Baddle First Proish Top 3 Announced
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our "Baddle First Proish" contest on Instagram. We absolutely loved every single entry that was submitted and are so proud to be a part of such a cool community of pickleball players. You can see all the entries on the Proish Contest Highlight on our Instagram Profile.
Now, we're pleased to announce the top 3 finalists! Get to know them below (in no particular order). Then, stay tuned on our Instagram to find out how you vote for the final winner!
GENE CLICK
How’d you get into pickleball?
The local pickleball club (The Greater OKC Pickleball Club) had a demo night at our church. So I Googled, "What is pickleball?" At that time, seven years ago, I was like, "I'm not old enough to play this game, so I didn't go." The next week, the men in my class couldn't stop talking about how much fun it was. Lucky for me, the club held a second demo night in which I attended. I have been hooked ever since!
Why do you love it?
The mix of competition, friends, and family have me all in. My entire family can play together. There have been some busy weeks where we haven't eaten together as a family, but have found the time to play pickleball!
Three words to describe your pickleball play/style.
Okay, I'm going to cheat and give you a bunch of different three-word sentences that describe my play! Lets have fun. Lobs too much. Willing to teach. Partner with anyone. Loves to play.
What’s your go-to sound effect when hitting a smash?
Some sort of grunt-yell. Probably sounds more like a dying cat, "hmmmmyaaaa?!"
Favorite pickleball saying.
Every time I complete an unboxing video, I usually end it with, "Keep pickling and Ill see you on the courts."
STEFF ANGELES
How’d you get into pickleball?
I first played about five years ago on a private court at a friend's house. At the time, there weren't any public courts in my city. Last October (2020), a good friend of mine re-introduced me and a group of friends to pickleball and we were all hooked! I played tennis many moons ago (in high school), which has helped my transition to pickleball.
Why do you love it?
Let me count that ways...
I love that a great pickleball memory is just one point/swing away. This is what makes the game so addicting. I love the friendly social interaction that pickleball brings to the players. A total stranger can be your focused teammate for 11 points and that could be the beginning of a great friendship off of the court. I love that pickleball is so user friendly to new players. All ages, shapes, and sizes can enjoy this strategically beautiful game together. With that, I love that pickleball is so strategic and cerebral! Sure, power is a part of the game but strategy and placement are even more important.
Three words to describe your pickleball play/style.
Dynamic. Analytical. Energetic.
What’s your go-to sound effect when hitting a smash?
Hadouken! (From the Street Fighter video game, ha!)
Favorite pickleball saying.
"Keep taking the shot!!!" I say this to my partners and myself whenever we miss a put away shot. It seems to help!
JANET HAGINS
How'd you get into pickleball?
I was in a walking group with someone who was incessantly talking about this thing called pickleball. One day I happened upon an ad in the newspaper looking for beginner players at a community rec center and I decided to check it out. I soon became one of those people who incessantly talks about pickleball.
Why do you love it?
Pickleball is so much fun. The whole pickleball community is so inviting and social. I play at Sawyer Point (in Cincinnati) and it is a terrific way to meet new people that become your friends. The sport is accessible to all skill levels. You can always improve your skills if you work at it.
Three words to describe your pickleball play/style.
Happy but serious.
What’s your go-to sound effect when hitting a smash?
Wham!
Favorite pickleball saying.
OMG = One More Game
