Chris Karges - Small Conquers All

[00:00:20] Speaker A: Welcome to Infinite Human, where we explore our limitless potential through conversations with guests who have achieved greatness, overcome challenges and work to find their purpose. We aim to share and inspire you to do the same. I'm your host Shona Kerr. I'm a college coach, professor and businesswoman who is eager to learn from and sharing the wisdom of others with you and onto the. [00:00:52] Speaker B: Foreign. [00:00:58] Speaker A: Welcome and thank you for listening. Firstly, a little bit about me and about the show. I'm your host Shona Kerr and I'll be interviewing a vast array of people with the aim to inspire and motivate you to do just one more thing to make yourself better or to make others better and to just take that first step in any area of life you've been contemplating. Infinite Human is a show designed to explore the many things that humans are capable of and can achieve and to share exactly how they did it. This could be amazing feats of accomplishment or battling through some of life's hardest challenges. I'm from London, England and currently reside in Connecticut, usa. There are many similarities and many differences in what I left behind at home and how life presents itself in the us. These comparisons are always fascinating to me and I look forward to sharing and comparing notes with my guests for some background. I grew up with squash playing and squash socialising parents, which meant the local squash club basically became my home, of which there was one in every town. For those of you not familiar, it's a racquet sport played inside a court with a small rubber ball. Two people take it in turns to hit the ball against the wall and it's much like racquetball. Squash and playing musical instruments became my safe havens as a child and where I excelled. I went on to represent England, win the British University Squash Championships, played professional squash and won every skill level event available to me in the us. After completing a music degree in the UK and some failed job attempts, I arrived in the states three weeks before 9 11. I spent my last 20 pounds on two suitcases and moved to country to start a college squash coaching job. I'm still coaching college squash, albeit at a different university, 23 years later. This span of time has seen many ups and downs for me along the way, with some significant challenges in the last decade. The gift of these dared me to grow and evolve as a human and I look forward to sharing these as episodes unfold. Now, knowing that obstacles can be overcome and be used as great tools of progress, I want to explore how far the human spirit and ability can go. What I do know is none of us can get through this life alone. And I look forward to bringing and sharing many fascinating guests with you. In the meantime, I would love to hear what you'd like to know more about. Whether that be me, my guests, or a whole topic area you'd like us to address. Maybe you'd even like to be a guest. Please read out, reach out, let us know. Today's guest is Chris Kargis. Chris is a senior professional pickleball player, which means she's over 50. She is someone I got to know through owning a senior pro pickleball team, Austin Ignite, who play in the national pickleball League. It became clear that drafting Chris to the team last season was the best decision we made and she's back on our team for a second year. Chris also plays many tournaments throughout the year, including the U.S. open in Naples, Florida, and she's going to be telling us a little bit more about that later. Chris's story began as a tennis player, and an extremely good one at that. She went on to play college tennis at the University of Kentucky and then went on to coach college tennis at Purdue University with great success at both as she found the sport of pickleball. A number of years later, she had her own battle with breast cancer, which we'll discuss. She finds herself now healthy and one of the top senior pro pickle players in the world. I hope you enjoy getting to know Chris and are inspired by her journey. Hi there and welcome today to Chris Kargis, who is our special guest and going to talk with us today about her storied tennis career and coaching career and now turned pickleball superstar and inspirational all around. Amazing human and we can't wait to get to know you just a little bit more and share those stories with others. Chris, welcome. Please just give us a little introduction of yourself, who you are and where you've come from and set the scene for us. [00:05:10] Speaker B: Well, I come from Illinois, born in Joliet and one of three girls in the family and started playing tennis because my parents played. So I kind of got dragged to the courts and just loved hitting balls and playing. And I'm small. I'm only 5ft and I was small back then. So I started playing tennis with two hands on both sides and just whacking balls on a backboard and following my parents around. And then all of a sudden, you know, at eight years, seven, eight years old, I'm playing tournaments. So, so that's kind of how it started. And all of us in our family grew up just around tennis. [00:05:51] Speaker A: Did you love it right away or did it take a little time to sort of get into it? [00:05:55] Speaker B: I think I loved it right away, just hitting balls. I think I needed a little push from my dad in terms of playing tournaments. I was a little shy competing, a