Meet The Pros - Adina Jones Knapton

Meet The Pros - Adina Jones Knapton

Everyone who plays to win has goals for improving their game.  Adina Jones Knapton is no exception.  And she is a formidable doubles partner.  Enjoy!

Can you list for us your major wins so we can correctly introduce you to our readers?

The 4 most memorable wins for me were:

2016 Eric Schuester PTSD Memorial Tournament - Mixed Doubles 5.0 w/ Larry Moon - Silver
2016 John Ringler Memorial Tournament, Ogden Utah - Silver with Larry Moon
2013 Tournament of Champions - Gold in Women's Open with Gigi LeMaster
2013 USAPA Nationals - Gold in Women’s 35+ with Heidi Hancock
2012 USAPA Nationals - Silver in the Mixed Open with Matthew Blom (first Nationals I attended)
2012 Gold with Justin Rodgers at Grand Canyon State Games

What paddle do you play with and why?

I play with the Ultra Paddle by Engage Pickleball. I’ve been playing with this paddle for a year and half. Love the Elliots who run the company. Love the weight and control of the paddle.

What’s your pickleball story? How were you introduced to pickleball?

Pickleball changed my life. It got me through a divorce. My dad introduced me to the game in 2011. I played for fun for a year and then played my first tournament with Kathy Roberts in 4.0 and won Gold.  I played mixed with my dad in the 4.0 and won gold. As a result, I was moved up to a 5.0. I met my husband a year ago at a tournament in St. George. We got married 10 months later.

What’s your preference – playing indoor or outdoor?

I prefer outdoor pickleball. Sometimes in Utah, when it's raining I'll play indoors, but in Southern California, we don't have indoor courts. I  prefer the bounce of the ball outdoors and I love playing in the sun.   

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I prefer doubles. I like the social aspect of the game and having to work together as a team.

What’s your favorite place to play? Why?

My favorite place to play is St. George, Utah at Little Valley Sports complex because there are 20 courts, always people to play with, great weather, and the people are very kind.

What’s your secret sauce? Any tips for players?

My secret sauce is my forehand. I believe it’s important to have a well-rounded game. I try to improve the weak spots in my game. This past year I’ve been working on my backhand where as I used to run around it all the time. Players should face their weaknesses so they can get better instead of avoiding those areas.

What’s your day job?

I just completed my teaching credential for P.E and currently I’m a substitute teacher, but I just got hired by SkyWest Airlines to be a flight attendant. I start training in January.

How many hours a week do you play? How do you make time to play?

I play 1-3 times a week depending on my work schedule.

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

I don’t have any lucky rituals but I take time to pray before I play tournaments.

Do you have any pickleball goals you’d like to share?

My pickleball goals this year have been to improve my backhand and to enjoy the game no matter what!  I also plan to maintain a positive outlook no matter what the circumstances may be.

Anything else you’d like to share about your experience being one of the best pickleball players in the world?

I’m so grateful my dad introduced me to pickleball. I have gained so many great friendships and have personally grown. And most of all,  I met my wonderful husband, Micky Knapton, through pickleball. It’s amazing to have a life partner that has the same love and passion for the game.