A Candid Discussion on Commitment, Industry Growth, and Transition from Traditional Careers to Pickleball
Introduction
During the 2024 PPA Pickleball World Championships Business Forum Morning Session, host Dave Fleming facilitated an engaging dialogue with professional pickleball players Anna Bright (AB) and Zane Navratil. Their discussion offered valuable insights into their paths to the sport, pivotal career decisions, and perspectives on the evolving business landscape of professional pickleball. Below is an in-depth Q&A that captures the highlights of their stories.
Q&A with Anna Bright and Zane Navratil
1. 39:43 – What was your journey to pickleball?
Anna Bright:"So I started playing tennis when I was young, just like Jie and Jack. Obviously, they were so much better than me and so, so, so much better than Zane [laughs]. I was a very good junior tennis player and ended up playing Division 1 at the University of California, Berkeley. I had a really good college career there but knew that I was done—knew that pro tennis in any capacity was not going to be a part of my future, and I had known that for a while.
After college, I spent a few months just hiking and doing my own thing. Then I found pickleball because my parents were playing twice a week at a local park. My dad had been telling me throughout my senior year of college that he thought I should try pickleball—he thought I might be better at it than I was at tennis. I always had good hands and soft hands, but I wasn't quite as athletic as I needed to be to be a star tennis player. In pickleball, while athleticism matters, especially in singles, doubles rely more on anticipation, hand skills, and decision-making—all strengths of mine in tennis.
I tried it, and a guy at the park told me I was good and should try playing at another place with better players. I went, had the stereotypical experience of losing to older people, and it drove me mad [laughs]. The very next day, I bought the Ben Johns Franklin signature paddle—the token starter paddle for tennis players—and that was it. I was hooked. This was in October 2021, and I wasn't going to start work until January 2022, so I had three months of non-stop pickleball. I was playing six hours a day and falling asleep watching pickleball videos. I have an addictive personality, which really accelerated my progress. I was lucky, and here we are."
Zane Navratil: Zane recounted his career path as an auditor at Deloitte before transitioning to pickleball. He started playing pickleball in 2013 with his father and had become proficient, but it wasn’t until he saw the industry’s growth that he left his corporate job in 2020. Despite doubts from family, he was driven by his desire to be part of the rapidly expanding sport and to explore its potential as a long-term career.
2. 44:39 – What was your decision to go all in on pickleball?
AB: Initially, Anna balanced her career with pickleball, participating in her first pro tournament in February 2022. She credits her early partnerships, notably with Jorja Johnson, and fortunate opportunities, such as her recruitment by Duper—a pickleball rating company—for accelerating her transition. She eventually left her project management job at a fintech company after only a few months to work for Duper, which allowed her to integrate her professional skills with her passion for the sport.
Zane: For Zane, the decision to fully commit to pickleball was prompted by the industry’s potential for growth. He noted the high retention rate of players and the infectious enthusiasm that drew people to the sport. His confidence in pickleball’s future led him to prioritize his professional involvement beyond just playing, seeing it as an opportunity to build a sustainable career.
3. 50:46 – Where do you stand in the business side of this sport?
AB: Anna’s involvement in the business side began with her position at Duper, where she applied her skills in project management to support the organization’s development. This experience broadened her understanding of the sport’s operational aspects and the strategic thinking required for growth.
Zane: Zane emphasized his proactive approach to contributing to the business landscape. He viewed the sport’s expansion as a chance to combine his competitive play with entrepreneurial ventures. His background in auditing equipped him with an analytical mindset, which he applied to identify emerging opportunities within the industry.
4. 55:39 – Players from other racket sports playing pro pickleball?
AB: Anna noted that while crossover athletes bring valuable skills, pickleball demands unique attributes. The smaller court and nuanced hand skills differentiate it from other racket sports, leading some high-level tennis players to struggle in adapting.
Zane: Zane shared that although many top players come from tennis backgrounds, success in pickleball requires more than raw athleticism. The strategic element of reading plays and mastering shot anticipation is essential, making the transition challenging even for skilled tennis players.
5. Up and Coming Junior Pickleball Players (58:20)
AB: Anna highlighted the promising development among young athletes and mentioned how, in the last year, junior participation has significantly increased. She pointed out the advantage of players like Anna Leigh Waters, who possess a "pure pickleball" background that allows them to develop intrinsic skills and advanced game IQ from an early age. AB praised the talent of juniors such as Leah Jones, Allyce Jones’s daughter and her partner, Elsie Hendershot, noting their impressive abilities. (Junior's Gold Medal Match at the 2024 PPA Las Vegas Open)
Zane added to the conversation, reflecting on his experience with emerging young players like Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio. He shared an anecdote from his first mixed tournament with Gabe, illustrating the different trajectories between those transitioning from tennis and those immersed solely in pickleball from the start. AB and Navratil agreed that the future of pickleball will increasingly feature athletes who have never played tennis, showcasing the sport’s unique skill set.
6. Personality Marketability (1:00:18)
When asked about the importance of personality in marketability, AB joked that her popularity was due to being “really funny,” adding that the audience naturally gravitates towards her genuine nature. She acknowledged that, while playing up certain traits for TV and interviews is strategic, authenticity is key. Her approach is to deliver genuine moments and humor, especially during her interactions with her doubles partner, Rachel Rohrabacher.
Navratil offered a broader perspective, noting that modern audiences value authentic personalities over curated personas. He contrasted today’s environment with past trends, where influencers strived to appeal to everyone. Navratil emphasized that the shift toward relatable and real content allows athletes to resonate with specific audiences. He referenced how athletes, even polarizing ones like John McEnroe, maintained strong followings due to their genuine, albeit divisive, personas.
