Behind the Scenes with Pro
PRO-file by ALICE TYM
Behind the Scenes with Pro
DANNI-ELLE
Townsend
Home: Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, but currently a nomad playing pickleball.
Age: 23
Marital status: Currently in a three-year committed relationship with a track and field star who is studying law.
Rating: 6.084 Favorite tournament: MLP in Dallas
Best shot: Backhand roll and one-handed counter
You grew up in Australia. How did that shape your approach to pickleball? Australians don’ t specify sports so early. I played a lot of different sports. I was very competitive. Australians work hard. I set my heart on something and then I get the job done. When I train, I don’ t want to get off the court. I have a lot of faith in myself.
What sport did you play growing up? My whole family are table tennis players. I have three older brothers who play. We were ranked in Australia. I started playing when I was 6 months old. There was not enough money in table tennis for me to travel globally so I stopped table tennis in 2025. My mother is still a coach at home. I decided to give pickleball a shot.
What brought you to the United States? The U. S. has the best players. I want to be the best. I signed with PPA and I play MLP.
Who are the toughest competitors in the world? In pickleball, a lot of people are quite soft. Slowly, players are taking it more seriously. The skill level is rising— the mental side is now more important. Competitive qualities can be learned. What are the important qualities of a good coach? A coach can see your positives and negatives, identify them, and use them to help you early on. I work hard, stay out there, am very driven, get frustrated and annoyed because I am a perfectionist.
What is your training routine? It is insane in America. I train every day and go from tourney to tourney. I play singles in the morning then do powerlifting and strengthening exercises in the afternoon. It is like a garden; it is a huge metaphor. You must tend to all parts of your development. One component is eating properly. I have a simple protein shake and a burrito with salmon and kale.
I studied drama at the university, so I go off on metaphors. People say I know the most songs. My favorite is called“ Holiday” by Cameron Whitcomb. When I am on the medal stand, I like to hear“ Congratulations” by Post Malone.
What do you see as your role in developing pickleball in Australia? My idea is to build up everyone around me. I flourish in that environment. I can’ t wait to go home. I was one of the first to train in Australia.
Where in Australia is pickleball the strongest? The Gold Coast.
When you warm up, how do you size up your opponents? I watch a lot of film. I have played nearly everyone. I test out certain spots first. I like doubles better than singles, but I have worked really hard to become a better singles player.
What do you find special about pickleball? It gives people a second chance in sports. People need sport in their lives. It brings families together. It has made my family closer. My mom plays pickleball with us. I also love playing MLP. I love the music in between points. I had the best time playing this year. They need more seating and they need warm-up courts for the players. •
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