The Pickleball Show with CurtisReese -Discuss the fast growing sport of Pickleball!

Nov 26

On this episode of The Pickleball Show with host Curtis Reese, rising PPA Tour professional Luana “Lulu” Stanciu shares her remarkable journey from Romania to the U.S., her transition from Division I tennis to pickleball, and her growing presence on the pro circuit. Her manager Martin Alexander joins as well for fun banter and insights 🎙️ About the Guest: Luana “Lulu” Stanciu- Background: Originally from Romania, Luana came to the U.S. to play Division I college tennis while earning her graduate degree.- Early Career: During grad school, she completed an internship that introduced her to the business side of tennis—covering event operations and coaching fundamentals. This led to a full-time role with Cliff Drysdale Tennis, where she became known for her energy, leadership, and ability to elevate club events.- Discovery of Pickleball: While working in tennis, Luana discovered pickleball and quickly fell in love with both playing and organizing the sport.🏓 Transition to Professional Pickleball- In March 2025, Luana officially joined the PPA Tour, competing in singles, doubles, and mixed events.- She has already partnered with notable players, including former world Top 20 tennis star Sam Querrey in mixed doubles.- Known for her strong backhand, athleticism, and relentless drive, Luana is carving out her place among emerging pros.📊 Recent Highlights- Ranked #63 in singles, #95 in doubles, and #112 in mixed on the PPA Tour.- Competed in major events such as the PPA Veolia Atlanta Open and PPA Orange County Cup, gaining valuable experience against top-tier opponents.- Recently featured in matches like the Fasenra Virginia Beach Cup, where she battled Mari Humberg in the singles draw.🌟 Why This Episode MattersCurtis Reese dives into Luana’s inspiring story—how her tennis foundation, professional experiences, and passion for event operations uniquely prepared her for success in pickleball. Listeners will hear firsthand how she balances competition, training, and her vision to help grow the sport worldwide.Takeaway: Luana “Lulu” Stanciu is not just a competitor; she’s a builder of the pickleball community, and her journey from Romania to the PPA Tour is one to watch.https://www.owlsnestresort.com/meet-luana-stanciu/https://www.instagram.com/luluonthecourt/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/Lul996/https://www.linkedin.com/in/luana-stanciu-637198193/https://youtu.be/sSfyVVA9oAE

Nov 13

Is DUPR Dead? Mike Barker's VAIR Rating System Might Just Bury It Guest: Mike Barker, Founder of VAIR Host Curtis Reese sits down with entrepreneur and former semi-pro football player, Mike Barker, the brain behind VAIR (Visually Assisted International Rating system), which is shaking up the world of competitive pickleball ratings. In this episode, Barker explains why he launched VAIR, a next-generation system that aims to eliminate the "Wild West" nature of current pickleball ratings. Unlike systems based solely on wins and losses, VAIR uses a Visually Assisted and AI-powered approach to calculate a player's actual skill level by taking into account factors like gender and age to create fairer matchups. The Hook: Discover why a win won't always raise your rating and how VAIR is designed to combat "sandbagging"—players intentionally playing below their skill level—to ensure a more enjoyable and competitive experience for everyone. https://www.vairified.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22460722776&gbraid=0AAAAA--Sk50nKlLBKP4i2JC7HdSJAbwf-&gclid=CjwKCAiA_dDIBhB6EiwAvzc1cC84khDTHf7OQtajpHo2n1rCudw3oVqM0-DUw5goi8J4i5QmIA_cZxoCRocQAvD_BwE https://www.vairified.com/opl?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22460722776&gbraid=0AAAAA--Sk50nKlLBKP4i2JC7HdSJAbwf-&gclid=CjwKCAiA_dDIBhB6EiwAvzc1cELoat0fBWZu26uppvdeSsKje07WZRSkevhBKN_WjsUZyuZb8m50ihoCdgoQAvD_BwE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_8ENI6kcus https://www.911exteriors.com/ https://youtu.be/zIr94r_3p9g