7. When is the Next Photo Shoot? (1:02:08)
In a lighthearted moment, Zane turned the tables on Anna by asking when her next photo shoot would be. This question sparked laughter and led to a discussion about the viral photo session AB and Rachel Rohrabacher did, inspired by an online trend of deliberately awkward yet serious photos. AB explained that the idea came from Rachel, and it was a fun, creative project that led to diverse reactions across social media platforms. Instagram users mostly loved the photos, while Facebook reactions were more mixed, showcasing the difference in audience demographics. Anna summed up by saying that being recognized—even if reactions vary—is better than being ignored.
8. Being One of the Biggest Faces in Pickleball (1:13:42)
AB shared her perspective on navigating fame in the sport, admitting that it still feels strange to consider herself a public figure. She pointed out that having any opinion about her—positive or negative—is better than indifference. Navratil reinforced this by explaining that polarizing figures often attract loyal followings. He mentioned that while it’s impossible to please everyone, athletes who stay true to themselves can build strong, dedicated fan bases.
9. Drilling vs. Playing (1:16:11)
The discussion shifted to practice methods, with AB talking about balancing drilling and match play. She emphasized the importance of both elements in her training regimen, explaining that drilling hones technique while playing sharpens competitive instincts and strategic adaptability. Navratil echoed this sentiment, highlighting that blending the two approaches is essential for maintaining a high level of performance.
10. [1:18:52] Double the Money for Not Playing Pickleball
Question: If someone offered to double your earnings with the condition that you could no longer play and could only work in a different capacity within the pickleball industry, would you take it?
Anna Bright (AB): After a moment of contemplation, Anna shared that, at this stage in her life, she would not accept such an offer. She feels that she can achieve financial growth through her playing career and enjoys the life she leads, participating in a significant number of tournaments out of sheer passion. Her attachment to playing is evident, as she revealed her fear of missing out (FOMO) when unable to compete. Anna’s enthusiasm extends beyond participation—she is also a devoted spectator who keeps tabs on matches, including those in the MLP Challenger League. While acknowledging that she could see herself transitioning to a non-playing role in the future, Anna’s current joy and fulfillment come from active competition.
Zane Navratil (ZN): Zane echoed a similar sentiment, humorously noting that the idea of giving up playing hadn’t crossed his mind until that moment. He pointed out that the current earnings from professional pickleball provide a comfortable lifestyle that exceeds expectations. Zane’s passion for the sport and the enjoyment he derives from it make him reluctant to abandon playing, at least for now.
11. [1:21:01] If Tomorrow You Could Not Play, What Job Would You Want in the Industry?
Question: If you could no longer play pickleball starting tomorrow, what job would you want within the industry?
Anna Bright (AB): Anna enthusiastically shared that she would pursue the role of a General Manager (GM) or coach for an MLP team. She even mentioned the possibility of taking on deeper administrative responsibilities within the team’s front office, provided she earned enough trust from the organization. The competitive spirit still courses through her, and coaching or managing would allow her to stay engaged with the game and continue to nurture her competitive drive. She emphasized how coaching a promising player would add another dimension of excitement to her post-playing career.
Zane Navratil (ZN): Zane chimed in with agreement, expressing that he, too, would enjoy being an MLP GM or coach. With a lighthearted nod to host Dave Fleming, Zane quipped that he’d even be interested in hosting events, playfully threatening to take over Fleming’s job. His response underscored both the camaraderie and aspirational mindset shared by professional players.
12. [1:21:57] Your Business Team
Question: Who supports you in managing your businesses, marketing, and overall career while you are on the road for two-thirds of the year?
Anna Bright (AB): Anna acknowledged that while Zane has more extensive business commitments, her own support network is essential. This includes her trainer, who plays a significant role in her preparation and recovery. Additionally, her parents provide emotional support, as she often calls them after matches, whether celebrating victory or lamenting a loss. Anna highlighted the importance of having trusted people to share her experiences, particularly given the demanding travel schedule. She noted that while the pro lifestyle is enjoyable most of the time, it comes with moments of burnout and self-doubt—especially after a poor performance or a singles match she regrets entering. For Anna, forming closer friendships on the tour this year has been a vital element in maintaining her well-being.
Zane Navratil (ZN): Zane shared insights into his personal life, explaining that his wife and their two dogs anchor him. Despite the extensive travel, he ensures he spends time at home, even if only for brief 18-hour intervals. This balance keeps him grounded, as his wife’s lack of interest in pickleball provides a refreshing break from the sport’s omnipresence in his life. Zane expressed gratitude for these moments of normalcy, allowing him to disconnect and recharge before heading back on the road.
Summary This session at the PPA Business Forum highlighted how both Anna Bright and Zane Navratil navigated their paths from traditional careers to pro pickleball. Anna’s journey was fueled by determination and serendipitous opportunities, while Zane’s was marked by his calculated risk-taking and belief in the sport’s potential. Their stories exemplify the drive and foresight needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of pickleball.
Time Code List:
- 39:43 What was your journey to pickleball?
- 44:39 What was your decision to go all in on pickleball?
- 50:46 Where do you stand in the business side of this sport?
- 55:39 Players from other racket sports playing pro pickleball?
- 58:20 Up and Coming Junior Pickleball Players
- 1:00:18 Personality Marketability
- 1:02:08 When is the next photo shoot?
- 1:13:42 Being one of the biggest faces in pickleball
- 1:16:11 Drilling vs Playing
- 1:18:52 Double The Money For Not Playing Pickleball
- 1:21:01 If tomorrow you could not play, what job would you want in the industry
- 1:21:57 Your business team
Anna and Zane's narrative highlights the blend of passion, adaptability, and business acumen needed to thrive in the growing world of pickleball.
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