What Paddle Should You Play With? | Ep.20 Alix Truong

 

Rising Star Alix Truong Talks Pickleball Journey, Training, and Partnerships

The 19-year-old phenom discusses her move to Utah, transition to pro tours, and quest for pickleball excellence

In the rapidly evolving world of professional pickleball, few stories are as captivating as that of Alix Truong. At just 19 years old, Truong has already made significant waves in the sport, transitioning from the Association of Pickleball Players (APP) tour to the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) circuit with remarkable poise and skill. In a candid and insightful interview on the "Conversations With DJ" podcast, Truong opened up about her journey, sharing the challenges and triumphs that have marked her ascent in the pickleball ranks.

From her bold decision to move to Utah to pursue her pickleball dreams, to navigating the complexities of professional partnerships and training regimens, Truong's story is one of determination, adaptability, and unwavering passion for the game. Her experiences offer a unique window into the life of a rising star in a sport that continues to captivate audiences and athletes alike. As Truong continues to hone her skills and make her mark on the professional circuit, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring players and a testament to the exciting future of pickleball.

1. Being able to play with better players after moving, 00:03:00,

• Transition from APP to the PPA
• Challenges in finding practice partners in Utah
• Importance of proving oneself on the pro circuit

Alix Truong's move to Utah marked a significant turning point in her pickleball career. Initially facing difficulties in integrating with the established Utah pickleball community, Truong persevered through the challenges of being an APP player in a PPA-dominated environment. Her coach, Jason Perry, advised her to make the switch to PPA tournaments to gain recognition and acceptance among top players. This transition proved crucial, as Truong began to receive warmer welcomes and more practice opportunities with elite players like Allyce Jones and Callie Smith after joining the PPA circuit.

2. Getting Hooked up With Engage, 00:05:55,

• Transition from Gamma to Engage paddles
• Meeting with Engage representatives at Daytona APP tournament
• Signing with Engage alongside Hunter Johnson and Hayden Patriquin

Truong's partnership with Engage paddles came at a pivotal moment in her career. After her contract with Gamma ended, she briefly experimented with other brands before connecting with Engage representatives at a Daytona APP tournament. The timing coincided with fellow players Hunter Johnson and Hayden Patriquin also seeking new paddle sponsorships. Impressed by their performance, Engage signed all three players, officially launching their partnership at the US Open in April 2023. This sponsorship marked a significant step in Truong's professional career, providing her with cutting-edge equipment to support her competitive aspirations.

3. Playing with the Best Paddle on the Market, 00:08:10,

• Discussion of paddle preferences among top players
• Speculation about Anna Leigh Waters' paddle specifications
• Importance of finding the right paddle for individual playing styles

The conversation shifted to the equipment choices of top players, particularly focusing on Anna Leigh Waters' dominant performance with her paddle. Truong discussed the various factors that influence paddle selection, including core materials, surface textures, and personal preferences. She emphasized the importance of finding a paddle that complements a player's style, noting that while some players prefer softer paddles for control, others opt for more power-oriented models. Truong also touched on the rumors surrounding custom paddles for top pros, highlighting the complex relationship between equipment, skill, and performance in professional pickleball.

4. Surprise MLP Pick, 00:13:57,

• Anxiety leading up to the Major League Pickleball (MLP) draft
• Unexpected last-minute change in draft picks
• Emotional rollercoaster of being selected as the 48th pick

Truong's experience with the MLP draft was a dramatic and emotional one. Initially believing she might be selected by a Utah-based team due to her recent move and connections, she found herself anxiously monitoring the draft process. In a surprising turn of events, Truong was nearly selected earlier in the draft, only to have the pick changed at the last moment. The emotional roller coaster continued as she waited through 47 picks before finally being selected. This experience highlighted the intense pressure and uncertainty faced by young players in the professional pickleball world, as well as the resilience required to navigate such high-stakes situations.

5. Finding PPA Partners, 00:24:30,

• Challenges of finding partners as a newcomer to the PPA tour
• Partnerships with Collin Johns and Tammy Emmrich
• Importance of chemistry and shared goals in doubles partnerships

As a newcomer to the PPA tour, Truong faced the challenge of finding consistent doubles partners. She described her approach of reaching out to players without established partnerships, leading to her first PPA tournament pairing with Collin Johns. Truong also highlighted her partnership with Tammy Emmrich, emphasizing the importance of not only playing well together but also sharing similar goals and work ethics. She stressed the need for partners who are serious about improving and building their brand through strong performances, rather than those content with simply showing up and collecting appearance fees.

6. Training Routine, 00:31:00,

• Detailed daily training schedule in Utah
• Emphasis on balanced workout routines combining gym and on-court sessions
• Importance of recovery and utilizing facilities like Lifetime Fitness

Truong provided insight into her rigorous training routine, which typically involves 2-3 hours in the gym daily, seven days a week. Her workouts, programmed by a personal trainer, alternate between lifting days and on-court agility and footwork sessions. Truong emphasized the importance of recovery, detailing her use of Lifetime Fitness facilities for cryotherapy, hydro massage, and other recovery methods. She also described her on-court training, which involves sessions with coach Jason Perry and various practice partners across different locations in Utah, demonstrating her commitment to continuous improvement and versatility in her training approach.

7. Ideal Training Partners, 00:41:20,

• Qualities sought in doubles partners
• Balance between fun and business-oriented partnerships
• Importance of trust and complementary playing styles

When discussing ideal training and competition partners, Truong emphasized the importance of finding a balance between enjoyable, lighthearted partnerships and those focused on serious improvement and success. She highlighted trust as a crucial factor, noting that it's often easier to establish with male partners due to their typically laid-back approach. For women's doubles, Truong stressed the importance of compatible playing styles and the ability to work together as a team, both on and off the court. She cited her partnership with Connor Garnett as an example of an ideal collaboration, combining positive energy with a shared commitment to improvement and success.

8. Future Aspirations and Excitement for Upcoming Tournaments, 00:46:32,

• Looking forward to new tournament locations
• Enthusiasm for competing in Utah with home crowd support
• Continuous improvement and learning from each tournament experience

As Truong looks to the future, she expressed excitement for upcoming tournaments, particularly those in new locations she hasn't yet experienced on the pro tour. She highlighted her anticipation for playing in Utah, eager to perform in front of a supportive home crowd. Truong's enthusiasm for travel and competition remains high, demonstrating her passion for the sport and her career. She emphasized the value of each tournament as a learning experience, using post-match analysis and feedback from her coach, Jason Perry, to continually refine her game. This forward-looking attitude and commitment to improvement underscore Truong's potential as a rising star in the pickleball world.

In conclusion, Alix Truong's journey in professional pickleball is a testament to the sport's growing appeal and the opportunities it presents for young, talented athletes. Her experiences navigating the transition from amateur to pro tours, building partnerships, and developing a professional training regimen offer valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of pursuing a career in this rapidly evolving sport. As Truong continues to hone her skills and make her mark on the professional circuit, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring players and a glimpse into the bright future of pickleball. With her dedication, adaptability, and passion for the game, Truong is well-positioned to become a leading figure in the sport for years to come. 

Time Code List

00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:00 Being able to play with better players after moving. 00:05:55 Getting Hooked up With Engage 00:08:10 Playing with the Best Paddle on the Market 00:13:57 Surprise MLP Pick 00:24:30 Finding PPA Partners 00:31:00 Training Routine 00:41:20 Ideal Training Partners