Nov 4

The Pickleball Show host Curtis Reese brings the heat in this dynamic episode, diving deep into the explosive world of racket sports with two standout guests who embody the sport's blend of innovation and grit. Leading the charge is Saad ""Sultan"" Noorsumar, the visionary force behind Pros on Wheels Racket Sports in Frisco, Texas—a premier training hub that's revolutionizing pickleball coaching for pros and amateurs alike. Known as ""Sultan"" for his commanding court presence and strategic mastery, Saad shares insider secrets on building elite-level skills, from dinking drills that sharpen reflexes to mental toughness tactics that turn matches around. Drawing from his hands-on work with top-tier players at his state-of-the-art Frisco facility, he reveals how pickleball's rapid evolution mirrors Texas's booming sports scene, complete with tips on customizing training for wheel-based agility (a nod to adaptive play) and spotting the next big trends in paddle tech.Joining the fun is Chris Stafford, a rising pickleball powerhouse and competitive player whose journey from casual courts to tournament contention is pure inspiration. As a key figure in the Stafford Pickleball collective—famous for pioneering paddle innovations that prioritize spin control and power—Curtis keeps the energy electric, weaving in timely pickleball news—like the surge in Frisco's community courts and adaptive sports initiatives—while extracting actionable advice for listeners at every level. Whether you're a weekend warrior or aspiring pro, this episode packs laughs, lessons, and a fresh take on why pickleball isn't just a game—it's the future of fun, fitness, and friendly competition. Tune in for paddle-popping wisdom that'll have you booking your next session. Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. #PickleballRevolutionhttps://www.facebook.com/prosonwheels2018/https://www.linkedin.com/in/saad-noorsumar-1a7749a9/https://www.instagram.com/coachsultan31/https://www.instagram.com/p/DLiU60IpCgo/https://www.instagram.com/p/DQU8zCWDh3R/https://youtu.be/2NwpbDt-lTE

Oct 24

In this episode of The Pickleball Show, host Curtis Reese Dinks into the business of pickleball and welcomes Rachel Chonko, the Editor-in-Chief of Peake Media and a driving force behind the explosive growth of pickleball’s business landscape. With over a decade of experience covering the sports and fitness industry, Rachel shares her personal journey into the sport and dives into the origins of Peake Media, a B2B publishing powerhouse founded to equip health and fitness pros with essential resources.Rachel traces Peake’s evolution from its flagship titles like Club Solutions Magazine, Campus Rec Magazine, and Community Rec Magazine to its bold 2024 launch of Pickleball Innovators, the parent company’s dedicated arm for empowering pickleball entrepreneurs. As the go-to hub for club owners, she highlights key trends like noise mitigation strategies, massive franchise expansions (think PickleRage’s 17 new deals in 2025 and Pickleball Kingdom’s global push into India and the UAE), and innovative venues like the 43-court mega-complex The Fort in Fort Lauderdale. Curtis and Rachel break down actionable advice for aspiring facility operators—from navigating urban noise complaints to capitalizing on pickleball’s social boom—while teasing the 2025 Pickleball Innovators Summit as a must-attend for industry trailblazers.Whether you’re a court regular or a business-minded player, this episode serves up insights faster than a cross-court dink. Tune in for laughs, strategies, and the inside scoop on why pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s the next big fitness empire.https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-chonko/https://pickleballinnovators.com/author/rzabonick/https://communityrecmag.com/author/rachel-zabonick/https://pickleballinnovators.com/how-technology-is-powering-the-modern-pickleball-club/

Oct 15

In this episode of The Pickleball Show, host Curtis Reese welcomes Chris Hagman, President of Atlantic Recreation, for an engaging conversation that dives deep into the booming world of pickleball. Chris shares insights from his decades of experience in the recreation industry, discusses Atlantic Recreation’s role in expanding pickleball access across communities, and explores the sport’s explosive growth in both competitive and casual circles. Whether you're a die-hard pickleballer or just curious about the sport, this episode offers a fresh perspective from one of the industry’s leading voices. Tune in and get inspired to hit the court! https://atlrec.net/about-2/meet-president/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherhagman/ https://www.acefitness.org/resources/everyone/find-ace-pro/dyw3w22/christopher-hagman/ resolutre.com https://youtu.be/R1TVANRKl4Q 8/28/2025