little reserved and wasn't the best at making line call. So I always got in trouble with that from my coaches because I was too fair. So I had to kind of learn the ropes of competing and standing up for myself. But I just, I love the fact of hitting a ball and being on the court and meeting a lot of friends. [00:06:28] Speaker A: And that's interesting that they had to push you in terms of the tournament side of things. But I will say eight, nine years old. That's quite young to be playing tournaments. [00:06:36] Speaker B: Yes. I mean, I was small. I mean I was tiny. I'd be out there. Everyone said the racket's bigger than myself, so. And I had a couple articles written, like great things come in small packages, you know, a couple reporters from the local town. But I just, I just loved it. And you know, my parents were involved, my sisters were involved. So it was something we did as a family. [00:07:00] Speaker A: And then siblings wise. That was something I was going to ask you. Siblings wise. How many siblings do you have? Are they older, younger, do they play? [00:07:07] Speaker B: So I have growing up. Yeah. I have a middle sister, she's four years younger and she played tennis at Northern Illinois and plays some pickleball and teaches some pickleball in the Rockford area. And then we have Nicole, who's 18 years younger than me. So she was born. I was on a little dial up phone at University of Kentucky dorm room and all of a sudden Nicole's born. So she kind of grew up coming to my matches at Kentucky and just following along suit. At first she wasn't really interested in sports, but then we got her involved as she got to be a little bit older and now she doesn't play tennis, but she loves to work out. [00:07:48] Speaker A: And how good was your middle sister? [00:07:51] Speaker B: Very good. [00:07:51] Speaker A: Did she try to rise to your level? Did you compete with each other? [00:07:56] Speaker B: Yeah, we were four years apart, so we never actually competed against each other, but we could practice together and my dad had his bowls out there and you know, she did great for Northern Illinois and was a great player, so. And still, still does play. [00:08:10] Speaker A: Wonderful. You mentioned obviously you were starting tournaments at the age of eight or nine. [00:08:14] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:08:15] Speaker A: And took a little push. At what point did you really take it seriously? Was it then or was it a little bit later? [00:08:22] Speaker B: It was a little bit later. You know, I loved the team aspect of it. And growing up playing junior tennis, there's not a lot of that. And the usda, you can start out playing on some teams, they have some team format, but most of it is individual cutthroat tournaments. And, you know, I always had to be kind of pushed into that. A little more reserved, a little shy. I really gravitated towards the team tournaments more. You know, once I got into high school and then college, I think I really blossomed, you know, into the player, you know, my best self as a tennis player. [00:09:01] Speaker A: That is fascinating that you felt. You felt more at home with the team format than individually, and people definitely differ on that, which is obviously ironic, and we'll get to it a little bit later. But the way, obviously, I met you as an applicable team and same kind of concept, we've got the individual aspect and now here on the team. So that's pretty neat all these years later. [00:09:27] Speaker B: Yeah. You know, I really think I just, you know, I love the support around me and supporting others on the team aspect and combining it with an individual sport. What's really unique in tennis and in pickleball, that you can combine both aspects, but I think the support from your teammates and the ability to help them, that's what really inspired me. To do better. To be better. [00:09:51] Speaker A: Right. I love it. I love it. To do better for others, because there's another reason I often think that's very motivating from a team. [00:09:58] Speaker B: Absolutely. Yes. [00:09:59] Speaker A: You don't get the choice to suck on that day. You need to bring it. [00:10:02] Speaker B: Right, right. And I think my college coach recruiting me at Kentucky, it was one of the first schools I visited, and I think he saw that in me. You know, he saw I was some raw talent, but, you know, getting around eight good women and two other coaches, he saw that I could really blossom into. Into being a great player. [00:10:23] Speaker A: Right, which you did. And we're going to get into that. Did you play any other sports growing up or was tennis it? [00:10:30] Speaker B: Tennis was it? You know, in, you know, there's always gym class and that in grade school and high school and they were, you know, the softball coach or the basketball coach would come out and say, hey, you know, will you play on our team? Were you playing our team? And I just. I never went. Wanted to risk it with an injury. And I was always just, you know, training in tennis clinics every day. But, you know, I had fun with it, you know, in gym class or in some off time. [00:10:55] Speaker A: I think that's Phenomenal. You must have been really good if the basketball coach was coming at you at five foot tall. [00:11:01] Speaker B: Exactly. Point guard. [00:11:03] Speaker A: That says something about your athleticism for sure. And then did you always know you wanted to play in college or was that, you know, something