Kate Fahey

You had an outstanding collegiate tennis career at the University of Michigan. What did tennis teach you that helps you in your professional pickleball career?

I learned how to compete. Grit and tenacity. Match after match you have to dig deep. It is important to learn how to win when you are not playing your best. I have always been competitive. As a little kid I even wanted to make sure my pencil was sharper. My parents played an equal role in my development, but my competitiveness comes from my mom.

What is the difference between a tennis volley and a pickleball volley?

A tennis volley uses a continental grip and is more of a cut. A pickleball volley is a swing volley. Anticipation is very important. You don’t take that step with your left foot.

Do you think men’s pickleball differs from women’s pickleball as men’s tennis differs from women’s tennis?

Yes. In men’s singles vs. women’s singles, men rush the net more. They are taller and have a longer reach. Women rely more on their groundstrokes. In doubles, women’s pickleball is faster. Men do a lot of dead dinking whereas women hit more speed-ups.

I have read that you like to ride horses. You grew up in New Jersey… where did horseback riding come from?

My mom grew up on a ranch in Wyoming. Dad was a barrel racer. In New Jersey I learned dressage.

What have horses taught you?

It’s important to connect with the horse. I like having a connection with my pickleball partner. You have to click. I like moving in rhythm. Tina Pisnik and I are growing as a partnership.

What was your major at Michigan, and what do you think about paying college athletes?

I majored in International Relations and Business. I worked for American Express before I became a pickleball pro. The paying of college athletes is a difficult issue because they bring in a lot of money to the universities. I thought of representing my university as a privilege—it was an honor to represent the University of Michigan. First came academics then sports after.

Equipment changes really affected tennis. How big a role does the paddle have in pickleball?

Huge! The paddles make a difference. Some really are powerful.

Do you have a prematch routine?

Pickleball is difficult because you can be called and then have to wait. I usually distance myself. I zone out. I listen to music, especially rock and mainstream rap.

Do you recommend safety glasses when playing pickleball?

Yes, I do. I’ve seen accidents where the ball ricochets off a partner’s paddle. You don’t see it coming.

What advice do you have for young girls?

Play team and individual sports. I love tennis but I played a lot of team sports. They help you grow as a person. It is hard to play an individual sport because you are on your own. But it teaches you a lot about yourself.

What is something no one knows about you?

I am obsessed with dogs, mutts. I’m pretty much an open book. •