Sep 25

In this episode of The Pickleball Show, host Curtis Reese sits down with Todd Storch—a dynamic force in the world of pickleball. Todd isn’t just a passionate player; he’s also the newly appointed President and Chief Growth Officer of Revolin Sports, a company known for its high-performance, sustainable pickleball gear. Todd shares how he first discovered pickleball, what drew him into the game, and how it quickly became more than just a hobby. From backyard rallies to competitive courts, his passion for pickleball led him to a leadership role at Revelon Sports, a company committed to crafting high-performance, eco-friendly paddles and gear for players of all levels. Dive in for a fun conversation! https://revolinsports.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/revolin-sports/ https://www.instagram.com/revolinsportspickleball/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/ktoddstorch/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/ktoddstorch/ https://x.com/ktoddstorch https://pickleball.com/players/todd-storch https://youtu.be/3xIZr3eyDvA

Sep 23

In this high-energy episode, host Curtis Reese sits down with Andrew Britton, co-founder of The Kitchen Indoor Pickleball Courts, and rising PPA pro Luke Wasson for a deep dive into pickleball’s booming landscape. Andrew shares how a family vacation sparked his passion, leading to Utah’s premier indoor facilities in Woods Cross and Kaysville, with a focus on community-driven, intimate courts that keep players hooked year-round. Luke, a 20-year-old former golfer turned pro, recounts his accidental love for pickleball at a Mexican resort and breaks down his all-court style, fresh off a gritty Atlanta Slam win. From business insights to pro strategies, the duo dishes on favorite gear, under-the-radar tourneys, and bold predictions for 2026. Tune in for tips, laughs, and a front-row seat to pickleball’s unstoppable rise!Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. Follow @thepickleballshow, @thekitchenpickleball, and @lukewassonpb for more.https://ppatour.com/athlete/luke-wasson/https://www.instagram.com/luke.wasson_pb/?hl=enhttps://pickleball.com/players/luke-wassonhttps://www.picklewave.com/players/274214-luke-wassonhttps://www.instagram.com/andrewbritton_pb/https://www.tiktok.com/@andrew.britton__1https://youtu.be/nioiLXp_aC8

Sep 19

In this Show, host Curtis Reese sits down with Ridley Seguso, a rising star in the pickleball world with deep roots in professional tennis. Born on June 12, 1993, Ridley is the son of former Grand Slam doubles champion Robert Seguso—who won 29 doubles titles, including four majors—and ex-top-10 WTA player Carling Bassett-Seguso, a Canadian tennis prodigy who reached No. 8 in the world in 1985 and was the youngest winner of the Canadian closed championship at age 14. Growing up in this athletic dynasty, the now 32-year-old Ridley pursued a competitive tennis career himself, standing at 6-foot-3 and competing in USTA pro events, ITF junior circuits, and ATP qualifiers as a right-handed singles player. The conversation shifts to Ridley’s transformative entry into pickleball around 2022, which he credits with reigniting his passion for racquet sports while offering the social, accessible vibe that tennis sometimes lacked for him. Drawing on his tennis-honed skills—like precise volleys and court positioning—Ridley explains how he quickly adapted to pickleball’s faster pace and smaller court, transitioning from casual play to competing as an amateur in APP Tour events. He shares practical tips for tennis converts: focusing on soft hands at the net, mastering the dink to control rallies, and leveraging doubles experience for better partner communication—skills amplified by his family’s tennis legacy.Reese and Seguso also touch on the family dynamic, with Ridley reflecting on how pickleball brought the whole Seguso clan closer. They discuss the sport’s explosive growth, Ridley’s goals for climbing pro rankings, and how pickleball’s inclusivity helped him, turning it into a tool for resilience and community. Ridley also hints at his multifaceted life, including a LinkedIn profile noting his appreciation for skill-building and success in others. Packed with humor, insider strategies, and motivational stories, this episode highlights why pickleball is capturing athletes from traditional racquet sports.https://www.facebook.com/ridseguso/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ridley-seguso-6b511849/https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4nGg7HxKdiQhttps://pickleball.com/players/ridley-seguso