Balancing Professional Pickleball + Medical School 🏥 | MaryGoRound Podcast

 

Pickleball's Rising Star:
Collin Shick's Meteoric Journey

From College Tennis to Medical School to Dominating the Pro Pickleball Circuit

In the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports, few stories captivate quite like the meteoric rise of Collin Shick. This young athlete has defied conventional expectations, seamlessly transitioning from college tennis to medical school and now, remarkably, dominating the pro pickleball circuit. His journey is a testament to an unwavering passion for competition and an unquenchable thirst for new challenges.

At just 24 years old, Shick has already etched his name into pickleball lore, bursting onto the scene with an epic run at the 2022 PPA Daytona Beach Open. Emerging from the qualifying rounds, he stunned the pickleball world by advancing all the way to the singles final, announcing his arrival as a force to be reckoned with. Since then, Shick's ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary, culminating in a sponsorship deal and a coveted spot on the prestigious Major League Pickleball (MLP) tour.

While his accomplishments on the court are undeniably impressive, Shick's off-court pursuits are equally remarkable. A former college tennis standout at NC State, where he shared the court with his younger brother Braden, Shick's academic journey has been equally arduous. He's currently a medical student, balancing the demands of a rigorous curriculum with the grueling travel schedule of a professional athlete.

In a candid conversation on "The MaryGoRound" podcast, hosted by fellow pro Mary Brascia, Shick offered a rare glimpse into his multifaceted life, sharing insights into his pickleball journey, his dedication to medicine, and the unwavering support system that propels him forward.

1:24, 2024 PPA LA Open The 2024 PPA LA Open in Fountain Valley, California, was a particularly special tournament for Shick. Playing on his home turf, he basked in the electrifying atmosphere, cheering on and supporting his Southern California friends. For Shick, SoCal tournaments hold a special allure, offering respite from the unpredictable weather conditions that have plagued the tour this year.

2:46, Red Rock Open As the conversation shifted to the upcoming Red Rock Open in St. George, Utah, Shick's excitement was palpable. He expressed his love for the breathtaking backdrop of the rocks, describing it as a truly beautiful setting for a pickleball tournament. The event promises to be a highlight of Shick's calendar, with him competing in singles, mixed doubles with fellow pro J, and women's doubles with Mary Brascia's sister, Maggie.

3:14, Collin Shick Mary Brascia introduced her guest, Collin Shick, hailing from North Carolina. She recounted his remarkable journey, from emerging out of the qualifying rounds at the 2022 PPA Daytona Beach Open and reaching the singles final, to his current status as one of the top singles players in the world and a doubles partner of the talented Jack Sock.

4:58, Playing golf Away from the pickleball court, Shick's passion for golf shines through. He loves to indulge in this hobby whenever possible, especially when tournaments are held at venues with exceptional courses. Shick revealed that he and Jack Sock, his doubles partner, often play par-three courses together during tournaments, and they planned to hit the links in Utah as well.

5:59, A Little Over A Year Ago Reflecting on his meteoric rise, Shick acknowledged that just over a year ago, he couldn't have imagined being a professional pickleball player. His deep run at the 2022 Daytona Beach Open changed everything overnight, propelling him onto the pro circuit and opening doors to sponsorship opportunities that made travel and competition more accessible.

6:47, Collin the doctor While Shick's pickleball exploits have garnered him widespread acclaim, his pursuit of a medical degree is equally remarkable. He shared that he's currently taking a year off from medical school to focus on pickleball, but come March, he'll return to his studies and hospital rotations, balancing his athletic and academic commitments with characteristic determination.

8:29, Playing Pickleball Shick's love for pickleball is undeniable, and he admitted to being addicted to the sport even after a year on the pro circuit. He expressed his willingness to play whenever and with whomever, constantly seeking opportunities to drill or play games, both in singles and doubles. While he enjoys both disciplines, Shick confessed to loving doubles a little more at the moment.

9:00, A day in the life Shick's daily routine is a delicate balancing act between pickleball and his other pursuits. On days when he's not traveling, he might start with a gym session or an early morning hit with Eric Rody in Charlotte. Around 2 or 3 pm, he joins his "Team Charlotte" crew, including Jack Sock, for backyard pickleball sessions at Sock's private court.

