we both thought we didn’t stand a chance at beating to
get bronze. After that win, I think we both realized that
we might have a future in the sport. Another superspecial
moment was getting silver at Nationals (2019)
and being on center court. Riley and I were sitting on
the court and looking around at the full stadium and just
trying to take it all in. It was by far the biggest stage we’d
ever played on and a memory neither of us will forget.
Your worst moment on the court?
Lindsey: I wouldn’t say there has been a specific “worst
moment” for us, but we definitely have our ups and
downs. We’ve had a lot of really heart-wrenching losses
though. We’ve been ahead in matches against some really
great teams and we broke down either mentally and/
or physically. Everyone says you learn more from your
losses than your wins, but I’d much rather win and not
learn a dang thing!
What’s the best pickleball advice you’ve been given?
Lindsey: We’ve been told that we need to be more
aggressive players and we took that to heart. When we
first started playing, and up until recently, we were
known as defensive players only. Now, I think Riley and I
have both added a lot of offensive weapons to our games
that we didn’t have before.
Lindsey, what is Riley’s best strength in the game or
in life?
I think Riley’s best strength in pickleball and in life
is his strong desire to win and his hatred to lose. He’s
by far one of the most competitive people I’ve ever
met. He hates losing a game of Old Maid as much as
he hates losing a championship match. It’s one of my
favorite things about him and it makes him an awesome
teammate for me since I hate losing just as much as
he does.
Riley, what is Lindsey’s best strength in the game or
in life?
I believe Lindsey’s best strength on the pickleball court
is her defense! Some balls I’ll think there’s no way she’s
getting, and not only does she get to it but puts a perfect
drop back into the kitchen. Also, her playing style is easy
to play with because she is super consistent and doesn’t
make too many unforced errors. She has a huge heart off
the court too; she’s always doing something for someone
behind the scenes and never looks to take credit. She
simply does nice things for people out of the kindness of
her heart.
What is your favorite place to play?
Lindsey: Vail, Colorado; Kona, Hawaii; and Las Vegas,
Nevada, are some of my favorite places to play based
strictly on their location. However, I think playing at
Nationals/Indian Wells is my favorite place to play. The
atmosphere, weather, fans, competition and center
court are all top-notch. I’m so bummed it was canceled
this year, but I’ll be counting down the days until
Nationals 2021.
Do your parents or siblings play pickleball?
Lindsey: There are seven kids in our family. Riley and I
definitely play the most. We do have a couple of younger
sisters and a brother who play. Kody is the youngest
sibling and is a natural athlete, so it would be awesome
for Riley and Kody to eventually play men’s doubles
together. Our parents would prefer watching us play
than playing themselves, and when our mom is in the
stands, she’s often our loudest fan!
Riley: Our parents only play on our yearly family
vacations, but they love to come and support in person
when the schedule works out. They are our biggest
fans on and off the court. Most of our siblings have
now started playing and are really keen on improving.
The pickleball world better watch out because you’ll be
seeing more Newmans in the pro draw very soon!
Pickleball goals?
Riley: Being on the podium at every major tournament
and getting a sponsorship from Dairy Queen! •
SNAPSHOT
Riley and Lindsey Newman
Ages: Lindsey, 29; Riley, 27
Hometown: Whidbey Island, WA
Current Residence: Scottsdale, AZ
Years Playing: Just under 3
Current Ranking (singles, doubles, mixed):
Lindsey 5.0 S, 5.5 D and 6.0 MD; Riley 5.5 S,
6.0 D, 6.0 MD
Best Finishes: Nationals silver doubles
medalists (2019); US Open bronze doubles
medalists (2019)
Lindsey: TOC silver doubles medalists (2019);
Hawaii Open gold doubles medalists (2020)
Riley: Las Vegas gold doubles medalists
(2019); Hawaii Open gold doubles medalists
(2020)
Hobbies: Lindsey loves to lay by the pool,
go shopping, host game night parties
and attend concerts! Riley loves attending
sporting events, eating In-N-Out and spending
time with family and friends!
Sponsors: Selkirk, BRD Sport, PB Sport,
Babolat, and Tourna Grip
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