Rick Witsken: From Junior Tennis to Leading the Future of Pickleball With the National Pickleball League (NPL) |S1 E14

Rick Witsken, a former All‑American tennis player and longtime coach, reflects on his transition from professional tennis to becoming a leading force in pickleball. He co‑founded the National Pickleball League (NPL), runs Team Witsken, is co-owner of 3rd Shot Pickleball Club in Indianapolis, coaches girls and boys tennis and pickleball teams in Indianapolis and runs a podcast - This Is Pickleball with his partner Fabian.  This episode covers Rick’s start in junior tennis, his family background, including his nephew Ben Shelton’s rise as #6 in the world on the ATP Tour, the loss of his brother Todd and his RIPsken tribute, and practical advice for parents, players, and partners. Listeners hear how the NPL began, the combine tryouts for the NPL, the social and health benefits of pickleball, and Rick’s vision for the sport’s future.