10:13, North Carolina crew Shick gushed about the remarkable camaraderie and chemistry he shares with his North Carolina crew, including Brooke Buchner, Jack Sock, and Eric Rody. He described their practice sessions as amazingly fun, with a relaxed atmosphere that encourages trick shots and highlights, creating an environment conducive to growth and enjoyment.

11:15, Tournament vs rec play While Shick admitted to being more serious during tournaments, he acknowledged that sometimes he and Jack Sock might play a little too uptight, straying too far from the relaxed vibe of their backyard sessions. He expressed a desire to strike a balance, infusing their tournament play with the same loose, high-energy approach they embrace during recreational games.

12:07, Playing with Maggie Brascia At Red Rock Shick revealed that he would be partnering with Mary Brascia's sister, Maggie, in the women's doubles event at the Red Rock Open. This pairing promises to be a highlight of the tournament, as the two talented athletes join forces on the pickleball court.

12:23, Playing with Brooke Buchner Shick's regular doubles partner is the accomplished Brooke Buchner, who recently won a gold medal at a tournament. He praised her warrior spirit and the fun they have playing together, traveling, and practicing as a team. Shick expressed his admiration for Buchner's dedication, noting that she often brings her baby, Marar, to tournaments.

13:29, Collin's background Delving into his background, Shick shared that he grew up playing tennis, despite neither of his parents being involved in the sport. He and his younger brother, Braden, competed on the junior tennis circuit, with Shick eventually earning a spot on the NC State team, where he and Braden had the opportunity to play together for one year.

14:36, Both Parents Are Doctors Shick's decision to pursue a medical career was influenced by his upbringing, as both his parents are doctors. However, he emphasized that they never pushed him into the field, instead encouraging him to make his own informed choice, fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead.

15:25, Will The Shick Brothers Play Professional Pickleball? While pickleball has become Shick's primary focus, he hinted at the possibility of his brother, Braden, joining him on the professional circuit in the future. Braden, a talented tennis player in his own right, plans to pursue a professional tennis career first before potentially transitioning to pickleball.

16:14, What is so fun about Pickleball? Shick's love for pickleball is multifaceted. He cited the fast-paced nature of the game, which reminds him of the quick hands required in tennis, as well as the opportunity to continuously improve and learn a new sport. The addictive nature of pickleball keeps him craving more, whether in singles or doubles.

17:18, What is Collin working on? Shick's current focus is on solidifying his skills on the right side of the court, an adjustment necessitated by his partnership with the left-handed Jack Sock. He's been working on sliding backhand counters and improving his soft game, an area he identified as a challenge transitioning from tennis.

18:01, Advice Tips For amateur pickleball players seeking to improve, Shick emphasized the importance of identifying weaknesses and strengths, then focusing drills on areas that need improvement. He stressed the value of raising one's baseline level by consistently working on weaknesses through targeted practice sessions.

18:57, Collin's favorite drill When asked about his favorite drill, Shick enthusiastically described a variation of the "7-Eleven" drill, where players start from the mid-court area and the net players hit powerful shots at them. The goal is to reset the point and work their way to the net, simulating real-game situations under pressure.

19:50, Collin's hobbies Beyond pickleball and golf, Shick's athletic pursuits extend to table tennis, a recent addition to his repertoire. He expressed his desire to try padel, a sport in which his MLP teammate, Patrick, excels. Shick hopes to learn from Patrick and potentially play padel in Charlotte soon.

21:01, MLP The conversation turned to Shick's upcoming Major League Pickleball (MLP) debut with the Breakers. He expressed excitement about the high-energy format, reminiscent of his college tennis days. Shick's Breakers team boasts a formidable lineup, including Viv, Rachel, and Patrick, setting the stage for an exhilarating debut on the MLP tour.

22:34, Pickleball Goals for the rest of the year Shick's goals for the remainder of the year are ambitious yet achievable. He hopes to reclaim his place on the medal podium in singles events, acknowledging the increasing depth of competition. Additionally, he aims to capture his first doubles medal, be it in men's or mixed doubles, solidifying his status as an all-around threat.

23:24, PPA Event Walk-up Song When questioned about his preferred walk-up song for PPA events, Shick admitted to being open to whatever music is playing, suggesting that an upbeat country song might suit his tastes. His love for country music on the golf course hinted at his potential on-court soundtrack.

