From Cruises to Courts: How Halina is Making Waves in Junior Pickleball
Introduction:
In this exciting summer episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, host Coach Tommy sits down with 9-year-old pickleball sensation Halina Slowinski. Fresh off a cruise to Alaska and already a medalist in PPA events, Halina shares her passion for pickleball, her experiences competing against older players, and her big dreams of turning pro. With a contagious enthusiasm and a dedication beyond her years, Halina offers a glimpse into her journey, training, and what’s next for this rising star.
Interview Questions
- (0:39) How old are you and what school do you go to?
- (0:50) What grade are you going into?
- (1:13) How did your cruise go and was there pickleball on it?
- (1:27) Where did you go on your cruise?
- (1:57) How long have you been playing pickleball?
- (2:03) Do you play any other sports?
- (2:08) Have you played any other sports before?
- (2:16) Are you currently in basketball season?
- (2:24) How many tournaments have you competed in so far?
- (2:36) How have you done in tournaments and do you enjoy them?
- (3:16) What’s your best performance in pickleball so far?
- (3:38) Why did you choose pickleball, and have you played tennis before?
- (4:24) What do you like about pickleball?
- (5:10) Do you compete with your dad?
- (5:30) Do you compete with your mom?
- (6:12) What’s your favorite shot in pickleball?
- (7:07) Who is your main coach and why do you like him?
- (8:34) What’s the hardest part of your game you’re working on?
- (9:07) What are you working on in strength training?
- (10:25) What else do you struggle with in pickleball?
- (13:56) Who are your favorite female and male professional players?
- (16:38) What are your future plans with pickleball?
- (17:47) Do you have any upcoming tournaments?
- (19:10) What school do you go to and does it have pickleball facilities?
- (20:10) How can we build a youth pickleball program?
- (24:01) What’s your tip for improving at pickleball?
Interview Summary Article:
Introduction and Background
In this vibrant episode of the Smashing Plastic Podcast, Coach Tommy introduces us to Halina Slowinski, a 9-year-old pickleball prodigy from South Carolina. Just days away from turning 10, Halina attends Pinewood Preparatory School, where she’s entering fifth grade. Fresh off a 4,000-mile cruise to Alaska, she brings a burst of energy and enthusiasm to the interview, sharing her love for pickleball and her life beyond the court.
Pickleball Journey
Halina’s pickleball journey began two years ago at age seven, making her part of a new generation starting with the sport rather than transitioning from tennis or others. Alongside pickleball, she plays basketball, though her summer focus is squarely on the paddle. Unlike many players who pick up pickleball later in life, Halina’s early start positions her as a trailblazer for junior players.
Tournament Experiences
Despite her young age, Halina is no stranger to competition. She’s already medaled in a PPA event in Florida and regularly competes against 14-year-olds due to limited youth brackets. She’s also teamed up with her dad in mixed doubles, securing second or third-place finishes. Halina enjoys the strategic play of adults over the power-heavy style of juniors, showcasing her maturity on the court.
Training and Improvement
Halina’s dedication shines through her training. She works with Coach Jake Kusmider, whom she admires for his fun yet disciplined approach, and has recently started strength training with Pinnacle Academy in Moncks Corner to bolster her singles game. Focusing on her legs and core—playfully dubbed “noodles” by her coach—she’s also refining her drop shot to advance to the kitchen line and control rallies.
Favorite Players and Inspirations
Halina looks up to pros like Anna Leigh Waters and Tyson McGuffin. She admires Waters’ strategic drops and drives, which suit her own non-power style, and loves McGuffin’s humor and high energy. Having met stars like Waters and Ben Johns at PPA events, she’s collecting experiences—and autographs—that fuel her passion.
Future Aspirations
With dreams of going pro, Halina is already eyeing upcoming tournaments, like one in Bristol, Tennessee. While she once considered becoming a veterinarian, she’s now leaning toward pickleball, drawn by the shorter path to her goals. Her long-term vision includes dominating high school pickleball and beyond, a dream Coach Tommy predicts she’ll achieve.
Advice for Youth Programs
Halina’s insights on growing youth pickleball are spot-on: junior-specific gear, courts, and structured camps or clinics. She prefers playing with adults for their game knowledge but sees the need for more juniors to elevate the sport’s youth scene. Sponsors like GOAT Pickleball, who recently sent her a swag bag with a shirt, paddle cover, and more, also play a key role in motivating young players.
Conclusion
Halina Slowinski is a force to watch. At just 9, her skill, work ethic, and love for pickleball set her apart. Whether she’s drilling her two-handed backhand, chasing medals, or inspiring the next generation, Halina’s journey is just beginning—and it’s one worth following. Catch her on Instagram as @helina_pb_queen and stay tuned for her next Smashing Plastic appearance!
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