Crowd of people watching a pro men's pickleball match.
Today's pros have a variety of interests away from the court. PPA Tour

What if pickleball wasn't in the picture? Players share alternative career choices 

Ever wonder what life would be like if you chose a different path?

What if you went to another college, switched your major, picked a different fraternity or sorority, or moved to a new city?

I recently caught up with a few pros in Atlanta to learn more about their alternative career choices if professional pickleball hadn't come calling.

Mary Brascia: “I graduated with my film degree from Biola University, so I would be trying to work in LA on some sort of reality TV show.”

Hurricane Tyra Black would be a veterinarian. 

Hunter Johnson has a genuine passion for golf. We might’ve seen him competing on the PGA Tour alongside the likes of World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler in another life. 

Anna Leigh Waters: “I’d probably be playing soccer in college.”

Jade Kawamoto would be a marine biologist. 

JW Johnson: “I’d love to be in the NBA, if I was tall enough.”

Lauren Stratman would be a stay-at-home mom. 

Jay Devilliers: “I would be involved in sports journalism or commentating. I love the stats behind a game.”

Parris Todd: “I would be in the clothing and fashion space. I'd design or start a clothing company.”


Anna Bright: “I'd be working at a tech company as a project manager.” 

Dylan Frazier: “I’d be an accountant. That’s what I was studying in college before I turned pro.”

Ben Johns would put his engineering degree to good use by “doing some material science engineering because it’s fun.” 

Rachel Rohrabacher earned a master's degree in social work with a concentration in counseling and therapy, so she’d be a sports mental health counselor.

Vivienne David: “Before pickleball, I was thinking about potentially opening up a bakery or working at a bakery. I love making homemade bread, pastries, cookies, and sweet treats.”

Salome Devidze: “I love cars, so I would be doing something in cars, whether it’s building RVs or working on old cars.”

If it weren't for pickleball, these players would be involved in a variety of professions.

But, they all agree that hitting the court with their peers is truly a blessing.