DALLAS, TX – Jonny Andrews - aka “Jonny Pickleball” - was an avid player for years before turning pro in 2018.

Before entering America's fastest-growing sport, though, he served in the United States Army for six years as a Combat Arms Cavalry Scout stationed at Fort Benning, GA.

As the sole combat veteran on the pro circuit, Andrews prioritizes supporting fellow veterans while spreading the word about the positive impact of pickleball.

With that in mind, Andrews partnered with Engage Pickleball to release a camouflage  Pursuit Pro1 Power Series - Raw T700 Carbon Fiber Paddle.

“The paddle represents those that have severed, those who are currently serving, the families associated with the military, and those who've paid the ultimate sacrifice,” he said. 

When pros partner with companies to create signature paddles, the final product is often squarely focused on the player. Think, Jack Sock’s Selkirk paddle and Ben Johns'  JOOLA paddle. 

Andrews, however, was adamant about creating a paddle to represent an entire community. 

“I wanted to be a part of something bigger than just me. This paddle has the camo cosmetic from the military because of how many people it impacts throughout the world. I wanted this paddle to represent something more than anything else,” he explained.

Being a part of something bigger than himself was an important reason why Andrews enlisted in the first place. And he ultimately found a similar sense of community, belonging, and purpose in pickleball.

“When I completed my service, I found that it was very easy to get lost, especially when you come back into the world with the normal population of people. It can be very stressful, overwhelming, and challenging. People in the military struggle with that transition all the time. Those moments of being lost can really get to you mentally,” he shared. “All people need purpose and direction. That’s what they’re looking for. I had purpose and direction in the military, and when I found pickleball, that became my purpose and direction. For all veterans and people who leave the military with any ailments or any sense of feeling lost, pickleball is a great outlet to provide purpose, direction, and community.”

But when it comes to the paddle itself, Andrews had this to say...

“The shape makes the paddle more aerodynamic with increased swing speed. It has an elongated paddle handle as well, so it’s maximizing your spin and control. And, it has a big sweet spot too,” he confirmed.

Best of all, Engage paddles are proudly manufactured in the U.S. 

“Engage is one of the last paddle companies with products that are American-made, and that stamp Is a big deal for me,” concluded Andrews.

The Engage Pursuit Pro1 is already being celebrated by players of all levels, including pros, so click here to purchase the paddle and show your American pride.