Meet The Pros - Roxanne Pierce

Meet The Pros – Roxanne Pierce

Roxanne has been an athlete all of her life.  She easily admits her early addiction to pickleball. Enjoy!

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

My 1st tournament after starting pickleball outside of New Mexico was the 2011 USAPA Nationals - I took the silver in age singles.

Other wins include:
2015 USAPA Nationals - Women's Doubles  with Cookie Drake - Silver, Mixed Doubles with Scott Lennan - Silver and Women's Singles - Silver
2014 USAPA Nationals - Mixed Doubles with Scott Lennan - Gold, Women's Singles - Bronze and Women's Doubles with Pat Nissan - Silver
2013 USAPA Nationals - Mixed Doubles with Scott Lennan - Gold and Women's Singles  - Silver
2012 USAPA Nationals - Women's Singles - Gold,  Open Women's Doubles with Gigi LeMaster - Bronze, Women's Doubles - Silver

What paddle do you play with and why?

Right now, I play with the Evoke Graphite by Onix Sports. I like the touch, power and weight.  Looking forward to Onix coming out with a long paddle.

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

I lived in Albuquerque when I was first introduced to pickleball. There was an article in the local paper, the Albuquerque Journal, which introduced the game. At that time, the USAPA Pickleball Ambassador for Albuquerque was Bill Marshall.  He included his phone number in the article so I gave him a call.  I was on the indoor courts at a community center the very next day.  I liked it, but it wasn't until a month later, when the game went outdoors, that my pickleball addiction began.

What’s your preference – playing indoor or outdoor?

I absolutely prefer to play outdoors.  I will only play indoors if there is no possibility of playing outdoors for at least a month.

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

If I'm in shape, I prefer singles.  I like the pickleball workout and if I screw up there are no apologies to be made.  Everybody wins when we play together!

What’s your favorite place to play? Why?

I don't have a favorite place - it's always where the best pickleball people are that make pickleball such a great sport.

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

Not sure what you mean.  I definitely play the best when I've had a good night's sleep and eat and hydrate well.

What’s your day job?

I have been retired from the Albuquerque Fire Department (firefighter, paramedic, dispatcher) since 2003.

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

I average about 12 hours a week.  No trouble making time for pickleball- it's one of my first priorities.

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

Can't say that I do.  I'm not a superstitious person.  Again, if I can sleep, eat, hydrate and stretch well, I feel ready.

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

To stay in contact with all the awesome pickleballers I've met and play the game into old age.

Roxanne is a true inspiration for anyone who is looking for a pickleball role model.  Thank you Roxanne for sharing some of your story with our readers!