Meet the Pros: Jack Munro

Meet the Pros - one of youngest players at US Open Jack Munro

Jack Munro is one of the two youngest players who competed at the US Open Pickleball Championship. Many of the top players in Pickleball know Jack Munro, aka. “Jr. Mint” and are always great with him!  Enjoy some of his story!

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

2016 US Open Pickleball Competition Mixed Doubles with his Mom Nichole Munro - participant
2016 Tustin Winter Classic with Brett Butcher Men’s Doubles 4.5 - Gold
2015 USAPA Nationals VII Junior Men's Singles 11-14 - Gold
2015 Summer Grand Prix at Bobby Riggs - 4.5 Men's Doubles with his Dad Jason - Gold
2015 California State Games - 4.0 Mixed with Sue Smith - Silver
2015 California State Games - Men's Singles - Silver
2015 So Cal Summer Classic - Mixed 4.0 with his mom, Nichole Munro - Bronze
2015 So Cal Summer Classic - Men's 4.0 Doubles with Ryan Kaltman - Gold

What paddle do you play with and why?

I play with the Engage Encore because I can put more spin on it and I have more control over the ball with it! 

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

My dad plays tennis and pickleball. I played baseball until I hurt my shoulder in 2014 and couldn’t play the game anymore.  I couldn’t play tennis so I started playing pickleball with my dad, and the rest is history.

What’s your preference – playing indoor or outdoor?

I prefer playing outdoors because indoors has bad lighting. I like playing the wind. 

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I like BOTH- mostly doubles though- I like having a partner to keep me positive. 

What’s your favorite place to play? Why?

My favorite place to play is in Simi Valley at Lemon Park. They have wind screens, lights and courts that are even. 

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

My secret sauce are spin third shots and spin dinks as well as a 2 handed backhand. I also play right and left handed! 

What’s your day job?

My day job is going to school and playing pickleball! 

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

I play at least 14 hours a week and in the summer it will be more.  I complete my homework first then I go out for 3 hours Tuesday and Wednesday and then the weekends I play from 7 am-Noon.

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

My lucky ritual is wearing different colored socks when I play as well Neon shirt and shorts! 

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

I would like to win a 5.0 event.

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

Practice, Practice, Practice and smart shot selections! My mom and dad taught me to do 30 cross-court dinks as a start to learning, then moving to the backhand. Now I can do 100 cross court dinks because I have practiced so much! Having a 2-handed backhand (on the left side) and being able to play both right and left handed! When I make a great shot selection or hit a winner….. I say…..” I LOVE THIS GAME”!!!!!!