We’re delighted to present to you two insightful interviews from the Bloomington Pickleball Club (BPC). These interviews offer a unique perspective on the sport of Pickleball and its growing prominence at the collegiate level.
Our first interview is with Carter Wittendorf, a nationally-ranked pickleball player and a major contributor to the team’s success. Carter shares his thoughts on the National Championship, balancing academics with pickleball, and the vital role of team chemistry.
Our second interview is with Timber Tucker, the chair of the competition and training committee at BPC. Timber’s involvement with IU’s Pickleball team began due to a conflict around public court usage. He discusses the current team’s dynamics, his contribution to the team’s preparation for the National Championship, and the future of Pickleball at IU with the establishment of a development team next semester. He also shares his thoughts on the challenges and plans in getting pickleball recognized as an official club sport at IU.
We hope these interviews provide you with a deeper understanding of the sport and the dedication, hard work, and camaraderie that goes into building a successful team.
Enjoy reading!
Best,
Dave Martin
BPC Interview Questions For Carter Wittendorf
As a nationally-ranked pickleball player at such a young age, what are your expectations going into the National Championship?
“Things like rankings and ratings can really only tell you so much about players, and I would never create expectations solely off those. At the regional event our team attended, we saw plenty of players with no ratings whatsoever who were fantastic! The collegiate league is filled with a lot of talent and tough competition. Even so, our team has been putting in a lot of work, and I believe it’s setting us up to make some waves at nationals!”
How do you manage your time between academics and your commitment to the team?
“For me, it really comes down to creating chunks of time each day for both school and the team. Typically, I try to complete most of my work during the day so my nights are free for practice. Right now, we have team practices on Monday and Wednesday nights, which focus on drilling, working on technique, and employing new strategies. We also play other nights of the week to ensure we’re getting enough actual play-time in.”
Can you share your thoughts on how the team’s chemistry has contributed to its success?
“Good chemistry amongst the team is essential to success. Having positive relationships not only lightens the mood during practices and recreational play but also helps the team dig out of tough spots during matches. Sometimes all it takes to come back from a deficit is a little encouragement, and I think we’ve created a fun and supportive environment that does this well.”
BPC Interview Questions for Timber Tucker
As the chair of the Competition and Training Committee, how did your involvement with IU’s pickleball team begin?
“There was some conflict around public court usage at RCA Park. Bloomington and IU face similar issues with a lack of court space. On weekends, IU students often come to RCA to play, putting more pressure on the courts. I was asked to work with them to find ways we could all coexist.”
What are your thoughts on the current team’s dynamics and performance?
“Well, we’re undefeated in seven matches, so it’s hard to complain! We’ve been fortunate to have a few really talented players, but now it’s about building depth in the program. That work starts in the spring semester with the launch of our developmental program.”
How are you contributing to the team’s preparation for the National Championship?
“They’re kind enough to call me ‘coach,’ but that’s not entirely accurate. My role is more about organization. There are lots of moving parts, and my job is to help guide them through that. Mostly, I make sure they have clean uniforms and stay hydrated!”
How do you see the future of pickleball at IU, especially with the establishment of a development team next semester?
“We’re dreaming big and trying to do something special here. There are over 600 students in the club right now. Most of them won’t play in the developmental program—they just want to play for fun, socialize, and unwind. Pickleball has exploded post-pandemic because it’s a great way to stay active and meet new friends.
At the same time, our travel teams will bring attention to the sport on campus. My dream is to build a winning program that leads the Big Ten and beyond while having a lot of fun along the way.”
What challenges do you foresee in getting pickleball recognized as an official club sport at IU, and how are you planning to overcome them?
“IU has been great in helping us navigate the process. It won’t be long before we’re a full club sport. That comes with some nice perks, but we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing to grow the sport on campus.”
Support the Team!
We’re still raising funds for the National Championship and upcoming spring events. Please donate using the button below to help send the IU Pickleball team to the National Championships!