkable journey, her Instagram account has become a must-follow destination. With frequent updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and her infectious energy on full display, Revuelta's social media presence has become a window into the life of a rising pickleball superstar, allowing fans to share in her triumphs and trials as she continues to captivate the pickleball world.


23. 42:04, Outro, As the pickleball community rallies behind Brooke Revuelta, her future burns brighter than ever. With her unwavering determination, natural talent, and an insatiable love for both pickleball and sushi, this 18-year-old phenom is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport for years to come. Fasten your seatbelts, pickleball fans, because the Brooke Revuelta show is just getting started, and the best is yet to come.


Summary

High school senior, Brooke Revuelta is taking the pickleball world by storm, captivating fans and opponents alike with her youthful exuberance, infectious smile, and an unwavering competitive spirit. What began as a happy accident – a chance introduction to the sport by a friend's father – has blossomed into a full-fledged professional career, one marked by meteoric success and a trail of prestigious titles.


Revuelta's rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. A former tennis prodigy once destined for a Division 1 college scholarship, she made the bold decision to pivot to pickleball, much to the initial chagrin of her parents. However, her early triumphs on the court, coupled with the sheer joy she exuded while playing, quickly won over her skeptical family, solidifying their support for her unconventional path.


From the outset, Revuelta's fearlessness and natural talent were on full display. At her very first tournament, she plunged headfirst into a mixed 4.0+ event, barely cognizant of the rules but undeterred by her inexperience. This baptism by fire proved to be the catalyst for her love affair with the sport, as she embraced the unique dynamics of pickleball with reckless abandon.


Mere months into her professional career, Revuelta found herself facing off against pickleball royalty in the form of Anna Leigh Waters at the 2023 PPA Denver tournament. Undaunted by the daunting challenge of taking on the world's number one player, Revuelta held her own, narrowly losing but showcasing her incredible potential on the grandest stage.


This eye-opening experience prompted Revuelta to seek out the guidance of a dedicated pickleball coach, Mario Figuro. Under his tutelage, she refined her technique and developed a deeper understanding of the game's nuances, laying the foundation for her subsequent triumphs.


One of the hallmarks of Revuelta's young career has been her incessant travel schedule, crisscrossing the country to compete in tournaments from Hawaii to Texas to Florida. Balancing her schoolwork, training, and travel demands has been a remarkable feat, facilitated by her decision to pursue online homeschooling, allowing her the flexibility to chase her dreams while ensuring her education remains a priority.


On the court, Revuelta has proven to be a master of adaptability, forging chemistry and synergy with new doubles partners with remarkable ease. Her ability to practice with them for only a day or two before taking the court has become a testament to her innate understanding of the game and her ability to communicate and collaborate seamlessly.


Beyond her on-court exploits, Revuelta has embraced the social aspect of the professional pickleball circuit, relishing the opportunity to meet new people and forge lasting friendships. The camaraderie and welcoming atmosphere within the pickleball community have been a source of joy for the young phenom, creating a supportive network that extends far beyond the boundaries of the court.


One of the unique aspects of Revuelta's journey has been the constant presence of her mother, who accompanies her on the tournament circuit, providing unwavering support and a familiar face in unfamiliar locales.


As Revuelta's star continues to rise, she has attracted the attention of major pickleball brands, securing a sponsorship deal with Holbrook Pickleball. The process of finding the right sponsor was a patient one, as Revuelta meticulously tested various paddle options until she found the perfect match in Holbrook's offerings, which provide the ideal combination of control and pop to complement her dynamic playing style.


With a slew of upcoming tournaments on the horizon, including the PPA in Austin, Texas, and the APP events in Miami and Delray Beach, Revuelta's momentum shows no signs of slowing down. As she continues to blaze a trail through the pickleball world, her sights are set on adding more accolades to her already impressive resume, solidifying her status as one of the sport's brightest young stars.


At the tender age of 18, Brooke Revuelta's pickleball journey is just beginning, but the impact she has already made on the sport is undeniable. With her unwavering determination, natural talent, and an insatiable love for both pickleball and sushi, this phenom is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport for years to come, inspiring a new generation of players and captivating audiences with her electrifying performances.


Time Code List
  1. 14:42 Into Brooke Revuelta
  2. 16:03 Pickleball Journey
  3. 17:00 Parents Support (No D1 College Tennis)
  4. 19:06 First Tournament
  5. 20:30 Playing Anna Leigh Waters 2023 PPA Denver
  6. 22:12 Training Process
  7. 23:45 Travel
  8. 25:23 Home School
  9. 25:38 Tournament Climate
  10. 26:50 Partners
  11. 29:07 Practice with tournament partners
  12. 29:58 Partner Selection Etiquette
  13. 31:24 Social Aspect At Tournaments
  14. 32:28 Traveling with mom
  15. 33:26 Coaching
  16. 34:19 Vivienne David
  17. 35:02 Pickleball Highlights
  18. 36:55 Sushi
  19. 37:57 Sponsors
  20. 39:12 Holbrook
  21. 40:51 What's next
  22. 41:40 Social Media
  23. 42:04 Outro

2023 USAP Nationals
2:08:35 Brooke Revuelta vs Lacy Schneemann
21:13 Brooke Revuelta/Cami Blake vs. Rianna Valdes/Rachel Rohrabacher

News
Miami Herald (February 28, 2024)
Pickleball Union (March 1, 2024)



The Brooke Revuelta Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Pickleball's Rising Star