that came a little later? [00:11:14] Speaker B: I wanted to play professional right away, you know, as that 12 year old with all the posters of Bjorn Borg on my wall and Yvonne Gulagahn. I'm dating myself, but all those great names. I just knew I wanted to play professional sport. And you know, one thing that was always, you know, put upon me was my size. So that's something I had to overcome my whole life just being five feet tall. So that was something I always had to overcome with, you know, certain coaches and other players. [00:11:48] Speaker A: How did you overcome it? [00:11:50] Speaker B: Just, I think, you know, being mentally tough and being smarter, learning how to play the game and not get overpowered. So I had to really, you know, have a great vision of the court and my fitness, you know, had to be pretty high. [00:12:07] Speaker A: Yeah, I'm sure. And for the time that I've known you, I've seen those court smarts in action and that is no joke. Yeah, I wish I could have seen you play tennis more because that would have been phenomenal. [00:12:20] Speaker B: Yeah. And I think it just made me. I'm competitive naturally, but I think it made me even more competitive just knowing, hey, I've got to really be in this focused and competitive just to, you know, overcome that slight size. [00:12:34] Speaker A: Yeah, no full respect. And again, I think it's worked for you. You've made that happen. You found a way to do it and that is inspiring. It doesn't matter. It can be done. [00:12:45] Speaker B: Right, Right. Right. [00:12:47] Speaker A: So you headed off to Kentucky. [00:12:49] Speaker B: Yes. [00:12:50] Speaker A: And how was that to integrate and be part of that whole new universe for you? [00:12:56] Speaker B: I mean, I loved it. I went on my recruiting trip and we sat like front row and Rupp arena watched a basketball game versus Indiana University. And I was like, I'm in. You know, I was kind of that jockey into all different sports. So the, you know, the coach sort of wind us and dined us that way and I was sold. Right after I left I wanted to. I was recruited in the Big Ten by Northwestern and Illinois, but I wanted to go to the SEC because at that time it was a probably the premier conference and is one of the best now and just to play against other athletes because I grew up playing in the Midwest area. So by going into the Southeast Conference, you know, I could play against different players and I think that was a really good move for me. [00:13:46] Speaker A: Did you find the competition different? Did you find you were prepared? Were there any adjustments that needed to be made? [00:13:53] Speaker B: I think it was just playing new players, you know, which was great for me. Players from the Southern section. And so I really liked that. My freshman year, we came in with four new freshmen. The team was just getting rebuilt. A new coach had come in from Nick Volletaris, and he was gung ho on making UK on the women's, you know, putting it on the women's map if it was already a great school for men's tennis. And so he was determined, you know, to get this done. And so by our junior year, we ended up being six in the country, just through his recruiting prowess and your. [00:14:34] Speaker A: Leadership and contribution, Lily. [00:14:36] Speaker B: Well, we had. We had a great group, and we all worked really hard. The one interesting thing was I had three coaches in four years, you know, which. Which is odd. So that was the biggest, probably, challenge of my college career. Learning to play for three different players and not playing for the person that recruited you. [00:14:56] Speaker A: Right, yeah. No, that's difficult. As a college coach myself, I can see the challenges in that. And having to work with different philosophies of three different people in three different years. Were you able to maybe take the best of those three people, make that work, or how did you. How did you navigate that? [00:15:17] Speaker B: Yeah, absolutely. I mean, Mike Patrick recruited us, you know, and sold the school and the program on us. And unfortunately, you know, he left to coach a men's program. He was offered a little more money. And so, you know, we had our assistant who was phenomenal, and then we went on to another coach. But, you know, it hurt at first, Mike leaving, because we had this grand plan of building this great tradition, but we all adjusted. We all, you know, a couple of us looked at transferring, but we all got together and said, hey, if we stay together as a group, we're going to be great, you know, so let's. Let's just do it together. And I think that was a great decision for all of us. [00:16:00] Speaker A: Well, they were lucky to have you. And I know those leadership skills came into play, and you would have been integral to keeping that group. Group solid. Are you still in contact and friends with those first years that you started with? [00:16:12] Speaker B: Yes. And actually, my coach, Mike, he actually went on to coach at University of Tennessee, the women's team, and he is still in Knoxville, so we go out to dinner monthly, and we are still great friends, and so. And I keep up with a lot of the people on the team. So we have a great bond. Yeah, definitely. [00:16:33] Speaker A: And that's great to hear. And I do see it in my little world, college coaching. People become friends for life and it's such a special time. What were some of your favorite memories from your college playing