Meet The Pros - Katie Dyer

Meet the Pros – Katie Dyer

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

2018 USAPA Nationals, Women’s Doubles Age 35+ with Mary Helen Atkins– Gold
2018 USAPA Atlantic South Regional, Women’s Doubles with Sarah Parker - Gold
2018 Texas Open, Women’s Doubles Age with Kasandra Gehrke- Gold
Women’s Doubles Pro with Kasandra Gehrke - Bronze
2018 Scheels Capital City Classic, Women’s Doubles with Kasandra Gehrke – Gold
2018 Colorado Open, Women’s Doubles with Stephanie Lane - Gold
Mixed Doubles with Jesse Taylor - Silver
2018 Logan Stanley Memorial Classic, Women’s Doubles with Stephanie Lane – Gold
Mixed Doubles with Jesse Taylor - Silver
2018 Trussville Charity Classic, Mixed Doubles with Jesse Taylor - Gold
2018 Grand Canyon State Games, Women’s Doubles with Mary Helen Atkins – Silver
Mixed Doubles with Dave Glendenning – Bronze
2018 East Naples Winter Classic, Women’s Doubles with Joanne Russell – Silver
Mixed Doubles with Jesse Taylor – Gold
2017 USAPA Atlantic South Regional, Women’s Doubles 4.5 with Gretchen Ratchford - Gold
2017 Georgia Mountain Fall Classic, Women’s Doubles with Leanna Camper – Gold
2017 Pickleball Nashville Labor Day, Women’s Doubles 4.5 with Kristin Parvin, - Gold
Mixed Doubles 4.5/5.0 with Jesse Taylor - Silver
2017 Battle on Beech Mountain, Women’s Doubles 4.5/5.0 with Noa Geyne – Silver
Mixed Doubles 4.5/5.0 with Joshua Cook - Silver
2017 Atlanta Open, Women’s Doubles 4.5 with Noa Geyne – Gold
Mixed Doubles 4.5 with Joshua Cook – Gold

What paddle do you play with and why?

I play with the Selkirk Amped Epic. The paddle gives me great touch at the kitchen line as well as power and control. The longer handle is perfect for my two handed backhand. I also prefer a very thin grip, which I believe gives me more feel and precision with my shots.

What is your pickleball story? How were you introduced to pickleball?

I played college softball and love playing practically any sport. Four designated pickleball courts were built in Collegedale, Tennessee, one mile from my house and another mile from my work. My friend, Chuck Daniels, encouraged me to try out the new sport, sending me weekly text messages with the entry-level wooden paddle link on Amazon. After four consecutive weeks of messages, I ordered the paddles and have been hooked ever since.

What is your preference – playing indoors or outdoors?

I only play outdoors. After a long day of working indoors, I am always ready to get outside and play with friends.

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I definitely prefer doubles. I enjoy the teamwork aspect that doubles brings to the table as well as the strategic part of the game.

What is your favorite place to play? Why?

My favorite place to play is Indian Wells, California at the 2018 USAPA Nationals. It was my first Nationals and winning a gold metal certainly was the highlight for me.

What is your secret sauce? Any tips for players?

My two-handed backhand is my signature shot. I love generating topspin, dropping in the kitchen or holding a misdirect shot until the last moment. I encourage players to play with many different types of pickleball players, whether bangers or dinkers. Play your game. Often times we find ourselves falling into our opponents’ style of play. Know what your strengths are and stick to them. Improve your weaknesses during drilling practice.

What is your day job?

I am a pharmacist at a specialty compounding pharmacy, Solutions Pharmacy, in Ooltewah, TN. We are licensed in 23 states and ship out all over the country. I meet patients all over the United States, and I am personally rewarded with the ability to affect a patient’s quality of life.

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

I play three to four hours approximately three to five days a week. I do not get off of work until 5pm or 6pm and am eager to get to the courts to exercise and enjoy quality time with friends.

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

I do not have any lucky rituals before a tournament. I do, however, focus on hydration and getting plenty of rest before the tournament. I practice diligently the week prior to the tournament on third shots, dinking, and quick hands drills.

Do you have any pickleball goals you would like to share?

I would love to win an open pro event in women’s and mixed doubles.

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

I would like to thank my family for their continued support and encouragement. I would also like to thank Selkirk Sports for their sponsorship in helping me spread the love of this amazing sport.