Meet The Pros - Tyler Sheffield

Meet The Pros: Tyler Sheffield

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

2015 Senior Men’s Doubles Silver Tournament of Champions 2015
2015 Senior Men’s Doubles Nationals Silver
2014 USAPA Nationals, Senior Men’s Doubles – Gold
2014 Tournament of Champions, Senior Men’s Doubles - Gold

What paddle do you play with and why?

Onix Evoke

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

We were building a basketball court in the back yard and looked on line to see if there wasn't a court game we could play.  I saw pickleball and made the basketball court a little bigger and we started playing as a family with a starter set of net and four paddles and some orange balls.  This sport has brought our family closer and created many opportunities for travel and togetherness.  Although, all buy my oldest son think I am a little too involved with a sport that uses a whiffle ball and involves dinking.

What’s your preference – playing indoor or outdoor?

Outdoor

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I wear a brace on my knee now, so I prefer doubles.  

What’s your favorite place to play? Why?

Our neighborhood owns a park and we put in a perfect dimensioned court.  Lots of space and fenced in.  The commute is great.  Love it when great players and friends choose to join me on this court.  

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

I don't think there are any secrets.  Too many good players.  I like to mix it up going soft and hard.

What’s your day job?

I am  retired as chief financial officer.

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

I probably play on average six hours a week - that's usually two days a week.

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

No rituals.

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

As I approach 60 years old I'd like to remain competitive in the senior brackets.

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

Best in the world?  Yikes.  Not sure that is the case.