Meet The Pros: Tyler Wren

USAPA Ambassador John Gullo of the Ogden, Utah area, gets the credit for introducing pickleball to Tyler Wren. Enjoy!

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

Gold 2016 Fall Brawl Mixed Doubles (Christine McGrath)
Gold 2016 US Open Tournament Men's Doubles 25+ (Oliver Strecker)
Silver 2016 LeMaster - Davison Classic Mixed Doubles (Christine Barksdale)
Gold 2016 Southern Utah Pickleball Shootout Men's Doubles (Randy Zbinden)
Gold 2015 Northern Utah Indoor Championships Men's Doubles (Larry Moon)
Gold 2015 Tournament of Champions in Mixed Doubles (Christine McGrath)
Gold 2014 Northern Utah Indoor Championships Men's Doubles (Larry Moon)
Gold 2014 Northern Utah Indoor Championships Men's Doubles (Larry Moon)
Gold 2013 Northern Utah Indoor Championships Men's Doubles (Larry Moon)
Silver 2013 Singles 19+ at USAPA Nationals
Gold 2012 Singles 19+ at USAPA Nationals

What paddle do you play with and why?

Paddletek Tempest for doubles and the Bantam EX-L for singles. I love the touch of the Tempest and power of the Bantam. I played with other paddles in the past but they would break down after 6 months of hard play. They started to dent from hitting the ball. I've never had a problem with Paddletek paddles and I love the way they play.

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

I have a tennis background. I was waiting at the courts one day to meet my friend who was running late (as usual). John Gullo called me over to the newly built courts at Mt. Ogden and told me I should give it a try. I got hooked pretty quickly. I met Kyle Klein soon after and he convinced me to start playing tournaments. I've been playing competitively ever since. 

What’s your preference – playing indoor or outdoor?

Outdoor for sure. 

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I've always preferred singles but it's not easy finding opponents since most prefer doubles. I would love to start practicing singles more. But I've really grown to love both men's and mixed doubles.

What’s your favorite place to play? Why?

I loved the venue at the US Open last year in Naples, Florida. The Championship Court was amazing. But you can't beat the views at my home court here in Ogden, Utah. 

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

Serving and returning deep is a huge key. That will help set up the entire point. I'm also not known for my patience. :) I like to get the party started by hitting hard shots or lobs to keep my opponents on their toes. 

What’s your day job?

I've worked in wholesale for most of my career. I sell products to all the major retailers in the country. I also love real estate investment and own a few other side businesses. 

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

Probably 5 - 10 depending on the time of year. We've been meeting at 5 am to play for a few hours before work.  

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

'In my experience, there's no such thing as luck.' But it takes me quite a while to get into the game, so I make sure to have an extra long warm up and play practice points before I start a match. Having a super awesome partner that carries you helps a little too!

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

I'd love to practice singles more this year so I can be more competitive. It's been super fun watching new tennis players entering the sport.

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

 I have twin daughters that are almost 2 years old. I can't wait to start teaching them the sport. I'm sure they'll be a top women's doubles team in about 15 years. :)