PHOTO BY BRUCE YEUNG ; IG : @ YEUNGPHOTOGRAPHY

Behind the Scenes with Pro

You were a tennis player at Cal Berkeley . Compare the pressure of tennis and pickleball . In pickleball there is more pressure on every point . The game is over quicker . You have to start fast . For me , it ’ s a bigger stage than college so there is more pressure .

How do you prepare to “ start fast ”? I definitely want a good warm-up . I get into a competitive head space . And I respect my opponents a lot .

What do you think about on game point ? I don ’ t think any differently than other points . Get to the kitchen line .

Would you teach young players a two-handed backhand ? Yes , it gives you more options . It gives more power to the women ’ s game . A two-handed backhand gives you greater control and more deception off the bounce .

Numerous tennis players are coming into pickleball . What characteristics will make some more successful than others ? There are a lot of intangibles . Good wrist flexion . Good hands . Soft hands . Good doubles instincts . The wrist is important in pickleball . I was a better doubles player than singles player in tennis . I was ranked # 12 in doubles .

What did you learn from your college tennis coach ? My dad was my tennis coach all my life until college . In college , I learned a lot about the importance of compromising , about growing up , and adjusting .

What do you pack in your suitcase that would surprise me ? A teddy bear .

If you could hike any trail in the world , which one would you choose ? I ’ m burned out now , but maybe El Camino de Santiago .

What is your idea of a romantic date ? A picnic .

Do you follow a special diet ? I was vegan in college ; I am a vegetarian now for ethical reasons , for animals and for the environment .

What is your favorite movie ? “ Love , Rosie .”

What book has made a difference in your life ? “ Eragon ” by Christopher Paolini . I read it in the third grade , and it sparked a love of reading .

Who is the most interesting person you ’ d like to meet ? It would be cool to meet the people who are pulling the pickleball strings .

Do you have siblings ? I have two younger sisters . They played tennis until they were 12 then stopped . They don ’ t play pickleball .

If you were Czarina and could change the world , what would you do ? I would tax billionaires heavily and would implement programs to end hunger . I would raise salaries of government employees . I would have a system more like Scandinavia ’ s where teachers and policemen are well-paid , and those jobs are sought after .

What ’ s your favorite city ? Seattle because the air is cleaner , it is close to nature , and the people are active .

Do you believe in forgiveness ? Yes , I think you should be forgiving . There is a difference in forgiving and forgetting . Forgiveness gives you peace .

What advice would you give your 10-year-old self ? I believe the butterfly effect is a real thing . I have had some hard times , but I would not change things . I have had happy times too . I would observe and cheer from afar . I would not change a thing . •

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