Meet The Pros - Lynn Syler

Met The Pros – Lynn Syler

Lynn is a terrific competitor, an awesome doubles partner and on top of all that, she is a really nice person, both on and off the court.  Enjoy! 

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

2017 International Indoor Women's Doubles Open - GOLD
2017 State of Oregon Games - Mixed and Women's Doubles Open - GOLD
2017 Coeur d'Alene Classic- Mixed and Women's Doubles Open - GOLD
2017 US Open Women's Doubles Age 35+ - GOLD
2016 US Open Mixed 40+ - GOLD
2016 US Open Women's Doubles 40+ - Silver

What paddle do you play with and why?

I play with the Selkirk 20P-XL Epic Composite.  It has amazing touch and power.

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

I was introduced to pickleball in High School in WA State.  It was a Physical Education Class combined with Badminton.  Picked it back up 20 years later at the local community center about 5 years ago.  I started competing in tournaments for fun and exercise.

What’s your preference: playing indoor or outdoor pickleball?

Since I live in Washington State, I play indoor about 8 months and outdoor about 4 months out of the year.  I'm working on my outdoor game as often as I can.  I appreciate PickleballCentral for building Pickleball Station . . . it's an indoor facility with 4 outdoor surface courts.

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I like doubles.  It's how I learned to play.  If you play singles you'll also know why: singles is super tough.

What’s your favorite place to play? Why?

I enjoy playing at the local venues outside Sehmel Park in Gig Harbor and Lake Tapps because we get great groups of people together to plan.  I also enjoy the indoor play at the local Lakewood Community Center and YMCA's.  I enjoy travelling for pickleball tournaments.  Some of the best places outside Washington are: anywhere in Arizona, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and Bend, Oregon.

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

Have fun while you're on the court.  Move your feet and watch the ball!!!!

What’s your day job?

I work at RBC Wealth Management as a Financial Advisor/Wealth Mananger.

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

I play about 12 hours a week.  It's almost a part time job.  I play a couple evenings a week and try to play Saturday and Sunday.  I play hard 3-4 times a week and take 3-4 days off a week.

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

I'd like to continue to grow as a player both physically and mentally, maybe break a few (swing) bad habits on the court too.

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

I feel blessed every day to have the ability to play.  I'm looking forward to being able to play into my 80's . . . or even 90's.  I think this sport will help keep me young physically and mentally as I age.  I've made so many great friends from recreational play.