Meet The Pros: Bonnie Williams

Meet The Pros: Bonnie Williams

Some folks play for the love of the game.  Bonnie is one such pickleball pro.  She came to pickleball while recovering from an injury.  Pickleball is a great rehabilitation program, isn't it Bonnie?  Enjoy!

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

2016 Tournament of Champions, Women's Senior Open, Singles - Gold
2016 Tournament of Champions, Women's Senior Open Doubles Bronze
2016 Pickleball Canada Nationals, Open Mixed with Dalton Vavra- Bronze
2016 USAPA Pacific NW Regional- Women's  Singles Skill 5.0 - Silver
2016 USAPA Pacific NW Regional-Women's Open Doubles - Bronze
2015 USAPA Nationals, Women's Senior Open, Singles - Gold
2015 USAPA Nationals, Women's Singles, 50-54 - Gold
2015 USAPA Nationals, Women's Doubles 50+ with Laura Schwarz - Silver

What paddle do you play with and why?

I prefer the feel, consistency and control of my Engage paddles. I use 2 different paddles. I like the Engage 'Encore' for doubles and the slightly heavier Engage 'Encore Pro' for singles.

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

I was introduced to pickleball by a friend from work, Oscar Garcia. After learning I used to play tennis and was rehabbing from an ACL injury, Oscar is responsible for getting me out on a pickleball court. Best rehab ever!

What's your preference - playing indoor or outdoor?

I'll play anywhere - with any ball, indoors or out. If I had to choose- it would be outdoors:-)

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I enjoy both singles and doubles. Doubles offers me the challenge of working with different partners- both men and women.  Singles is serenity- only

What's your favorite me.place to play? Why?

I am a tennis player from the South. I feel most at home playing in a 'club-like' atmosphere where there are outdoor courts, warm temperatures and above average humidity. Sunshine and heat are my friends!

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

My secret sauce is to have fun. When I am enjoying myself,  I play my best. I can make almost any challenge a pretty fun game :-)

What's your day job?

I am lucky! I get to do exactly what I want to do. My most important job is taking care of my two, wonderful kiddos, David and Anna. I also have a part-time job as a ratings clerk working for USAPA. 

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

Only with the help of Mike Hascall do I get to play almost every day. A minimum of 5 days a week, usually 3-5 hours each day. Unless, of course, Enrique is involved -then I get to play all day:-)

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

A prayer of gratitude.

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

My pickleball goal is the same as my other life goals- which is to be and do the BEST I possibly can

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

Yes, I would like to share that I am most impressed with our pickleball community. It's a community that wants to educate and share. A community that accepts and embraces individual talents and perspectives. What a terrific group of people.