PRO-file
Behind the Scenes with Pro
HILARY
By Alice Tym
MAROLD
Home : Corpus Christi , Texas , and Hot Springs Village , Arkansas
Age : 71 Married : Charles Marold , 42 years Children : 3 , Grandchildren : 5
Pickleball Division : 5.0 Senior Pro Ranking : # 1 Women ’ s Singles 70
Titles : 23 National gold medals , 29 Huntsman gold medals , 6 US Open gold medals , 4 Tournament of Champions Legend gold medals
You are a member of the Pickleball Hall of Fame . What does that mean to you ? It is really an honor for me . I have played 11 years and now that I know the process , it means so much .
What pickleball advice would you give to your grandkids ? Start early . Play multiple sports . Learn to put pressure on yourself and think strategically .
What do you see as the future of pickleball ? Is it a fad ? I don ’ t think it is a fad . I think it will be in the Olympics someday . I do think USAP has so much potential to grow the sport .
Do you think the chainsaw serve should continue to be legal ? Players have to adapt .
Is the senior pro game different from the pro game ? Definitely . The seniors don ’ t have as much power . Senior pros are not as fleet of foot . There is a different strategy in men ’ s doubles versus women ’ s doubles . The men dink more , and they don ’ t pull the trigger as quickly as the women .
Why are women attracted to pickleball ? Pickleball attracts both men and women because it is a good workout , players have a good time , and you can get out there right away and play . It has longer rallies than tennis . The longer you can keep the ball in play , the more fun the sport . People feel better about themselves .
How important is the serve in your game ? Pretty important . I hit a deep topspin serve and move it around .
How have you kept so fit ? I go on 4.5-mile walks with pace . I use a treadmill , I swim , and I play a lot of pickleball . I drill with my husband .
Who was the most influential person in your life ? My mother . She drove me to every tennis tournament since I was 9 . She just encouraged me and loved me to the moon and back .
Do you have a favorite star in the sky ? The brightest one there is ! I take long walks at night and talk to those not with me . I believe there may be a guardian angel .
What is your favorite song ? “ Anything ” by Sara Bareilles . Her songs are positive and centered on females and how women see the world .
What book would I find on your nightstand ? I am reading a biography about Hemingway .
Do blondes have more fun ? No , girls have more fun .
If you could be any person , living or dead , who would you be ? When I was a kid , the first female athlete on television competing in the 1960 Olympics was Wilma Rudolph , running track . That is who I saw and wanted to be .
What is your favorite show on Netflix ? Anything nonfiction . I like documentaries . I like “ Dead to Me ” and the early seasons of “ The Crown .” I watch when I am on the treadmill . •