PUBLISHER ’ S PLAYBOOK
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This issue , we are pleased to bring you an exclusive interview with the finest pickleball player in the world , 25-year-old Ben Johns . Contributor Matthew Schwartz spoke with Ben about a wide range of topics , including his change in doubles partner from his brother Collin to Gabe Tardio , the pressure of being the best , his pregame routines , his girlfriend ( and one big reason he loves her ), his obsession with a fantasy trading card game , his favorite music , the person he idolizes most , his favorite food ( he ’ s a major foodie ) and TV shows .
Editorial Director Julie Talerico commissioned photographer Juan Valdes to shoot the cover where Ben lives in Austin , Texas . The shoot took place on the rooftop of the Urban Pickleball Club downtown on a beautiful sunny day at the end of December . The idea was to show Ben off the court — and he was just as comfortable , relaxed and confident in his dapper suit as he is during a heated match .
With all of Ben ’ s success on the court , he ’ s thinking about his next business venture and life after professional pickleball .
Ben turns 26 in March . He said as he gets older , he ’ ll participate in more promotional pickleball events rather than competitive tournaments . But , at 25 , he ’ s only just begun .
See you on the courts .
Wayne Dollard Publisher
A Publication of Dollard Publishing Co ., Inc . 11 Mayview Road , Canonsburg , PA 15317 pickleballmagazine . com
PUBLISHER Wayne Dollard
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Julie Talerico j . talerico @ pickleballmagazine . com
ART DIRECTOR Michael Miller
SOCIAL MEDIA Vossberg Gainor
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Steven Ablondi Sarah Ansboury Jack Bandel Cindy Burns Rick Cipes Laura Gainor Brandi Givens Kyle McMakin
Debbie Mountain CONTRIBUTORS Recognized by USA Pickleball as the “ Official Magazine ” of Pickleball
MAY / JUNE 2023
Top : Behind the scenes with cover photographer Juan Valdes and Ben Johns . Bottom : Ben Johns ’ sisters Hannah and Georgia were on set teasing their brother , making him laugh . Hannah ’ s dog , Hazel , was also in on the action .
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She ’ s
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ANNA LEIGH
WATERS wins Triple Crown at the 2022 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships
Karen Mitchell Kate Mohns Rob Reinert Matthew Schwartz Alice Tym Bob Unetich Drew Wathey
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022
Pickleball Hall of Fame Inductees
Huntsman World Senior Games
Holding Court with NBA Legend Rick Barry
PPA Tour Alice Tym Juan Valdes
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ICON LILY YIP HITS THE COURTS
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BEN JOHNS TAKES TRIPLE CROWN !
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