years? [00:16:46] Speaker B: Gosh, just the old van rides. You know, back then you're getting a 15 passenger van and I remember one day Mike said we're driving from Kentucky to Niagara Falls, right. And that's quite a trip to play Syracuse. [00:17:00] Speaker A: So. [00:17:00] Speaker B: So just those bonding, you know, those 12 hour, 13 hour van rides, you know, after you play a match or before and just bonding with everyone on the team and the coaches, you know, they were human back then. Now sometimes, you know, the coaches travel differently, but we were right in there with our coaches. So just some great memories of traveling to tournaments and those long van rides and coming home and those are great memories for me. [00:17:28] Speaker A: Any big wins that you're notable that stick with you? [00:17:31] Speaker B: Wow. I mean, I think it was my first, very first SEC tournament at University of Georgia. And back then you played, if it gets to six, six in a match, the tiebreaker you play just to five points. So we were tied six games to six in the third set and four points to four. And the next point wins. It's not win by two. Oh my. And I was able to win that match and you know, we were able to go to the finals of the SEC championship. So I still remember that almost to that point, you know, that started as a freshman. So that's a great memory of mine. [00:18:09] Speaker A: You know, I bet you can still play that point by point and shot by shot, I imagine, actually. [00:18:16] Speaker B: Yeah. Yeah. And then I remember in the van ride home, our, you know, our coaches had like a little cooler of, you know, some wine coolers and one of the girls, you know, just having a couple and just breaking the trophy. So that's another, that's another funny, funny memory there. They don't do that anymore, you know, that stuff. [00:18:35] Speaker A: But yes, those were the good times. So. And you maybe won't bring this up, but you were a three time all SEC pick and I believe a two time SEC conference winner. Yes, if I have that correct. So how does that winning the conference not once but twice? [00:18:56] Speaker B: It was, you know, it was great. It was back then they did it individual. So you had one through six in the spots in the conference tournament. You didn't play team against team. You played like court one versus court one. So I played all the, you know, whatever court you were playing on and so that's how you became a conference champion. It's a little different now. It's, it's a team format. But to get through that, I think my first two years I played court four and court three, and it was, was able to go undefeated at those numbers and then the same thing in doubles at a higher number. [00:19:37] Speaker A: So that's incredible. That's just, I mean, it's, it's difficult, difficult to compete, period. And to have that level of success and, you know, at 5 foot tall on the tennis court is just, again, it's inspiring. And it shows when people say, oh, I can't do that. Yes, you can. [00:19:58] Speaker B: Yes. And I remember growing up because I had, because I was small, I had played with two hands on both sides, which is unusual. And I remember my dad taking me to certain coaches, and one well known coach said, they'll never be a champion that has two hands on both sides, you know. And then after that you have Monica Selles and there's a few more to follow. But, you know, my dad didn't take his advice. We didn't try to change. We just stuck with it and plugged along and, you know, worked through that process. So I'm glad about that, you know, that he believed in me that way. [00:20:33] Speaker A: Absolutely. That's. Well, that's phenomenal. Support from your, from your family. [00:20:37] Speaker B: Yes. [00:20:38] Speaker A: And there's many ways to do everything, and it's, it's kind of cool when somebody finds their, finds their niche and makes that work. Having seen you play pickleball, I do not see both hands on both sides. [00:20:47] Speaker B: All the time, for sure. [00:20:49] Speaker A: That's just true. That's true, that's true, that's true. How. How did you find pickleball all these years later? [00:20:55] Speaker B: Well, I was coaching at a country club in Knoxville, and all of a sudden a lady comes over and says, hey, Chris, I play out at Teleco Village, which is a resort area. And she says, a couple people have brought, brought pickleball to our resort. And I said, what's pickleball? You know, and she said, oh my God, it's so fun. It's the new rage. And I said, well, if you can get me in touch with an ambassador at your club, you know, I'll help bring it to our club, which was, you know, about a 45 minute drive. So she gave me a couple names and I contacted a USA pickleball ambassador and we taped some lines down on our indoor courts, and that was the start of it. And one of the ambassadors says, do you want to hit. And I said, sure. You know, so I'm out there hitting and hitting, and he's like, do you like it? I'm like, this is pretty cool. This is really cool. You know, the next thing I know, you know, he calls me to play. The next thing I know, you know, a few months later, he's like, let's play a tournament. And I said, holy cow. You know, I'm not ready for that. And he's like, all of a sudden, I'm going to Nashville to play a 4, 5 tournament, and I've got no clue, no clue how to play. So that was my first experience with pickleball. [00:22:16] Speaker A: And tell me how that went. Because of us have