This is Pickleball

Join host and Senior Pro Rick Witsken as he sits down with the sport's biggest names to uncover their stories. With a unique perspective from his own career and deep connections to the pro tours, Rick facilitates a fun and inspiring deep dive into their personal "why"—how they found the sport, the sacrifices they've made, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned veteran, you'll get pro tips, stay up to date on all the latest tour news, and leave every episode with a fresh perspective on the game we all love. From the court to the clubhouse, we're telling the stories that make pickleball great. This is more than a game—This Is Pickleball.

Jack Munro: The "APP King," Artificial Ambidexterity & The Youngest 5.0 In History 12/01/2025

Jack Munro: The "APP King," Artificial Ambidexterity & The Youngest 5.0 In History Jack Munro is a force of nature. Dominating the APP tour in 2025, he and his partner clinched seven gold medals, setting a new record for most consecutive wins in APP history. But his impact isn't just on the podium; he's one of the sport's biggest creators, reaching over 10 million people a month with game-changing content. Fresh off his historic run, Jack joins Rick to discuss his unique path: from a baseball-ending injury at age 10 to becoming the youngest 5.0 player in history at 12. He shares the powerful, emotional story of his APP Daytona win, playing for his grandpa in his final hours. From his "artificial ambidexterity" and signature two-handed backhand to his decision to build a future with the APP tour and his groundbreaking work founding the Longhorn Pickleball Club at UT Austin, this episode is a masterclass in building a multifaceted career. Behind the creator is a fierce competitor with an old soul, a deep appreciation for the sport, and a vision for its future. 🔑 Key Takeaways An Accidental Ambidextrous Player: Jack's unique ambidextrous ability wasn't planned. After a baseball pitching injury at age 10, he wore a sling on his dominant (right) arm for months. He started playing pickleball left-handed during his recovery and, by the time he healed, felt so natural with his left that he developed both sides, coining the term "artificial ambidexterity." The "Old Soul" of Pickleball: Becoming the youngest-ever 5.0 player at 12 meant Jack grew up playing almost exclusively with adults. He says this social friction was tougher than the competition and is the reason many people call him an "old soul" today. Why He Chose the APP Tour: Jack is "fully leaning in" with the APP. He values the quality of life, loyalty, and, most importantly, the international opportunities provided by the APP's Global Alliance, which allows him to play in places like Vietnam and India—something he couldn't do under an exclusive PPA contract. The Secret to His Signature Shot: Jack breaks down his lethal two-handed backhand speedup. The secret? He aims for the "dead spot" (the top edge) of the paddle, not the sweet spot. He says this gives the ball more dwell time and spin. His other signature shot is switching hands to hit a forehand ATP instead of a much more difficult backhand ATP. Playing for Family: Jack's most important win wasn't his first breakout but the 2025 APP Daytona. He played the entire weekend while his grandfather (also named Jack) was nonverbal in the ICU, watching the stream. Jack won two gold medals on Sunday, FaceTimed his smiling grandpa, and learned the next morning that he had passed away peacefully in his sleep. Building the Future: Jack is building the collegiate pickleball pipeline himself. He founded the Longhorn Pickleball Club at UT Austin, which won the DUPR Collegiate National Championships. He sees a strong NCAA-to-pro pipeline as essential for the sport's future. ADD US ON: INSTAGRAM: / https://www.instagram.com/thisispickleballpodcast/ Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome: Jack Munro, The 12-Year-Old Prodigy 01:07 How a Broken Arm Forced Him to Play Lefty 02:37 The Reality of Being a Child Prodigy on Tour 03:52 The "Old Soul": Growing Up in an Adult Sport 07:07 Defining a "Pro" & The Global Alliance 11:01 Founding the Longhorn Pickleball Club (NCAA Pipeline) 17:17 Jack's Signature Shot: The Two-Handed Backhand Speedup 20:09 The Daytona Story: Playing for His Grandfather 27:16 International Growth: Vietnam, India & The World Cup 30:35 Final Thoughts & Socials /episode/index/show/267631d5-5c65-4806-932e-f15ff1927658/id/39077865

Andrei Daescu's Career Ending Injury, Quitting Tennis & How Pickleball Saved His Life 11/24/2025

Andrei Daescu's Career Ending Injury, Quitting Tennis & How Pickleball Saved His Life Andrei Daescu was born to compete. From his early days in Bucharest, Romania, to a standout All-American tennis career at the University of Oklahoma and a pro run that saw him reach ATP #120 and represent his country in the Davis Cup, his athletic pedigree is elite. But after a shoulder injury cut his tennis career short, pickleball gave him a "second chance" to compete. Today, Andrei is one of the most dominant forces in the sport, sitting at #3 in the PPA men's doubles rankings. Fresh off a 2025 Major League Pickleball championship with the underdog Columbus Sliders, he joins Rick to discuss his incredible journey. Andrei breaks down the "process over results" mindset his pro-basketball-player father instilled in him, the "chip on the shoulder" that fueled his team's underdog MLP run, and the strategic decision to step back from singles at age 37 for the sake of longevity. This is a masterclass in grit, mindset, and the fire that drives a world-class competitor. 🔑 Key Takeaways Process Over Results: Andrei credits his father, a former professional basketball player in Romania, for his healthy competitive mindset. His father demanded effort, not wins, and understood that junior sports are about development, not paychecks. This allowed Andrei to focus on the process rather than the pressure of results. The Underdog MLP Champions: Andrei’s Columbus Sliders were the #15 seed going into the playoffs. He reveals that when the #2 seed (Dallas) chose to play them, it put a "chip on their shoulder" that motivated the entire team. They went on to win three dream breakers, ultimately winning the 2025 championship in Central Park. The Signature Erne: Andrei breaks down his signature shot. As a 6'4" player, he says the key isn't the jump; it's the preparation. The shot before the Erne is what matters, forcing the opponent to lift the ball or dink it up the line, creating the opportunity. He says it's a shot anyone can add to their game with the right footwork. A "Body Longevity" Decision: At 37, Andrei has largely stepped away from singles. He calls this a "body longevity decision," explaining that with a grueling 30-event-a-year schedule, the wear and tear is too much. He notes most top pros (outside of Federico Staksrud) are now managing their bodies the same way. A Second Chance at Competing: The most significant way pickleball changed his life? It "reignited that fire" to compete. After a shoulder injury ended his pro tennis career, he felt a void. Pickleball gave him a "second chance" to have a pro-athlete career, and he's enjoying his "last ride" in professional sports. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Andrei Daescu 01:09 Early Tennis Journey in Romania 02:10 Transition to College Tennis 02:57 Parental Influence and Junior Tennis 05:56 From Tennis to Pickleball 07:17 Physical and Mental Preparation 11:22 Singles vs Doubles in Pickleball 14:46 Major League Pickleball Championship 22:25 Signature Shot and Playing Style 25:28 Future of Pickleball 29:22 Personal Life and Family 31:16 Impact of Pickleball on Life /episode/index/show/267631d5-5c65-4806-932e-f15ff1927658/id/39077635

This is Pickleball

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