Brooke Buckner is proof that you can have it all—if you're willing to work harder than everyone else. A University of Michigan tennis legend and former D1 coach, Brooke traded the sidelines for the center court and quickly skyrocketed to the Top 5 in the world in singles.
Fresh off an MLP Challenger Championship with the Las Vegas Night Owls and a Bronze at the World Championships, Brooke joins Rick and Fabian to discuss her incredible rise. She pulls back the curtain on being the first-ever Agassi x Joola signature athlete, the intensity of battling Anna Leigh Waters, and the chaotic reality of balancing life on tour with three young children.
From competing while pregnant at the highest level to the specific mechanics of her lethal "Inside-In" forehand, this episode is a masterclass in grit, technique, and time management.
🔑 Key Takeaways
The "Supermom" Feat: Brooke played pro singles at 20 weeks pregnant and MLP doubles at 32 weeks pregnant.
The Agassi Connection: How a chance meeting in NYC led to Brooke becoming the face of Andre Agassi’s signature Joola paddle line.
Signature Shot: Brooke breaks down the "Inside-In Forehand"—running around the backhand to freeze the opponent.
The 5 PM Rule: How Brooke structures her training to ensure she is home every evening for family time.
The Future of Talent: Brooke’s take on how the first generation of "Pickleball-only" athletes (non-tennis background) will change the singles game.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Guest introduction and Early Career
01:36 Current Status and Future Plans
03:58 Journey into Pickleball
10:21 Balancing Family and Career
14:36 Training and Competition
17:49 Playing While Pregnant
19:57 Reflecting on Pickleball's Growth
21:38 Partnership with Agassi x Joola
22:30 Meeting Andre and Joining Joola
23:14 Designing the Paddle
24:34 Signature Shot: Inside-In Forehand
26:21 Finding Doubles Partners
28:07 Playing Both Sides
29:06 Coaching Insights and Challenges
30:46 Biggest Failure and Success
35:40 Future Plans and Excitement for Pickleball