PRO-file
Behind the Scenes with Pro
By Alice Tym
MICHELLE
Esquivel
Winning bronze in Women ’ s Pro Singles at USA Pickleball Nationals , Michelle Esquivel celebrates with her father , Jose Luis Esquivel , and her aunt , Lidia Vera .
Age : 35 Hometown : Anaheim , CA Profession : Pickleball player and instructor
Pickleball ranking : Top 10 in all three ranking systems Titles : Bronze at Nationals , gold in Women ’ s Doubles and
Mixed Doubles at the SoCal Classic
You were a tennis player . How has that prepared you for pickleball ? Tennis overprepared me because tennis is so defined and so organized . Pickleball is not set in stone . I felt comfortable starting my own academy .
What is your best shot ? My backhand roll and return of serve .
What is your singles strategy ? To not rush myself . I try to pick my opportunities so that I can be on the offense .
What is the role of the twohanded backhand in pickleball ? It is a lifesaver . I have both in tennis and in pickleball .
Describe the different strategies between mixed doubles and women ’ s doubles . In WD I can take over . In MXD , the guy has to take over . I have to be patient .
What do you think is the greatest challenge facing women in sports today ? Men underestimate women .
Do you feel pickleball offers equality to women players ? Yes , I do . I feel I have a strong voice .
You are from Southern California . How is that reflected in your demeanor ? Southern California is the most diverse part of the U . S . I was the only Hispanic girl on my high school tennis team . Everyone else was Asian . I was able to see both sides . And I lived where I saw kids struggle to get tennis lessons . That is why I am so strong in my support for a junior pickleball program .
Who was your sports mentor ? My mom . She loved tennis . My mom was Argentinian . When she died , I was so lost . Pickleball saved me .
What is your motto ? Every day is a gift . Do your best .
When junior players watch you play , what do you want them to see ? I want them to see that good attitude and good effort goes a long way .
What is your proudest achievement ? Getting my master ’ s degree in Physical Education and having my mom there to see me receive my diploma .
Who is your favorite author ? Anne Rice – “ Interview with the Vampire .”
What sponsor would you most like to see come to pickleball ? Apple .
What are the best qualities of a coach ? Being able to understand you and give a simple explanation .
What is your favorite piece of jewelry ? A butterfly necklace that my mother gave me .
What historical figure do you most admire ? Lucille Ball . She built a pathway for women . She thought out of the box . She reminds me of my grandma from Argentina . So resourceful .
What songs do you use to pump you up before a match ? Anything by Queen , Muse , and System of a Down .
Are you an activist for a cause ? I volunteer for the American Heart Association because of my mother .
What is your favorite Olympic sport ? Gymnastics and ice skating . •