“Pickleball gave me that same rush I used to get from tennis — but with a fresh challenge.”
My Guests
By Oscar M. Pena
Photography @luancho
I had seen some of her highlight videos before — those powerful drops and smashes that seem to explode off the paddle. But it wasn’t until I saw her play live at the Citrus Classic PPA Challenger this past September in Kissimmee, FL, that I truly understood what makes her different.
Seone Méndez is a player with absolute power. Every shot she hits carries a precise blend of control, focus, and pure intensity. Her concentration and effort on every single point make her impossible to overlook when she steps on court — and that’s exactly why she keeps achieving the results she does.
After that tournament, we reached out to her through social media. A few messages later, we were on a video call — and it was clear she’s not only a fierce competitor but also a person full of charisma and kindness. Always willing to collaborate and help, she radiates the same energy that drives the pickleball community forward.
We talked, planned, shared ideas… and this is the result.
From Tennis to Pickleball A New Chapter Seone Méndez’s name may ring familiar to tennis fans — a fierce competitor, known for her discipline, athleticism, and undeniable drive. But today, she’s making waves on the pickleball court, where her precision, strategy, and relentless energy are quickly turning heads.
“Pickleball is still so new for me, but I fell in love with the energy and the community around it.”
INTERVIEW
Dink Authority: Many fans know you from your tennis background. How did your journey from professional tennis to pickleball begin?
Seone Méndez: I was introduced to pickleball through some friends who were already playing, and at first, I just saw it as something fun to do in between tennis training. But the more I played, the more I realized how competitive and fast-growing the sport was. It gave me that same rush I used to get from tennis, but with a fresh challenge. That’s when I decided to really give it a shot and start transitioning more seriously.
D.A.: What was your first impression when you picked up a pickleball paddle for the first time?
S.M.: Honestly, I thought it was going to be easy because of my tennis background — but I was wrong. It’s such a different game in terms of touch, patience, and strategy. But I immediately loved how social and dynamic it was. The rallies are shorter, the pace is quick, and there’s a lot of creativity involved. It hooked me right away.
Finding Her Groove
D.A.: Was there a specific moment when you realized, “This is my new sport”?
S.M.: There wasn’t really one single moment, but over time I just found myself wanting to play more and more. The competitiveness, the community, and the energy around pickleball really drew me in. It doesn’t feel like I’ve left tennis behind — it’s more like I’ve added something new that challenges me in different ways and keeps that same passion for competition alive.
D.A.: Coming from tennis, what was the biggest adjustment you had to make in your game or mindset?
S.M.: The biggest adjustment has been getting comfortable with the dinking and drop shots. In tennis, you don’t really have that kind of touch or feel around the net, so learning when to slow things down and play with more precision has been a challenge. It’s such a different skill set, but once you start to get the rhythm of it, it becomes one of the most interesting parts of the game.
The Pickleball Mindset
D.A.: How would you describe your playing style — aggressive, strategic, patient?
S.M.: I’d say my style is a mix of aggressive and strategic. Coming from tennis, I naturally like to be offensive and look for opportunities to finish points, but I’ve learned that in pickleball, you have to pick your moments carefully. I try to stay aggressive when I can, but with the patience to set up the right shot instead of forcing it.
D.A.: What strengths from tennis have helped you the most in pickleball?
S.M.: My movement, anticipation, and competitiveness have definitely carried over. Tennis taught me how to read opponents and recognize patterns quickly, which really helps in pickleball, where points develop fast. Also, my hand-eye coordination and ability to generate pace have been big advantages in transition and at the kitchen line.
Competing and Growing
D.A.: You’ve competed at a high level before. Do you feel that same adrenaline in pickleball tournaments?
S.M.: Absolutely. That competitive fire never really goes away. The feeling before a big match, the focus during tight moments, and the energy from the crowd — it’s all there. What’s amazing about pickleball is that it’s still such a community-driven sport, so you get that intensity but also this sense of connection with everyone around you.
D.A.: How do you handle pressure during key points or tight matches?
S.M.: I try to stay very present and focus on one point at a time. In both tennis and pickleball, you can’t control everything that happens, so I focus on my routines — breathing, resetting, and trusting my preparation. The calmer and clearer I stay, the better decisions I make under pressure.
“If you love competition and precision, make the switch to pickleball—you’ll be hooked fast.”
Discipline and Daily Routine
D.A.: What does a typical day in the life of Seone Méndez look like when you’re training for a tournament?
S.M.: A typical day usually starts in the morning with coaching sessions, which help me make some extra money while staying sharp and reinforcing my own skills. After that, I dedicate about two hours to my own on-court training, focusing on technique, footwork, and strategy. I then head to the gym for strength and conditioning work. In the afternoons, I try to get some practice matches or gameplay in to simulate real-match situations. Evenings are for recovery — stretching, foam rolling, and making sure I’m eating well and resting so I can be ready for the next day.
D.A.: What part of that daily routine do you enjoy the most, and what’s the hardest part to maintain?
S.M.: I enjoy the on-court training the most — especially drills that challenge my reflexes and strategy. The hardest part is maintaining consistency with recovery and nutrition. It’s easy to skip stretching or eat something quick during busy tournament prep, but those details are key to performing at my best.
The Drive to Improve
D.A.: What motivates you to keep improving every day?
S.M.: I’ve always had that inner drive to be the best version of myself, no matter the sport. I love the process of improving — seeing small adjustments turn into real progress. Pickleball is still so new for me, and that constant learning keeps me motivated. There’s always something to refine, and I genuinely enjoy the challenge of getting a little better every day.
D.A.: When you win a tough match, how do you celebrate or recharge for the next one?
S.M.: After a tough win, I like to take a moment to enjoy the victory and then celebrate with a nice dinner and a beer. After that, I focus on recovery — hydration, stretching, and rest — to make sure I’m ready for the next match.
“The discipline I learned from tennis has helped me a lot; daily effort is what truly makes the difference.”
Final Thoughts
Seone Méndez continues to rise as one of the most disciplined and inspiring new faces in the pickleball world. Her mix of athletic intensity, humility, and hunger to learn makes her a player to watch — both on and off the court.