Nathasha’s stats: height: 5’2” | plays: right-handed | resides: Austin, TX

Nathasha has played in countless 002 tournaments! She brings a fun-loving vibe and a hard working attitude to the court! We’re excited to have her as one of our first Player Spotlights! Read all about her pickleball game here…

How long have you been playing pickleball?

3 yrs, took it up in CA when I was recovering from a broken wrist and couldn't play tennis. Got hooked, never went back to tennis!

How many times per week do you play pickleball (on average)?

4-5

Pickleball Medals/awards/accomplishments (whatever this means to you!)

Gold - 3.0 50-54 Wms Doubles Horseshoe Bay Senior Tournament 6/21
Gold - Merry Dinkmas Wmns Doubles 40+ Tournament 12/21
Gold - 3.0 50-54 Mixed Doubles PPA Shootout 3/22
Silver - 3.5 Wmns Doubles Cedar Park Paddle Battle
Gold - 3.5+ Mixed Doubles Pitch Cup Series 9/22
Silver - 3.5 50+ Wmns Doubles Kissing Tree 9/22
Plus lots of great matches in other tournaments that I didn't medal in!

What do you love about pickleball / Why do you play?

Definitely the people! We have made so many friends that we hang out with on and off the courts. Everyone is welcoming and friendly and even when there is a little controversy in the heat of the competition, everyone is friends again as soon as the match is over.

What is your favorite pickleball shot and why?

This changes as I play more and play at different levels with more advanced players...definitely an overhead smash is fun to hit (as long as I don't miss it long) especially since I'm short, people who I don't know me well think they can lob over my head but I've got a pretty good reach/jump (always surprises people who often say I'm taller than I look). BUT it is not the guaranteed winner it was as a beginner - at higher levels it comes back! I am currently enjoying hitting a topspin lob because it is so frustrating for opponents who think they are going out only to watch it drop on or inside the lines.

What is your biggest strength on the court and why?

My biggest strength is being quick and athletic. I'm a little person so don't have the reach that taller players have but can anticipate very well and then get to the ball to keep it in play.

What part of your game are you currently working on?

I am working on my soft game. I definitely prefer to bang but at higher levels am learning that I cannot out hit my opponents so need to work on resets and patience at the kitchen line.

What courts do you like to play at most?

The Quarries is what I call my home court where I feel most comfortable and know everyone. Lots of great friends there. I also play at ATC for league weekly and have another group of friends there - I volunteer with the league to give back to the sport. I also love the vibe at the Pitch and Dreamland (though DL is a bit far for me).

Any great pickleball experience/story that you'd like to share?

I pack my paddle when we travel and have a "home" court in CA, CO, and WA that we visit regularly. Again, this is about the people who are always so welcoming; I now have friends to play with regularly when we are there.

What do you like to do when you are not on the court playing pickleball?

LOL, I'm watching pb tips & highlight videos when I'm supposed to be working :)

Spotlight: Nathasha Collmann