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Jack Munro
February 05, 2024

Welcome Back To Jack’s Journal!

Hey y’all, it’s Jack here! Back at it again with a weekly update regarding everything pickleball…

Before We Dive In…

This edition is sponsored by ellesse

A UK-based clothing brand with a rich history of sponsoring tennis legends like Chris Evert, ellesse brings a touch of sports heritage to our pickleball community. Having enjoyed their endorsement for almost a year, I can personally attest to the exceptional design and quality of their products. For those seeking stylish pickleball attire, ellesse is a top-notch choice that combines performance and flair.

Now Let’s Get Into Things…

1. PPA Desert Ridge Recap

While I wasn’t planning on playing this PPA, I got asked at the last minute to play mixed with Lea Jansen, and you know I had to commit immediately.

Unfortunately, with this being so late, I wasn’t able to pick up a men’s partner without qualifying. So I only flew out to play mixed.

Once again, a tough battle with rain and wind. Lea played singles on Thursday but got rained out in the afternoon, so she had to continue her bracket on Friday, the same day of mixed doubles. This was a nuisance mentally and physically, as you are instinctually still in singles mode, and you only get a 20-minute break until you get called again to play your mixed doubles match.

Regardless, we played a really underrated team of Augie Ge and Tyra Black, losing in a very tight three-gamer. They went on to take out some solid teams and make it all the way to the semifinals. Kudos to them for a big run.

We went on to win the points draw, but I am definitely looking forwards to running more tournaments with her and growing together as a team.

2. The Benefits of Focused Breathing

Being a naturally curious archetype, I am always looking for unique ways to find an edge on the court. Dealing with noisy crowds or pesky opponents can throw anyone off, but lately, I've stumbled upon something that's truly been a game-changer for me – focused breathing. It's become my secret weapon, boosting my mental resilience and helping me stay laser-focused during matches.

Focused breathing serves as a powerful mental reset, allowing players to regain composure and clarity during intense moments on the court. In high-pressure situations, it's easy to become overwhelmed by emotions, anxiety, or distractions. By practicing controlled and deliberate breathing, players can create a sense of calm and regain control over their thoughts and emotions.

Novak Djokovic is renowned for his mental strength, and he attributes part of his success to mindfulness and breathing exercises. He often practices mindfulness and controlled breathing between points, using it as a tool to maintain focus and stay present on the court. This practice helps him avoid dwelling on past mistakes or becoming anxious about future points.

It may sound weird, but by taking a few moments to stare at the floor and focus on my breath, I can center myself, shut out external distractions, and channel my energy into the game.

3. College Pickleball

As some of you may know, I am one of the Co-Founders of The Longhorn Pickleball Club at the University of Texas at Austin, and recently I’ve been investing a lot of time into training the competitive side of the club.

We have some EXTREMELY talented students that are beginning to take pickleball more seriously, and nothing is cooler than seeing them grow. A few of them are taking lessons with some of the pros in Austin, such as Lina Padegimaite, and over the past six months, I have seen their skill level drastically improve.

While some of our top players are nearing the 4.5 mark, our short-to-mid-term goal is getting high-level tournament reps. We are planning on hosting a regional tournament in which Baylor, A&M, and other nearby colleges are coming to compete, as well as playing in local tournaments such as PPA Austin. Some of our players have committed to playing in 4.5, 5.0, and pro qualifiers, so I am really looking forward to seeing how they do.

This club is only at the beginning of the S curve, so I am so excited to be part of the growth of collegiate pickleball as a whole.

If you’d like more info about the college side of pickle, make sure to watch this video and stay tuned for more updates!