PRO-file
By Alice Tym
Behind the Scenes with Pro
STEVE
WONG
Ethan , Alyssa , Steve and Kayla Wong
You were an early president of USA Pickleball . What contribution are you most proud of in your career ? I was one of the founders and the webmaster of the USAPA . I enabled the sport to grow .
What is the best thing in pickleball right now ? Besides playing , I love the social aspect . I love to travel and meet people . I want to see pickleball in all schools . I ’ m excited to see all the publicity .
What direction would you like to see pickleball take now ? I hope that it stays true to the nature and history of the sport — why it was founded .
What was your sports background before pickleball ? I played all the racket sports , tennis , badminton , and table tennis . My favorite sport before pickleball was basketball . I didn ’ t play on my school team because I was busy with my studies .
Your teaching skills are wellknown . What makes a good pickleball teacher ? A teacher must be encouraging , explain things well , help all levels , not
Hometown : Surprise , Arizona Age : 44
Marital Status : Single Favorite Tournament : Tommy Wong Memorial Tournament
Signature Shot : Inside-out forehand slam Style of Play : Intense , aggressive , attacking , lots of communication
be just a good player but have the aptitude to share knowledge , be a good person and have fun .
Who is the person or persons you most admire ? My parents . They gave me a new world . They came from Cambodia during the Pol Pot regime . They helped me achieve my dream . I am an entrepreneur .
You are ethnic Chinese . Explain how your Asian heritage has influenced your life . My brother Tommy influenced my life . He had a very charismatic personality . He took time for everyone , and he was my inspiration . He helped everybody out . Then his kidney failed 14 years ago . He had two young kids . I was healthy so I gave him a kidney . Then he passed away eight years ago . We hold the Tommy Wong Memorial Tournament every year in Arizona in his honor .
You founded the Onix brand . How did you come up with the name ? I was at a trade show in China . I was in the IT industry , and I like O and X . I sold the brand to Escalade Sports in 2015 .
And now ? I am an entrepreneur . I started Armour Pickleball to carry all things pickleball . I wanted a strong name , and our mission is “ To enrich lives through the sport of pickleball .” We are in Goodyear , Arizona , and do a lot of charity work . We help the food bank and the military .
You have three children . What do you see as the role of a father ? Provide , nurture and encourage . I want them to be better than I am . Give wisdom .
If you were one card in the deck , what card would you be ? I would be the king of diamonds , a strong leader . Valuable .
What species of tree are you ? I like the mighty redwoods .
What is your favorite book ? “ Catcher in the Rye .” I like Holden Caulfield .
Give me an example of your entrepreneurship . I created Pickleball Trivia . There are 500 cards and five categories . You can buy it on Amazon . I am always creating something and adding to the game .
What is your motto ? Make every moment count . •