Pickleball, Pageants & Pre-Game Jitters with Kenzie Welch

Kenzie Welch joins Smashing Plastic for a powerful conversation about pickleball community, pageant preparation, music, competition, and handling pressure before the big moment. Filmed at PickleRage in North Charleston, South Carolina, this episode blends pickleball culture with Kenzie’s journey as Miss Lowcountry Teen and her mission to reduce stress through music. Coach Tommy sits down with Kenzie to talk about representing the Lowcountry, preparing for Miss South Carolina Teen, using music to manage stress, and why confidence and kindness can coexist in competition. Kenzie also shares how her “Healing Chord” initiative helps children use music as an outlet during difficult times, plus how athletes can use playlists, routines, and purpose to stay grounded before tournaments, games, or performances. In the middle of the episode, Noah Winningham joins from PickleRage to talk about the new indoor pickleball facility in North Charleston, including 13 indoor courts, clinics, open play, round robins, socials, memberships, birthday parties, and opportunities for beginners through advanced players. From pickleball training and tournament nerves to pageant prep, performance mindset, and Lowcountry pride, this episode is all about community, competition, and finding your rhythm on and off the court.   Follow Kenzie: IG: https://www.instagram.com/misslowcountrysteensc/    Follow Smashing Plastic: FB: https://www.facebook.com/SmashingPlastic  IG: https://www.instagram.com/smashingthyplastic/