played. We've all had that first tournament. [00:22:20] Speaker B: You won't believe this, but I was a banger. I was just getting groundstrokes from the baseline. I didn't have a clue. [00:22:29] Speaker A: And I want to see that on video. I hope that exists. [00:22:31] Speaker B: We gotta find that video. [00:22:32] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:22:33] Speaker B: And I'm like, wow, this is not the way to play, you know, especially with my size. So, you know, I was discouraged at first, you know, and I was like, oh, I don't want to play this anymore. And then all of a sudden, I'm like, let me figure this out, you know, so just, you know, talk to some people. One of my great advocates was Stephanie Lane from Nashville, connected with her, who's a legend, hall of Famer, and, you know, just said, hi, you know, can you help explain this game to me? And I, you know, watched some stuff on videos and, you know, figured it out. So. But there was a moment there was like, holy cow. You know, I don't know what this game is. I lost, didn't win a match. You know, I'm done with it. [00:23:17] Speaker A: You know, so got you. But you pushed through, and I think that is relatable. [00:23:22] Speaker B: Exactly. [00:23:22] Speaker A: It's relatable. I think we've all been there, and pickleball has that allure that it looks like a kid's game on the outside, and you start to realize there's so many nuances to it, and how difficult could this be? And then you realize, oh, I actually have to learn this sport. [00:23:36] Speaker B: And then it becomes an addiction, right? [00:23:39] Speaker A: Yes, it does. Yes, it. Yes, it does. And if anybody's learned how to play this game, it is certainly. So as you transitioned from tennis to pickleball, how did that happen? How was that for you? You know, what was going on in your life? [00:23:55] Speaker B: Well, what was going on is I was at a country club working and all of a sudden it's December 2017, and I get this diagnosis of breast cancer. And my mom had passed away of breast cancer at the age of 51. Definitely. We had been tested the BRCA gene testing and done all the testing and I was negative. But all of a sudden I go in for a routine mammogram and they didn't find anything. And I had an ultrasound, just protocol being. My mom passed away of it and I had an incredible doctor and I feel like I wouldn't be here unless she took the time to look at that ultrasound. And she said, chris, I see something, I'm not sure what it is. You know, the next day you find out and you get that diagnosis and you know, wow, you know, that was. That was earth shattering to me because I was, you know, here, this tennis instructor, transitioning possibly to pickleball and doing both, and all these busy things going on and all of a sudden the world stops. I remember going to the doctor and saying, you know, you're going to have this test tomorrow, and then on Monday, this test, and I said, hang on, I have to check my appointments, I have to work. And that was a wake up call. They said, chris, wake up. You know, this is first in your life. And that was a real wake up call for me and just getting my priorities straight and understand your health is everything and your health is number one in your life. So that really put things in perspective for me. And I was able to catch it early, thankful to my doctors, and had a lumpectomy and worked through that and then was able to continue teaching and then started my passion for pickleball. [00:26:00] Speaker A: So interesting. That sort of segmented your tennis to pickleball journey or it's came at that. Came at that time, yes. What was the hardest part about that for you? [00:26:15] Speaker B: About the breast cancer? About the diagnosis? [00:26:18] Speaker A: Yeah, the diagnosis and the treatment and going through that. [00:26:21] Speaker B: It was just the fact that I had seen my mom go through what she had gone through. They caught it very late with her. It was stage four. By the time she caught it, she had an older doctor and she felt the lump herself. And then of course, at this time, my youngest sister Nicole, you know, is 10 years old. You know, one of my moms gets this diagnosis. So it's very tough on the family and especially on Nicole being 10 and your mother gets that diagnosis. So for me, getting that diagnosis when I did, it just brought back memories of how tough my mom was and how much fight she had. And, you know, I was with her every step of the way. And it went from she got it in the breast, then the liver, and then the brain and the bones. And just seeing her fight through that, you know, I feel like it makes me the person I am today. [00:27:26] Speaker A: Yeah, that's. That's gotta be incredibly hard and to have seen it and then receive the same diagnosis and thank goodness they got you early. [00:27:36] Speaker B: Yes. [00:27:38] Speaker A: And I'm sure you have messages for us other women out there in making sure we don't go through that. Yes. [00:27:46] Speaker B: Get checked and make sure you have a great doctor. And I think that's why Nicole and I have a great bond right now. My youngest sister, you know, I was like a mother to her after that. She ended up, you know, helped her out, and she ended up going to college where I was working. So we have a great, great bond because of that. [00:28:07] Speaker A: I appreciate you talking about it. And yes, you are a great representative at the National Pickleball League Championship weekend