How can pickleball inspire perseverance, reshape the way we teach, and help students see that effort, discipline, and hope really do matter?

In this episode, Huishan Wan shares his unique pickleball journey, from first being introduced to the sport through a friend from church to becoming a gold medal singles player and a passionate advocate for pickleball on the University of Northern Iowa campus. A professor of accounting who teaches financial accounting to undergraduate and graduate students, Huishan brings a thoughtful, reflective perspective to the game, connecting pickleball not only to competition and strategy, but also to character, resilience, and personal growth. 

Huishan talks about how his background in table tennis and badminton helped him understand spin, control, and court instincts in pickleball, and how—almost by accident—he entered his first singles tournament and won gold. He also shares the story of how students at the University of Northern Iowa were inspired by his enthusiasm for pickleball and asked him to become the faculty advisor for a new student pickleball club, which now competes at college tournaments. Along the way, he explains why the lessons of pickleball apply so naturally to education, especially the importance of preparation, practice, persistence, and never giving up when the score—or life—feels stacked against you. 

Drawing from both the classroom and the court, Huishan reflects on the connection between habits and destiny, the value of encouragement over criticism, and the importance of having a balanced life filled with hobbies, interests, and meaningful human connection. This is a thoughtful and uplifting conversation about pickleball, University of Northern Iowa, accounting professor, college pickleball, singles pickleball, table tennis, badminton, perseverance, encouragement, discipline, and the life lessons that remind us growth happens point by point, habit by habit, and day by day. 

📘 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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