24:17, Karaoke song In a lighthearted moment, Shick was asked about his go-to karaoke song should he win a major title. After some deliberation, he settled on a Morgan Wallen song, perhaps "Last Night," though he confessed to struggles with recalling exact song names. The prospect of celebrating a championship with a karaoke rendition added a touch of levity to the conversation.

Throughout the engaging interview, Collin Shick's passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence shone through. His remarkable journey from college tennis to medical school to the pinnacle of professional pickleball is a testament to his versatility and dedication. As he continues to conquer new heights, the pickleball world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Shick's already legendary story.

Defying Conventions: Collin Shick's Extraordinary Journey

From College Tennis to Medical School to Pickleball Dominance, This 24-Year-Old Is Rewriting the Rules

Collin Shick's meteoric rise in the world of professional pickleball is a truly remarkable tale that defies conventional expectations. At just 24 years old, Shick has already etched his name into the annals of pickleball history, bursting onto the scene with an epic run at the 2022 PPA Daytona Beach Open, where he emerged from the qualifying rounds to reach the singles final.

Since that breakthrough moment, Shick's ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has secured a sponsorship deal and a coveted spot on the prestigious Major League Pickleball (MLP) tour, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the sport.

What makes Shick's journey even more remarkable is his concurrent pursuit of a medical degree. A former college tennis standout at NC State, where he shared the court with his younger brother Braden, Shick has successfully balanced the demands of a rigorous academic curriculum with the grueling travel schedule of a professional athlete.

In a candid conversation on "The MaryGoRound" podcast, hosted by fellow pro Mary Brascia, Shick offered a rare glimpse into his multifaceted life, sharing insights into his pickleball journey, his dedication to medicine, and the unwavering support system that propels him forward.

From discussing his experiences at high-profile events like the 2024 PPA LA Open and the upcoming Red Rock Open in St. George, Utah, to revealing his love for golf and his favorite pickleball drills, Shick painted a vivid picture of his life on and off the court.

He spoke candidly about the camaraderie he shares with his "Team Charlotte" crew, including Jack Sock, Brooke Buchner, and Eric Rody, describing their backyard pickleball sessions as amazingly fun and conducive to growth and enjoyment.

Shick also delved into his background, sharing how his upbringing with parents who are both doctors influenced his decision to pursue a medical career, albeit with the freedom to make his own informed choice.

Looking ahead, Shick's goals for the remainder of the year are ambitious yet achievable. He hopes to reclaim his place on the medal podium in singles events and capture his first doubles medal, solidifying his status as an all-around threat in the sport.

As for his MLP debut with the Breakers, Shick expressed excitement about the high-energy format, reminiscent of his college tennis days. With a formidable lineup that includes Viv, Rachel, and Patrick, the stage is set for an exhilarating introduction to the MLP tour.

Throughout the engaging interview, Shick's passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence shone through. His remarkable journey from college tennis to medical school to the pinnacle of professional pickleball is a testament to his versatility and dedication.

As he continues to conquer new heights, the pickleball world eagerly awaits the next chapter in Shick's already legendary story, watching with bated breath as this young athlete continues to defy conventions and redefine what is possible in the world of professional sports.

0:00 - The MaryGoRound Podcast Episode 23 Introduction 1:24 - 2024 PPA LA Open 2:46 Red Rock Open 3:14 Collin Shick 4:58 - Playing golf 5:59 A Little Over A Year Ago 6:47 - Collin the doctor 8:29 Playing Pickleball 9:00 - A day in the life 10:13 - North Carolina crew 11:15 - Tournament vs rec play 12:07 Playing with Maggie Brascia At Red Rock 12:23 Playing with Brooke Buchner 13:29 - Collin’s background 14:36 - Both Parents Are Doctors 15:25 Will The Shick Bothers Play Professional Pickleball? 16:14 What is so fun about Pickleball? 17:18 - What is Collin working on? 18:01 Advice Tips 18:57 - Collin’s favorite drill 19:50 - Collin’s hobbies 21:01 - MLP 22:34 - Pickleball Goals for the rest of the year 23:24 PPA Event Walk-up Song 24:17 - Karaoke song

The Multitalented Maverick: Collin Shick's Trailblazing Path to Pickleball Stardom

1. What sport did Collin Shick play in college?

a) Baseball b) Tennis c) Basketball d) Football

2. Which tournament marked Collin Shick's breakout moment in the pickleball world?

a) PPA Daytona Beach Open b) US Open Pickleball Championships c) PPA Atlanta Open d) Margaritaville USA Pickleball Nationals