when they. It was in October, and they did a really very nice breast cancer awareness event of which you were front and center. We appreciate you doing that and continuing to advocate for good treatment and advocating for yourself to get treatment and being checked. So just thrilled you're here to speak about it and compute. Obviously, you've gone on. And just recently we had the US Open in Naples and you had some wonderful success down there. Yes. How was that week for you? [00:28:51] Speaker B: It was a great week. You know, I love that tournament. And my first probably major tournament was probably 2018, playing the US Open. And I played with that ambassador. We played in the 4, 5, mixed doubles, and we got a bronze. And I thought, like, I had done it right. Four or five, I think we played. I'm not sure the age, but we got a bronze medal there. And then all of a sudden now, you know, looking back, I'm getting to play on that stadium court or zing zang court, you know, And I look back to 2018, when I was just happy to be there and look at that court. So it really came full circle, full circle for me. But I had some great partners this week. Started off with Martina Frantova, and we played the year before, and she's a wonderful human and improved so much. And we ended up getting to the bronze medal match and had a great match. She unfortunately, she pulled a muscle in her back so she could not hit any backhands. But we toughed it out, called the trainer and she toughed it out and ended up losing the bronze. But they played a great match. And then next thing you know, the Next day I'm playing with this 20 year old hotshot, Eric on Scenes, who is Jaime's son. And I was going to play with someone from Knoxville, one of the pros here, and he wasn't able to make it. So I contacted Jaime and I said, hey, would your son like to play? And here we are. And we just had a Great run through 12 matches and made it to the bronze. And he really made a name for himself all over social media. You know, he was doing. He probably hit 20 birds the whole match, but he was a joy to be on the court with. Great energy, a great fighter and we were just having fun and all of a sudden, you know, 10 matches in, it's starting to click. So we had a great run there. [00:30:59] Speaker A: That was fun to see you guys out there. And for those that are not aware, these two draws that Chris is mentioning are split age draws. One player must be over 50 and one player must be under 50. And it was incredible to watch you with, with Jaime's son there. He's Eric, Eric, Eric. [00:31:19] Speaker B: And he's probably what, 6, 63 or 6 4. And here I'm 5 at least. So at least it was like, you know, Mutt and Jeff on the court out there. [00:31:27] Speaker A: Well, one could look at it another way. It balanced, right? You got it covered and boy, he covered a lot of court, a lot of territory. I think he's going to be, he's going to be a massive fan favorite. Very entertaining to watch. [00:31:39] Speaker B: Very entertaining. Great. [00:31:40] Speaker A: So it was cool to see you both out there and then of then you had your great run in the, in the mixed doubles with Dave Warrenbach. [00:31:48] Speaker B: Who is an Austin and I teammate, and we had played, you know, a bunch of tournaments together and we usually did really well. We usually medaled. We get along, I think because of our energy. You know, he's very high energy and I like that, you know, out of my partners on the court and I can kind of calm him down and stay grounded. And we just both want to win so badly, you know, I think that really drives us. And he's very intelligent out on the court. Obviously he's got ton of experience and I love that about him and we communicate really well out there. So we had a great run beating Gingrich and Bagby, who were the one seed and the semis and then getting to the finals and losing to Jaime and Lee in a very entertaining match. But we had a great run out there and thoroughly enjoyed playing with Dave. And he is, you know, a fan or crowd favorite. I would have to say at the U.S. open? [00:32:50] Speaker A: Oh, very much. Yes. Yes. People. People are lining up to say hi. And I will say he could not have spoken more highly of you in your win against Gingrich and Bagby. He really did give you all the credit, so. And well deserved, for sure. What is it? Well, what is it like? So the US Open, it's held at East Naples Community park. There are 64 or so pickable courts there, which is just expansive, and one beautiful covered stadium court called the Zing Zang Court. And it's pickleball Channel, I believe, broadcasts that court throughout the tournaments. What is it like playing on that court? I mean, there's got to be 500 people when it's full and of course, goodness knows, however many watching live on the pickleball channel. So what is that really like when you're out there? [00:33:46] Speaker B: Fortunately, I love that. I love that atmosphere, you know, I think feeding off the crowd's energy and just watching their faces or interacting between points, you know, it keeps me loose. You know, I love to be out there on the court, you know, moving around, giving it my best, entertaining and, you know, giving a good look at pickleball. That's the way I look at it. You know, we're doing it for the fans, you know, and we're giving them a great product. It's very. The one thing about playing in there, it's hot. It's very stifling, you know, in there because it is covered, you