In a recent post on a popular subreddit, a 22-year-old female player, who goes by the username ‘cantsaywhotho’, opened up about her aspirations to become a professional pickleball player. She expressed her deep love for the sport but is met with skepticism when she shares her ambition. Despite feeling like she could reach a competitive level—rated around 4.5—she grapples with self-doubt and the challenges of securing quality practice and partnerships. As her graduation approaches, she faces an ultimatum from her mother about nursing school, leading to an urgent need for clarity on her future in pickleball.
Summary
- A young pickleball enthusiast faces skepticism but remains passionate about becoming a pro player.
- Challenges include club dynamics at her university and finding reliable partners for tournaments.
- Community responses range from encouraging support to sobering realities about the commitment required to turn pro.
- Many commenters emphasize the importance of dedication, coaching, and local opportunities in the journey to professionalism.
The Dream of Going Pro
The dream of going professional in sports is often met with laughter and skepticism, especially from those who haven’t accomplished significant feats in that realm. In the case of ‘cantsaywhotho’, her post suggests that while her aspirations are serious, her peers seem to doubt her potential. The reality is that to achieve a professional status in any sport, one must not only possess adequate skill but also the unwavering commitment that comes with it. Many commenters highlight that achieving the pro ranks of pickleball requires skill levels that demand excellence and dedication, often referred to as the 1% of rankings. It’s an uphill battle, but then again, who said dreams come easy?
Adapting to the Landscape
One of the significant hurdles that ‘cantsaywhotho’ highlighted was the cliquish nature of her university’s pickleball club, which prevented her from practicing. This points to a broader issue within sports communities—sometimes, budding athletes can feel isolated rather than supported. Some commenters encourage her to look beyond her current environment and explore other avenues. For instance, one user pointed out, “If you want to go pro, you have to do everything. Drill several hours a day, play every day, play every local tournament.” This advice resonates with anyone looking to make their mark in sports and reflects the commitment required. The landscape of pickleball, especially with its growing popularity, offers many opportunities, and getting involved might just take some adjustments in her approach.
Finding the Right Guidance
As mentioned in the post, ‘cantsaywhotho’ is considering getting a coach. Yet, is it really worth it? Many commenters weighed in on this question, with suggestions that highlight the value of professional guidance in sports. Hiring a coach can be akin to navigating a maze; without directions, you may find yourself lost. Comments like “You are young. Get a coach. Practice 2-3 hours a day” reflect that a structured approach is more likely to yield results. Investing in a coach can not only help hone specific skills but also provide strategic insights on improving her overall game, something essential for moving up the rankings.
The Balancing Act of Passion and Reality
‘cantsaywhotho’ is at a pivotal life moment—graduating from college and weighing the implications of potentially entering nursing school. Balancing a demanding career with the ambition to go pro presents a complicated juncture. Some voices in the comments circle suggest she pursue both, as one user cleverly advised, “Go to Nursing School while you try to go pro.” It highlights the reality that many aspiring athletes have to face: the need for financial stability along with their sports ambitions. The practicality of having a fallback plan can help reduce stress and provide time to develop her game without the pressure of solely relying on pickleball for income.
Throughout the discourse in the comments, we observe a mixture of support, skepticism, and practical advice, highlighting the nuances of striving for a career in a highly competitive sport like pickleball. Balancing commitment, coaching, community support, and realistic expectations is crucial in the world of sports. ‘Cantsaywhotho’s’ query shines a spotlight on the passion and desire that many young players share while navigating their dreams. As she embarks on this journey, her story adds to the broader narrative about ambition and perseverance in the world of pickleball, emphasizing that while the road to professionalism is fraught with challenges, it is not necessarily unreachable.