Unveiling the World of Professional Pickleball: Voices from the PPA Mesa Cup
Pros Share Wisdom on Training, Resilience, and the Joy of the Game
Introduction:
The Arizona PPA Tournament in Mesa is more than a battleground for pickleball supremacy—it’s a vibrant gathering where the sport’s top talents reveal the secrets behind their success. From rigorous training routines to heartfelt reflections on life on tour, these athletes offer a window into the dedication and passion that fuel professional pickleball. Through exclusive interviews, Coach Terry Nemoff explores their strategies, challenges, and the infectious enthusiasm that defines this fast-growing sport.
Time Code List
- 0:00 - Ty Woody
Ty Woody, a celebrated pickleball trainer, kicks off the conversation with a focus on longevity. He insists that weight training is essential for building the strength and resilience needed to withstand the sport’s physical demands. Woody also emphasizes the importance of routines—warm-ups to prepare the body and mind, and cool-downs to aid recovery. He notes that these routines not only enhance performance but also help manage tournament stress, adapting slightly to weather conditions while keeping the core approach consistent. His holistic philosophy underscores preparation as the bedrock of a lasting career. - 2:22 - Quang Duong
Quang Duong, 18, shares insights shaped by his close-knit support system. He advises aspiring pros to heed their coaches and parents, valuing their unwavering support and constructive guidance. Duong’s training splits roughly 70% drilling and 30% playing, with morning and evening drill sessions honing his skills. Playtime, often with his brother, is strategic—sometimes handicapping the court to sharpen his game. His bond with his father, who doubles as his coach, highlights the critical role family plays in his ascent. - 5:02 - Gabriel Tardio
Gabriel Tardio, 19, brings an aggressive flair to the court, urging players to embrace boldness in their style. He recommends mastering shots like rolling dinks and drops to keep opponents guessing, a skill he developed through playful experimentation. Tardio balances his time 50-50 between drilling and playing, admitting he could lean more toward drills but cherishes the fun of play amid a busy travel schedule. - 6:59 - Riley Newman
Veteran Riley Newman offers a seasoned perspective, advocating for a 70-30 split favoring drilling over casual play to build foundational skills like drops and kitchen play. He stresses the importance of physical conditioning—gym work, sprints, and agility drills—to match the sport’s rising intensity. Newman also contrasts men’s and women’s doubles strategies, noting men’s focus on precise, middle attacks versus women’s crosscourt setups. His advice reflects pickleball’s evolution and the need for constant adaptation. - 10:12 - Lindsey Newman
Lindsey Newman, a pro and mother of three and Riley's sister, encourages aspiring female players to prioritize drilling over playing and seek out challenging practice partners, including men. She acknowledges the sting of losing on tour but urges resilience and enjoyment despite setbacks. Living near the Mesa venue, she relishes sleeping in her own bed—a rare treat. Her candid take blends competitive grit with a reminder to keep the game fun, rooted in faith and family. - 12:14 - Leigh Waters
Leigh Waters, a former top player turned coach, advises new pros to develop as all-around athletes, not just pickleball specialists. She suggests playing singles to refine doubles skills, like angles and finesse, and stresses off-court fitness. Waters also addresses the tour’s grind, recommending a support system to ease travel burdens—something she provides for her daughter, Anna Leigh. Her wisdom reflects years of experience and a deep understanding of the sport’s demands. - 15:05 - Jay Deviliers
Jay Deviliers, a multilingual talent, emphasizes hard work and patience for aspiring pros. He encourages learning from losses to elevate one’s game, while balancing training with recovery to avoid burnout. Known for his global charm, Deviliers sees diligence and time management as keys to success, offering a grounded yet inspiring take on reaching the top. - 16:19 - Darrian Young
Darrian Young, a player and podcaster, tackles balance with refreshing honesty. He admits perfect equilibrium is elusive but strives to be fully present—whether training or with family. For aspiring pros, he suggests diving into tournaments, embracing losses as feedback for growth. His multifaceted life underscores the value of focus and real-world experience in building a career. - 18:14 - Connor Garnett
Connor Garnett, ranked third in singles, champions intentional practice over mindless repetition. He believes in practicing harder than playing, tailoring his singles-doubles balance weekly based on comfort and need. Garnett stresses finding reliable drill partners to maximize gains, drawing inspiration from legends like Tyson McGuffin. His disciplined approach highlights quality as the path to improvement. - 19:48 - Rafa Hewett
Rafa Hewett, a cherished figure, advises setting clear short- and long-term goals while taking progress in stride. He opens up about the tour’s toughest challenge—being away from his kids—and frames it as work that supports his family. Hewett’s warmth and perspective offer a heartfelt reminder of the personal sacrifices behind the pro life, paired with encouragement to persevere. - 22:08 - Catherine Parenteau & Anna Leigh Waters
The top women’s doubles duo, Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters, share a wealth of insight. Parenteau, ranked high across divisions, urges new pros to gain tournament experience, starting with qualifiers, and prioritize recovery for longevity. Waters, number one globally, complements this with a focus on off-court work—slow, controlled exercises and gym time—to stay injury-free and strong. Their 70-30 drilling-to-playing ratio and deep trust showcase a partnership built on chemistry and communication.
