How can pickleball teach us to step outside our comfort zone, take smart risks, move in sync with others, and keep finding joy in the game no matter who is across the net?

In this episode, Maverick Helmer shares his unique pickleball journey, from playing a homemade version of the game as a kid on a family court to becoming a highly competitive 5.0 singles and 4.5 doubles player in Denver. A recent University of Denver graduate and now an investment banking analyst, Maverick talks about rediscovering pickleball in 2021 at Congress Park, where the lively open play culture, music, grilling, and welcoming community helped transform the sport into a central part of his life. With a background in tennis and years of athletic play, he explains how pickleball eventually overtook tennis because of its joy, social energy, and sense of connection. 

Maverick also shares what has helped him improve so quickly, including watching high-level tennis and pickleball, drilling intentionally, learning from stronger players, and embracing the value of playing with people at every level. He gives thoughtful insight into the Denver pickleball scene, why open play can be such a powerful teacher, and how he has been able to train with senior pros and practice with top players while continuing to refine both his singles and doubles game. Along the way, he reflects on his hopes of eventually playing pro pickleball, the physical demands of tournament play, and the discipline it takes to balance serious competition with work and adult life. 

This is a fun and insightful conversation about pickleball, Denver pickleball, Congress Park, open play, singles strategy, doubles strategy, drilling, partner communication, risk-taking, confidence, resilience, and the life lessons that remind us to be intentional, stay connected, keep learning, and never be afraid to put ourselves out there. 

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

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Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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