PRO-file
By Alice Tym
Behind the Scenes with Pro
JULIAN
ARNOLD
Age : 32 Hometown : San Luis Obispo , but currently Austin , Texas
Marital Status : Single , dating Lauren Stratman Profession Before Pickleball : Tennis teaching professional WPR Ranking : 6th in singles
Team : Mad Drops Favorite Tournament : Indian Wells and PPA Orange County Cup in
San Clemente
What is your best shot ? My two-handed backhand speed-up from the kitchen line .
What suggestions do you have for USA Pickleball ? Let serves should be a redo . There is a need for a central facility .
Where would you like to introduce pickleball ? Italy . It is my heritage . My mom is Italian .
What genre of music do you prefer ? I like a lot of stuff . Anything that is NOT country . Alternative , blends , electronic , Radiohead , James Taylor , Steely Dan , The Police , Stevie Nicks .
What would you name your best shot ? The “ Andiamo .” It means “ Let ’ s go ” in Italian . I try to play the best shot possible . I ’ m not flashy , hitting tweeners behind my back .
Do you have pets ? I have a cat named Pebbles and a golden retriever named NolIa .
What ’ s your favorite constellation ? Orion .
Who is your favorite book character ? Holden Caulfield in “ Catcher in the Rye .”
What is the most attractive personality characteristic in a woman ? Humor and confidence . My girlfriend , Lauren Stratman , has plenty of both !
What sports person do you most admire ? Steve Nash . He was a great team player . He was positive . Nash was a star but supportive of his teammates . Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal too . Nadal is humble and gifted , and reminds me of Mowgli in “ The Jungle Book .” Nadal never says anything bad about his opponents . He never gives excuses . He is a class act .
What is your favorite meal ? My grandmother is a phenomenal cook ! Amazing meals . I love so many different Italian dishes ( pesto tortellini , Alfredo ), but my favorite meal is panseared salmon with pearled couscous and asparagus .
Who is the person who most influenced your life ? There are two . My mom , of course . She was a single parent who did everything for me and made it all possible . The other is Hugh Bream , my tennis coach . He was an amazing coach . We didn ’ t have a lot of money , so he coached me for free my entire life . I couldn ’ t have done anything without his help .
Aside from pickleball , what do you do for fun ? Lauren and I like to compete . We go bowling , play mini golf , golf , card games , video games , dominoes , and Wordle . Lauren introduced me to pai gow poker . I don ’ t gamble a ton , but I do play blackjack .
If you were to walk a pious pilgrimage , what would be the starting and ending points ? I would start in Reggio di Calabria and walk to Rome . I would go along the Amalfi coast . I am very proud of my Italian heritage .
What do you drink to hydrate ? Liquid I . V .
What is something people don ’ t know about you ? My on-court persona is very different from who I am off the court . I am loud , but I am passionate . I am sociable and a comedian off the court . I have an Italian heritage ! I know who I am . I am passionate and a good sport . I clap for my opponent , and I never celebrate errors . •