Summary of the List:
These interviews paint a vivid picture of professional pickleball’s demands and delights. A recurring theme is the emphasis on drilling—most advocate a 70-30 split over playing—to master skills and adapt to the sport’s growing intensity. Physical conditioning, recovery, and mental resilience are equally vital, as is a support system to navigate tour life. From Woody’s routines to Parenteau and Waters’ synergy, the players reveal a blend of discipline, joy, and sacrifice that propels them forward, offering a roadmap for players that want to get to the next level.
Pickleball’s Brightest Stars Shine at the 2025 PPA Mesa Cup
Pros Serve Up Lessons in Grit and Glee
Under the Arizona sun, the PPA Mesa Cup buzzes with the thwack of paddles and the laughter of champions. This isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of pickleball’s meteoric rise, led by a cast of players who mix fierce determination with infectious joy. From trainers to prodigies, veterans to dynamic duos, these athletes are rewriting the sport’s playbook, and they’re having a blast doing it. Here’s how they’re turning sweat into success and courts into classrooms.
Pickleball has officially shed its backyard roots, and the Arizona PPA Mesa Cup is proof. The courts are alive with talent, each player a story of hustle and heart. Let’s meet the stars lighting up this pickleball party.
Ty Woody, the trainer every pro dreams of, is all about building bodies that last. “Get in the weight room,” he declares, pairing strength training with warm-up and cool-down routines that keep players sharp. His mantra? Preparation is power—a lesson he’s drilling into the sport’s next wave.
Then there’s Quang Duong, the 18 year old young gun with a paddle and a plan. At an age when most are still finding their footing, he’s racking up wins with a 70% drilling regimen, guided by his dad-slash-coach. “Listen to your parents—they’re always on your side,” he grins, a nod to the family fuel driving his rise.
Gabriel Tardio, 19, struts onto the court with swagger, urging players to “be aggressive as you can.” His trick shots—like those rolling dinks—come from messing around until mastery kicks in.
Riley Newman, a pickleball OG, knows the game’s gotten faster—and he’s keeping up. With a 70-30 drilling split and gym sessions packed with sprints, he’s a testament to evolution. “The level’s so high now,” he says, “you’ve got to adapt or get left behind.” His savvy shines both on and off the court.
Lindsey Newman, sister, mom and maestro, brings a home-court vibe to Mesa. “Drill more than you play,” she advises, pushing ladies to spar with the guys for extra edge. Losses sting, sure, but she’s all smiles: “Have fun—enjoy it!” Faith and family keep her grounded amid the tour’s chaos.
Leigh Waters, once a world-beater and now a coaching wiz, wants pros to think bigger. “Be an athlete,” she says, touting singles play to boost doubles finesse. With daughter Anna Leigh in tow, she knows the tour’s a grind—but a support crew makes it sing.
Jay Deviliers, the polyglot with a paddle, keeps it real: “Play hard, train hard.” Losses? They’re lessons. Balance? Tricky, but he nails it with recovery and grit. His charm’s global, his game’s top-tier—a combo that’s pure pickleball magic.
Darrian Young’s juggling act—player, podcaster, dad—is a masterclass in presence. “Be 100% wherever you are,” he says, urging newbies to hit tournaments and learn from the bruises. His candor’s as refreshing as his backhand.
Connor Garnett, singles sensation, lives for intentional reps. “Practice harder than you play,” he insists, tweaking his singles-doubles mix like an artist. Ranked third, he’s proof that focus turns drills into dominance.
Rafa Hewett’s the tour’s sunshine, spreading warmth with every swing. “Write down your goals,” he tells students, owning the tough nights away from his kids with a worker’s resolve. His love for the game—and his family—lights up Mesa.
And then there’s Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters, the doubles dream team. Parenteau’s all about tournament mileage and recovery, while Waters—number one across the board—swears by slow, off-court moves to stay spry. Their 70% drilling habit and unshakable trust make them unstoppable—and a joy to watch.
This crew’s got it all: sweat, smarts, and soul. Pickleball’s booming, and at the Arizona PPA, they’re showing why. It’s not just about winning—it’s about loving every minute on the court.
Summary:
The 2025 PPA Mesa Cup isn’t just a showcase of pickleball prowess—it’s a masterclass in what makes the sport tick. These players, from Ty Woody’s training gospel to Catherine Parenteau and Anna Leigh Waters’ doubles dynasty, share a playbook of discipline and delight. Drilling trumps playing, usually 70-30, while gym time and recovery keep them in the game. The tour’s tough—travel, losses, family time lost—but they lean on support systems and sheer passion to thrive. It’s a recipe of resilience and revelry, proving pickleball’s elite aren’t just athletes—they’re ambassadors of a sport that’s here to stay.
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