1. What sport did Brooke Revuelta initially pursue before transitioning to pickleball?

a) Basketball b) Tennis c) Volleyball d) Soccer

2. How old was Brooke Revuelta when she started playing pickleball professionally?

a) 16 b) 18 c) 19 d) 21

3. Who introduced Brooke Revuelta to pickleball?

a) Her tennis coach b) Her parents c) A friend's father d) A pickleball pro

4. At which tournament did Brooke Revuelta face off against Anna Leigh Waters?

a) PPA Denver b) AP Sacramento c) PPA Austin d) AP Miami

5. What is the name of Brooke Revuelta's pickleball coach?

a) Mario Figuro b) Vivienne David c) Michael Lloyd d) Greg and Bridgie

6. Which pickleball player does Brooke Revuelta admire and aspire to emulate?

a) Ben Johns b) Anna Leigh Waters c) Vivienne David d) Kyle Yates

7. What is the name of the pickleball paddle brand that sponsors Brooke Revuelta?

a) Yola b) Selkirk c) Holbrook d) Paddletek

8. What type of school does Brooke Revuelta attend to accommodate her pickleball schedule?

a) Public high school b) Private high school c) Online homeschooling d) She doesn't attend school

9. What is Brooke Revuelta's go-to pre-tournament meal?

a) Sushi b) Steak c) Pasta d) Salad

10. Who typically accompanies Brooke Revuelta on the pickleball tournament circuit?

a) Her father b) Her coach c) Her mother d) Her doubles partner

11. At which tournament did Brooke Revuelta claim both the singles and mixed doubles titles?

a) PPA Denver b) NextG c) AP Sacramento d) PPA Austin

12. What was Brooke Revuelta's initial reaction when introduced to pickleball?

a) She was immediately hooked b) She thought it was an "old person's sport" c) She was indifferent d) She disliked it

13. How long did it take Brooke Revuelta to transition from a complete novice to a professional pickleball player?

a) 3 months b) 6 months c) 1 year d) 2 years

14. Which pickleball paddle did Brooke Revuelta initially favor before switching to Holbrook?

a) Paddletek b) Yola Pereus c) Selkirk d) Niupipo

15. How does Brooke Revuelta typically practice with new doubles partners before a tournament?

a) They don't practice together b) They practice for a couple of days leading up to the event c) They practice for a week before the event d) They practice for a month before the event

16. What aspect of the pickleball community does Brooke Revuelta particularly enjoy?

a) The social aspect and meeting new people b) The travel c) The competition d) The sponsorships

17. How does Brooke Revuelta prepare for tournaments with varying climates?

a) She doesn't prepare differently b) She adjusts her training regimen c) She drinks a lot of water d) She acclimates to the climate a week before the tournament

18. What did Brooke Revuelta's parents initially want her to pursue?

a) A professional tennis career b) A college tennis scholarship c) A pickleball career d) A different sport entirely

19. How did Brooke Revuelta perform at her first pickleball tournament?

a) She won the tournament b) She lost in the finals c) She won two matches and lost two matches d) She didn't win any matches

20. Where can pickleball fans follow Brooke Revuelta's journey?

a) Twitter b) TikTok c) Instagram d) Facebook


Answer Key:

  1. b) Tennis
  2. c) 19
  3. c) A friend's father
  4. a) PPA Denver
  5. a) Mario Figuro
  6. c) Vivienne David
  7. c) Holbrook
  8. c) Online homeschooling
  9. a) Sushi
  10. c) Her mother
  11. b) NextG
  12. b) She thought it was an "old person's sport"
  13. b) 6 months
  14. b) Yola Pereus
  15. b) They practice for a couple of days leading up to the event
  16. a) The social aspect and meeting new people
  17. c) She drinks a lot of water
  18. b) A college tennis scholarship
  19. c) She won two matches and lost two matches
  20. c) Instagram


The Pickleball Prodigy's Jazz Odyssey Come one, come all, let me spin a tale, Of Brooke Revuelta, a star who won't fail. From the tennis court to the pickleball scene, She's made waves that none have ever seen. A prodigy's path, a journey so bold, A story of passion, a saga untold. She left behind the scholarship's lure, To pursue her dreams, a future so pure. Her parents were wary, their doubts they did voice, But Brooke's determination was her steadfast choice. She conquered the court with a smile so bright, Leaving opponents in awe of her might. A friend's father opened the pickleball door, And Brooke's love for the game began to soar. From novice to pro in just six months' time, Her meteoric rise was truly sublime. She faced Anna Leigh Waters, the queen of the game, And though she lost, her spark burned like a flame. Undeterred by the challenge, her spirit rose high, A true warrior's heart, she would not be denied. With Holbrook in hand, her paddle of choice, She unleashed her skills with a thunderous voice. The control, the pop, a perfect blend, Helping Brooke to the NextGen title ascend. But what fuels this phenom, you might ask with glee? It's the sushi ritual that sets her soul free! A pre-tournament feast, a superstitious delight, Giving Brooke the edge to conquer every fight. And by her side, her mom, a constant ally, Supporting her dreams as they soar high in the sky. A bond unbreakable, a love ever true, Fueling Brooke's passion, her journey anew. So raise a glass to Vivienne David, her idol so dear, Whose grace and skill Brooke holds ever so near. A role model supreme, a beacon so bright, Inspiring our hero to scale greater heights. From Instagram's lens, the world bears witness, To Brooke's exploits, a true force of fitness. A rising star, a legend in bloom, Leaving her mark on pickleball's looming room. So let the rhythm flow, let the melodies sway, As we celebrate Brooke's pickleball ballet. A prodigy's tale, a story so grand, Unfolding before us, hand in hand.

No comments:

Post a Comment

2024 PPA Veolia Milwaukee Open: Sorry Not Sorry Podcast

  0:00 Mexico Paddle Tap 4:19 Men's Doubles 14:30 Women's Doubles 32:09 Men's Singles 40:17 Women's Singles 49:46 Mixe...