Welcome back to On the Move, the podcast from Texas A&M University’s Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management! In this episode, host Chelsea Reber is joined by Instructional Associate Professor, Mary Beth Henthorne to discuss her experience building the Pickleball program at Texas A&M from the ground up, all while battling breast cancer. 

In this episode, Mary Beth dives into not only her own experience making the switch from tennis to pickleball, but how the students' passion for the sport has grown dramatically over the last decade. She speaks passionately about her adoration for her students, and how she believes that engaging with Pickleball can have an incredible impact on their lives. As Mary Beth approaches her retirement, she speaks on some of the best memories with the sport, and her hope for the future of Pickleball across all of higher education. 

To learn more about the Department of Kinesiology and Sport Management at TAMU, visit https://knsm.tamu.edu/ 

Host: Chelsea Reber

Guest: Mary Beth Henthorne, Instructional Associate Professor, Texas A&M

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 01:18) Intro

(01:19 - 02:55) The Growth of Pickleball at Texas A&M

(02:56 - 04:15) Behind the Scenes of Growing the Pickleball Program

(04:16 - 04:42) Opportunities to Get Involved

(04:43 - 07:18) Mary Beth’s Experience as a Professional Player

(07:19 - 08:00) Balancing Teaching and Pro Sports

(08:01 - 09:56) Incorporating Professional Play in the Classroom

(09:57 - 11:44) Mary Beth's Battle with Breast Cancer

(11:45 - 12:40) Mary Beth’s Students Support with Her Battle

(12:41 - 15:07) Recent Developments in the Sport

(15:08 - 17:02) Getting Youth Involved

(17:02 - 17:43) The Community Aspect of Pickleball

(17:44 - 20:11) Most Memorable Moments

(20:12 - 21:16) Upcoming Retirement

(21:27 - 23:54) Hope for the Future

(23:55 - 25:25) Life and Pickleball After Retirement

(25:26 - 25:54) Closing