3. In addition to pickleball, what other profession is Collin Shick pursuing?

a) Lawyer b) Engineer c) Doctor d) Pilot

4. Who is Collin Shick's regular doubles partner on the pickleball tour?

a) Jack Sock b) Brooke Buchner c) Ben Johns d) Anna Leigh Waters

5. Which Major League Pickleball (MLP) team did Collin Shick join?

a) The Breakers b) The Strikers c) The Smashers d) The Bangers

6. What is Collin Shick's favorite pickleball drill?

a) The Spider Drill b) The 7-Eleven Drill c) The Dinking Drill d) The Cross-Court Drill

7. Which sport is Collin Shick interested in trying, as his MLP teammate Patrick is an excellent player?

a) Squash b) Badminton c) Padel d) Racquetball

8. What is Collin Shick's goal for the remainder of the pickleball season?

a) Win a singles title b) Win a doubles medal c) Both a and b d) Qualify for the PPA Tour Championships

9. Which activity does Collin Shick enjoy when he's not playing pickleball?

a) Fishing b) Hiking c) Golf d) Painting

10. What is Collin Shick's preferred walk-up song for PPA events?

a) An upbeat country song b) A hip-hop track c) A rock anthem d) He doesn't have a preference

11. Who are the members of Collin Shick's "Team Charlotte" crew?

a) Jack Sock, Brooke Buchner, Eric Rody b) Ben Johns, Anna Leigh Waters, Tyson McGuffin c) Dekel Bar, Joey Farias, Jesse Irvine d) Riley Newman, Jessie Irvine, Tyson McGuffin

12. Which sport did Collin Shick's younger brother Braden play in college?

a) Tennis b) Basketball c) Baseball d) Football

13. What does Collin Shick recommend for amateur pickleball players to improve their game?

a) Focus on strengths and weaknesses through targeted drills b) Play as many tournaments as possible c) Watch professional matches and analyze strategies d) Hire a personal coach

14. If Collin Shick wins a major pickleball title, what song might he sing at a karaoke bar?

a) "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey b) "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond c) A Morgan Wallen country song d) "We Are the Champions" by Queen

15. Which university did Collin Shick attend for college tennis?

a) University of North Carolina b) Duke University c) NC State University d) Wake Forest University

Answer Key:

1. b) Tennis
2. a) PPA Daytona Beach Open
3. c) Doctor
4. b) Brooke Buchner
5. a) The Breakers
6. b) The 7-Eleven Drill
7. c) Padel
8. c) Both a and b
9. c) Golf
10. a) An upbeat country song
11. a) Jack Sock, Brooke Buchner, Eric Rody
12. a) Tennis
13. a) Focus on strengths and weaknesses through targeted drills
14. c) A Morgan Wallen country song
15. c) NC State University 

The Rap of the Multitalented Maverick Yo, listen up, folks, I got a tale to spin, About a young gun who's killin' it, no sin. His name's Collin Shick, a name you should know, A pickleball pro with a serious flow. From the courts of NC State University, This tennis ace found a new opportunity. Traded in his racket for a paddle so slick, And now he's dominating with skills so sick. Emerged from the Daytona Beach Open qualifier, Reached the singles final, like a blazing fire. Shocked the pickleball world with his meteoric rise, Now he's aiming for gold under the bright lights. But wait, there's more to this incredible dude, He's pursuing a career as a doc, how rude! Balancing med school and pickleball, no lie, Collin Shick's ambition reaches for the sky. On the court, he's a force to be reckoned with, Partnering up with the talented Jack Sock, a perfect fit. Or maybe it's Brooke Buchner, that warrior queen, Bringing the heat, making opponents lean. And don't forget his crew from Charlotte town, Eric Rody and the gang, always down. Backyard pickleball sessions, tricks and fun galore, These ballers know how to keep the vibes soar. When he's not on the court, you know where he's at, Teeing off on the golf course, no cap. But his favorite drill, the 7-Eleven thrill, Keeping his skills sharp, like a diamond-cut drill. So raise a glass to Collin Shick, the multitalented maverick, Defying conventions, making history with every epic. From the "MaryGoRound Pod" to the world, this tale will be told, Of a pickleball legend, his story etched in gold.