Sunday, July 2, 2023

The Pickleball Lounge - JW Johnson - Ep. 15

  


In this episode of the Pickleball Lounge, host Dave Koji interviews professional pickleball player J.W Johnson. The show aims to explore the experiences and involvement of influential members in the pickleball community. J.W Johnson, known for his calm demeanor on the court, discusses his composure and reveals that he may get fired up or annoyed internally during intense games. However, he maintains a calm exterior, especially during regular pickleball tournaments.

When asked about his off-court personality, J.W mentions that he may get a little animated but overall remains calm like he is on the court. Dave also highlights the calmness shared by J.W's family, including his sister Jorja, who occasionally shows more excitement during games.

Dave then moves on to discuss the importance of friendships on the tour. J.W acknowledges the significance of having friends on the tour, as they provide emotional support and act as practice partners, helping each other improve their game. He specifically mentions his close friendships with Dylan Frazier, Pablo Tellez, Federico Staksrud, and Gabriel Tardio.

Being a Franklin-sponsored player, J.W briefly talks about the pressure of performing at a certain level as a representative of the company. He admits that there is some pressure but emphasizes that he enjoys it as it pushes him to do his best in tournaments.

As the interview progresses, J.W mentions that Franklin might be releasing new paddles in the future and expresses his involvement in the process of creating those paddles. He also reveals that several other players, including Sam Query, are sponsored by Franklin.

In terms of promoting Franklin, J.W mentions that he sometimes gives other professionals the opportunity to try Franklin paddles, but ultimately, it's a personal preference for each player.

Lastly, Dave asks J.W about turning pro at a young age. J.W explains that turning pro brings excitement and confidence, giving players a chance to prove themselves in the sport. It also allows them to explore different partnerships and gain exposure among other professionals.

Overall, the interview provides insights into J.W Johnson's calm demeanor, his relationships with other players, and his experiences as a professional pickleball player sponsored by Franklin.

Friday, June 30, 2023

Get to Know Jorja Johnson!

 

0:01 When did you start playing pro? 0:45 Who do you look up to? 1:01 What are your main challenges? 1:14 When was your most memorable win? 1:26 How would you describe Pickleball? 1:32 How has Pickleball changed? 2:01 What is your health regimen? 2:32 What are your aspirations for Pickleball? 2:45 What is a typical day like in the Johnson household?

In a recent interview, Jorja Johnson shared her journey and experiences in the world of competitive pickleball. Jorja revealed that she made the decision to turn pro approximately two years ago when she witnessed her brother, JW, traveling to tournaments. Inspired by his dedication, she decided to join him and pursue a professional career in pickleball.

For Jorja, one of the most enjoyable aspects of participating in tournaments is the opportunity to meet and interact with a diverse group of people. She mentioned that she has made numerous friends on the tour, and these gatherings allow her to connect with players from all across America. Jorja expressed gratitude for the chance to come together and compete with these individuals, as it allows her to maintain a sense of community and camaraderie.

What makes pickleball particularly special to Jorja is the wide range of people she encounters from various backgrounds and sports disciplines. Unlike tennis, where athletes often train their entire lives to become professionals, pickleball attracts individuals from diverse walks of life and sporting experiences. Jorja finds it fascinating to hear everyone's unique stories and appreciates the inclusivity of the sport.

When asked about her role models, Jorja mentioned her mother and expressed admiration for Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic. She became a fan of Djokovic because he follows a gluten- and dairy-free diet, a lifestyle choice that resonated with Jorja when she was a child.

Overall, Jorja Johnson's interview provides insight into her journey as a professional pickleball player, emphasizing the joy of meeting new people, the inclusive nature of the sport, and the role models who have influenced her career.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Monday, May 1, 2023

MAJOR Upsets On PPA Tour In Newport & The Amazing, Untold Story of Pro Jorja Johnson

 

0:00 - The James Ignatowich Show Episode 14 Trailer 🎬 0:20 - Jorja Johnson background 🏓 4:55 - 2023 PPA Newport Beach Doubles Shootout Recap 🥇 14:20 - Jorja + Anna Bright Men's 5.0 Paddle Tap Tourney Champs 🤭 17:50 - Jorja to college? 📚 19:00 - Jorja's dream job 🏞️ 19:50 - Jorja stuck on a deserted island 🏝️ 22:15 - Top 5 nicest players in pickleball 🙂 29:35 - MLP or PPA? 😯

The Beer City Pickleball Open treats The Johnson Siblings Well

  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jorja Johnson (@jorjajohnson_pb) Read  Forbes  Article