Behind the Scenes with Pro

What is your favorite shot ? I like my two-handed backhand crosscourt angle .

What is the secret of practice ? Short and intense . I do backhand rolls for 20 minutes . I work on one specific thing at a time .

You were a tennis player . What do you see as your carryover from tennis ? I wasn ’ t a big guy in tennis so I had to be smarter and exploitative as a way to win . This has helped me in pickleball . I grew up improvising . I place the ball and know how to follow up .

What do you see as the attraction of pickleball ? It is so reachable . Players have quick improvement . The PPA is doing a good job of marketing . There are so many opportunities for everybody .

Why did you move from Mallorca to Hawaii ? I thought my only shot was college and I chose a place as far away from home as possible . I ’ m very grateful for my entire career . I fell in love with the team format in college . I enjoy crowds . I enjoyed performing for the crowd in Dallas . The team concept is important in American sports . I like the MLP structure in pickleball .

Where do you play in Hawaii ? I play at the Pacific Club .

What is your preferred scoring system ? I don ’ t have a preference . Rally scoring in singles has to have a freeze . In doubles , rally scoring is good because it goes faster .

What are your pickleball goals ? 2023 was my first year ; I had fun and practiced little . In 2024 , I want to commit to practice . I really perform way better when I am doing things in a balanced way . I need space and time for myself and friends .

What is your favorite quote ? “ Never give up .” I have it tattooed on my leg . When I was 14 I got the tattoo and had it put on my leg so my parents would not see it .

What is your favorite book ? “ Rich Dad , Poor Dad ,” because I come from a humble background growing up . I didn ’ t understand why I didn ’ t have things . Now I understand that both can be successful . I am happy all the time . When I was young I blamed myself for problems that were not on me . My parents divorced . Now I know that some things are not in my control and I enjoy life . Be happy .

What is your favorite type of music ? I like romantic Spanish music . I like Spanish hot-blood singers like Maluma .

Who influenced you the most ? My dad . He was tough on me . He was so tough I learned to joke around and learned how to be a clown .

What movies do you like ? I like horror movies . They stimulate my brain . I can ’ t sit still trying to figure it out . “ Money Heist ” is a good series on Netflix .

What is your favorite food ? I am a foodie . I can ’ t stop . I change my favorite food every week . I love Asian food . I have always lived near the ocean . I cook paella for my clients .

Are you interested in politics ? Should Catalonia be independent ? Not at all interested . I stay away . I follow the rules . I have my own opinions but I am not opinionated . Everybody should go be happy .

Are you an environmentalist ? Yes . I love animals . I have a tattoo sleeve of animals on my left arm . I did my part growing up . I adopted every animal that came near me . I am a water animal . I am depressed without water . I am an island boy all the way . •

80 TO SUBSCRIBE , CALL 412.914.8294 OR GO TO PICKLEBALLMAGAZINE . COM