Turning professional is never easy, especially for someone like Alix Truong, whose parents were initially bewildered by her decision to pursue a career in an emerging sport.

But after earning their support, she fully committed to the professional circuit, relocating across the country more than once to train and compete alongside top-level players. 

“I’m a strong believer that you can only get better with experience, so whether that means tournament experience or just hitting against the best, when you practice against the best, you’re picking up on things when you see it in front of you,” explained Truong. “Film study is important, but physically being there and seeing the experimentation with shot selections, strategies, and patterns, it’s so helpful.”

During tournaments, Truong enjoys sitting courtside, taking in the action and studying the competition up close.

“That’s one of the things I love most about pickleball, there’s always new things. The game is constantly evolving and changing, so you have to keep up and always be watching what other pros are doing,” she said. “When I finish my match, I sit and watch more pickleball and learn what the next team is doing. It really is an obsession.”

Truong first relocated to Utah to elevate her training environment and improve.

Being drafted onto MLP teams has further honed her skills, allowing her to grow and compete with some of the best in the sport.

“Early 2022 was when I hit the pro scene,” said Truong. “That's when I really gained my footing and got experience there in Utah.”

Last year, Truong relocated to South Florida, home to the majority of professional pickleball players.

The move has already proven to be highly beneficial for her career.

“Literally 80% of the tour lives down there,” confirmed Truong. “I live five minutes from the main practice facility, so when we’re home, it’s so nice for training.”

Truong enjoys hitting the gym, running drills, and training with Layne Sleeth, as well as her brother, Jonathan Truong.

Jonathan’s signing with the PPA Tour has been a boost for Alix as well.

Having grown up playing tennis together, they frequently trained and competed against each other, and their close rivalry and support continue to shape their pickleball careers.

“Growing up, we were pinned against each other, so it was always me versus him in tennis. We kind of hated each other on the court, but he was always a great training buddy for me and helps me get better,” said Truong. “When we play pickleball now, it’s great. He’s a guy, so he has these fast hands, fast reflexes, and hits the ball really hard. It’s so helpful for me to train with him.”

The Truong siblings have also teamed up at PPA Asia tournaments overseas and achieved notable success.

“When we play together, we have this weird sibling thing where we barely talk on the court. I don’t know how it works,” concluded Truong. “He’ll hit a ball and I’m right behind to cover him, he puts it away, and it works out great. I hope we can keep working on those patterns and playing to our strengths.”

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