How does someone go from getting kicked off a basketball court for pickleball to becoming a 5.0 pro, international instructor, and one of the most respected coaches in the game?

In this episode, Brian Ashworth shares his incredible pickleball journey, from first discovering the sport at the YMCA in Billings, Montana, to winning major titles, teaching around the world, and helping shape the game through coaching, clinics, and the Pickleball Experience. Brian talks about how coming to pickleball without a racquet sports background helped him think differently, play differently, and develop a unique style that set him apart on the court. 

He also reflects on playing with top-level partners, working at Pickleball Central during the sport’s explosive growth, building the Pickleball Experience with Peter Hudak and Jemuel Morris, and what he has learned from years of teaching players at every level. Along the way, Brian shares thoughtful insights about patience, confidence, creativity, family priorities, and why no player should ever be the reason someone quits the game. 

This is a fun and inspiring conversation about professional pickleball, pickleball coaching, Pickleball Central, the Pickleball Experience, international clinics, patience, partnership, and the life lessons that come from growing with the sport while helping others love it too. 

📘 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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