Pickleball Magazine 6-6 WD | Page 90

PRO-file

Behind the Scenes with Pro

TYSON

By Alice Tym

McGuffin xx

Age : 31 Hometown : Lake Chelan , WA Profession : Professional pickleball athlete
Family : Married with three kids and a fourth on the way Pickleball Ranking : PPA # 2 singles , # 3 men ’ s doubles , # 5 mixed doubles Titles : Triple Crown winner at Newport Beach
Describe your style of play . I am an all-court player . My game is built around speed , physicality , serve , forehand , and determination .
What is your favorite shot ? My forehand speed-up with a forehand clean-up .
You are a converted tennis player . What is the primary difference in the sports ? The court dimensions and technology as well as understanding the soft game in pickleball and knowing how to slow the ball down .
What is one thing you would like to see happen in pickleball ? I ’ d like to see it in the Olympics . I ’ d like to see more money and more credibility .
How do you wind down after a match ? I really don ’ t wind down . I ’ m wiry and squirrelly . But I do use a Bemer to recover .
You walk like a winner . When did you develop that strut ? I come from a wrestling family . My father , Randy , was a wrestling coach and I am the youngest of seven , six boys and one girl . My father said , “ When you feel good , you play good . Walk like a winner .”
How important is the serve in pickleball ? It definitely is a weapon .
At what age should kids start playing pickleball ? There is no specific age . Mine started playing sports at age 5 . It depends on their motor skills .
What is your motto in life ? Be a good human . It comes back . All you have is family .
How has living in the Pacific Northwest shaped your character ? I grew up in a little town , Lake Chelan . It is beautiful . Now I live in Coeur d ’ Alene on five acres . It makes you want to give back .
Who has been the greatest influence in your life ? My dad .
What makes you special ? Being the best human and the best dad that I can be .
Explain your desire for tattoos . My older brother Travis has two sleeves . Mine all tell a story . My right sleeve is about my dad and my son Tyson . My left sleeve is family oriented .
Any other special tattoos ? On my arm it says , “ We may encounter many defeats , but we will not be defeated .”
What country would you most like to visit ? The Bahamas . We never had time for a honeymoon . It looks lovely and tropical .
Where did you get your work ethic ? My dad was an athlete and my mom is a businesswoman .
What is your lucky number ? It is 7 . I have seven siblings and “ 7 ” is tattooed on my right arm .
What is your favorite song to pump you up for a match ? I like rap music , but I don ’ t listen if the kids are in the car . I like 21 Savage and “ Spiral .”
If you were a roller coaster , what would your name be ? The Impossible .
What is your greatest regret ? Not putting work into my high school years . By the seventh child my parents took their foot off the gas . I should have worked harder so I could get into a Division I school to play tennis . •
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