Luana (Lulu) Stanciu - THE Pickleball show with Curtis Reese - 11/2025

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