know, and it's hot and humid. But, you know, just remember to breathe and that sort of thing out there and, you know, but just feeding off the crowd's energy, I think is what, you know, what really helps in that atmosphere. [00:34:39] Speaker A: And it's. It's a cool time of year to see all the Chris Carjis outtakes and clips and highlights that get posted from that video footage. And that's always wonderful to see, too. So clearly you do thrive in that environment. Super fun to see. What is life for you like outside racket sports? We know you play tennis a lot. You know, that's been your background. And now pickle and very seriously, teaching, coaching pickle and playing pickle. Yeah. What happens outside of that? Kris Carr just has to kick back somehow. [00:35:15] Speaker B: I like to go to the beach, and I have a nephew who's turning three and just getting obsessed with pickleball. And so that's my youngest sister's son. And we have, you know, we have a real connection and I appreciate them allowing me in his life, you know, so we have a great connection there. So I like to spend a lot of time, I'm going there this weekend to hang out with them. And you know, the other thing is just starting a new club in Knoxville. It's called Premier Pickleball of Knoxville. And so we will be opening that in September. And that's something I've always wanted to do, is kind of lead a charge in pickleball in the area and, you know, be able to bring some maybe exhibitions, a higher level of pickleball and some tournaments. And I've got a great partner in that and his name is Tito and he's a 30 year old great player and he's going to help me run the junior program. So we're really looking forward to getting junior pickleball started in the area also. So kind of that's next on my list in terms of, you know, just bringing this to life. It's been a two year project, you know, just building it and it's in the city. So that's kind of what we're working on now and we're really excited about going forward. [00:36:39] Speaker A: Tell us about the club. What does the club offer? How many courts does it have? What can people expect if they're in the area? [00:36:45] Speaker B: Our first phase, it's in the city. So it'll be the only pickleball club in the city in Knoxville. And we have six courts. We're doing them in blue, kind of like a PPA color blue. And they'll all be individually fenced and we'll have a good area for spectators. And the covering is called Clear Span, so it's an iridescent covering that covers the whole court, but it brings a little more light in. So that's our first phase. And then if it does really well, we've got plans for 12 more indoor and a food, beverage, you know, the dining, the babysitting. So that's our grandioso plan if we can get this off the ground first. So we're really looking forward to just bringing this to life to Knoxville. [00:37:34] Speaker A: Well, congratulations. And I have every confidence it's going to put Knoxville firmly on the map. We'll all be wanting to come and. [00:37:41] Speaker B: Hopefully we have an NPL event there. [00:37:43] Speaker A: Absolutely. I mean, we should, we should make that happen. We should make that happen. So talking of NPL, this is how you and I met and NPL standing for National Pickleball League. It's a 50 plus professional pickleball league of which there were six teams last year and is expanding to 12 teams this year. And Chris. We were very fortunate to have Chris on our Austin Ignite team last year as a captain and leader, and we couldn't be more thrilled to welcome her back. So how has the NPL experience been for you? [00:38:19] Speaker B: And again, being back on a team, it's been incredible. You know, a lot of us have been playing the regular App Tour or senior Pro Tour or PPA Tour, and this is a chance for all of us to get back together in one spot, you know, all the players on the NPL and be together for a weekend. So I think that was a real positive to bring everybody back together into one spot. And the other bonus is just having it in a team setting. I think sometimes the hard thing breaking into pickleball tournaments or leagues is getting partners. I think this gives people the opportunity to have a partner on their team or get an opportunity if they're a new 49 or 50 year old hotshot, right? Maybe some people don't know them, boom, they have an opportunity now to play with a great partner. And I just love that equality of it and you know, it's very inclusive. [00:39:28] Speaker A: And something that was wonderful for our team whilst in last year and having you there was your coaching experience and coaching abilities and how did they translate for you in that setting versus I know you coached collegiate tennis. [00:39:43] Speaker B: Yeah, I mean, I loved it. I have to be honest. I had to be really careful because the first few events I would be coaching every match I wasn't playing, you know, and then I'm like, okay, I've got to get my energy, you know, save some energy. And so I just started coaching the matches after I was done, you know, because I found if I started before I played, I got so wrapped up in that, you know, I wasn't focusing on my match, so just figured out that system. But that's probably definitely one of my favorite things about the league is the ability to go out there and help make a difference in your teammates, you know, be it, you know, boosting their confidence or helping them strategically. I mean, that's definitely one of my