Meet The Pros: Tracy Worley Hagen

Meet The Pros: Tracy Worley Hagen

We are loving the influx of tennis players who fall in love with pickleball. Tracy played Wimbledon in '82. She is a class act! Enjoy!

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

2016 USAPA Nationals in the Women's Doubles 55+ with Wendie Mahan- Gold
2016 US Open Women's Doubles 50+ with Kris Anderson - Bronze
2016 Tustin Winter Classic - Mixed Doubles with Sid Crossley - Bronze
2014 USAPA Nationals Women's Doubles 50 with Kris Anderson - Gold

What paddle do you play with and why?

I am sponsored by Paddletek and I love playing with the Paddletek Graphite Tempest.

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

I've competed in tennis for 40 years, played Wimbledon in 1982, and I was ranked #1 in Women's Doubles in the 50's nationally. I started playing pickleball 3 years ago and I'm addicted. Here's why: It's easier on my shoulder than tennis, mainly because of the serve. It's also easier on my knees because I don't have as much court to cover. It's super satisfying to hit the ball with that noise it makes on the volley. It's fun playing with men and women together, as pickleball is more of an equalizer than tennis.

It's obvious to me why the sport is growing so fast because anyone can play it, whether or not they played another racquet sport. Obviously if they did, they start out with an advantage from a hand/eye coordination standpoint.

The only negative I've found in pickleball is that fact that tennis courts are being cannibalized at a rapid rate everywhere! But besides that, I love my new sport.

What's your preference - playing indoor or outdoor?

 I prefer playing outside because we have great weather here in Southern California.

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I prefer doubles because there is more strategy and less court to cover.

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

Secret sauce for competitions is the same as for tennis: shade, lots of protein, rest legs in days immediately before the competition to have strength to go the distance late in the day. Advice: Try it!  You'll like it...

What's your day job?

I own a video production company called Video Resources in Santa Ana, California. I'm recently widowed and I have 2 children. I'm also a 4-time Mayor of Tustin, California, my home town where I still live.