favorite things about the league to be able to do that. [00:40:35] Speaker A: We're grateful that you do and, and you are very good at it. I can confirm this. [00:40:41] Speaker B: Thank you. [00:40:43] Speaker A: So we're moving into our second season for the mpl. And what are your hopes, dreams, concerns, Anything you're looking forward to in particular? [00:40:57] Speaker B: Well, we have one returning player, Tina, who's fabulous and I got to play with her last year once and it was, it was great. So just, you know, meshing everybody Together again, these first five matches and then gelling for the championships. Last year, we won the regular season and then finished second in the championships. So this year, I think we'd really like to take that championship home. I think we have some great leaders on the team, great coaches on the team, and we have a great mix. So I'm really looking forward to blending everybody together and everybody finding their role. But I think we have great ingredients. [00:41:40] Speaker A: If someone's out there. And obviously, well, the matches for the National Pickleball League are all live streamed on YouTube, on the National Pickleball League Channel. And if I'm tuning in on a weekend and I'm watching Austin ignite, what players should I be looking out for? [00:41:57] Speaker B: Well, you gotta look out for Weinbach. You know, he's gonna be the entertainer, so I'm sure some people are gonna. Gonna try to watch him. You know, he's always entertaining on the court. But I think, you know, everybody. I mean, I think everybody offers something different on our team. You know, John Sperling's been around forever. You know, a cagey veteran that knows the game probably better than anybody. You know, Leslie Bernard's been out there playing forever and is a great, great competitor. Very gritty. And then you have Yvonne Tang, who, you know, the elder statesman of the group. But she's been in as many wars and battles as anybody out there. So I think we have a great, great mix of people. [00:42:43] Speaker A: And then what about the other teams, Irene, I think you have been privy to? Well, we all know who's on the. Who are on the team. Different teams now. So what teams do we need to be looking out for? What teams look exciting to you, man? [00:42:57] Speaker B: So I think Boca's going to be very good. They've got a. They've got, you know, some very good players. You know, the thing you never know about NPL is, you know, on a given day, you know who's playing what line, and, you know, it. A lot of it comes down to being really solid on courts two and three. You know, just keeping your nerve on court three, two and three, and grinding out those matches. Because on court one, you know, it could be 50, 50, right? The players could just be battling it out. They play each other all the time in tournaments, and that could be a 50, 50. So you're really relying on those lines 2 and 3, to gut it out and grind it out and find a way to win. We need, you know, really mentally tough people down there. [00:43:49] Speaker A: Yeah, no, I think you're right. I think the number One lines are going to be exciting no matter what, but the depth of the team is really what's going to bring home the actual W's and L's, and that's where the team coaching and experience and cohesion and attitude I think is going to come into play. And again, that's all something that I know you're extremely good at and that's why you're on our team. So we're thankful for that. [00:44:17] Speaker B: Thank you. [00:44:20] Speaker A: So any, any sponsors you want to give a shout out to? Folks that have helped you out as we wrap this up? [00:44:26] Speaker B: Selkirk's been an amazing sponsor for me for the past three years, helping me with, you know, paddles and gear and, you know, offsetting some expenses traveling on the tour. They've been great. Airfeet insoles are a fantastic product. I know other pros use them and they're a great insole, so they've been great with me also. And one of our clothing lines, Santa Barbara Pickleball, I've just started working with her recently this year, and she's doing some collaboration for Austin and Oklahoma City, I think Houston. And she has some great products out there and is willing to work with everybody and she's phenomenal just getting into the business. [00:45:12] Speaker A: Yeah, I would agree. It's great to have these partners out there. None of us can do this by ourselves and it's wonderful that we're all working together to make this amazing sport as successful as it can be and as accessible as it can be. And there are people like you sharing, showing those of us that are getting a little older how we can still be extremely competitive and vibrant. You know, actually just impressive in this sport. We can't thank you enough for that. And yeah, I just want to thank you for being here and giving us your time and getting us, you know, allowing us to get to know you a little better. And I have to say, you must, must, must follow Chris Kargis playing on Austin Ignite in the National Pickleball League this year. There is nobody tougher. I don't care about size and it's just truly inspiring and entertaining to watch. Thank you, Chris, so much for being here and we look forward to you competing this season. [00:46:09] Speaker B: Thank you. It's been great. [00:46:12] Speaker A: This has been ultimate human with me, Shona Kerr. Until next time, keep challenging yourself and make others better along the way.