Church News Professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith on faith, family and the Lord's hand in her life
Jul 8, 2025
Callie Jo Smith, a former collegiate tennis star and 11-time Professional Pickleball Association champion, shares her journey of faith and sport. She discusses how family bonds strengthened through recreational activities and her initial disdain for pickleball turned into passion. Callie emphasizes the importance of prayer and teamwork with her husband, navigating motherhood and professional challenges. Additionally, she highlights the transformative power of sharing her faith with young people, demonstrating how love and spirituality shape success and identity.
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Family Athletic Roots and Bonds
- Callie Jo Smith grew up in a multi-generational family of athletes rooted in her grandpa's love for tennis.
- Family athletic traditions and playing together created fun memories and strong bonds among them.
From Pickleball Skeptic to Champion
- Callie strongly disliked pickleball when she first encountered it but agreed to try it out as a favor for her husband's grandpa.
- After initial resistance, she learned the game, fell in love with it, and became a top professional player.
Prayer for Competitive Focus
- Prayer is essential for focus and mental strength in competition for Callie Jo Smith.
- She starts her matches with prayer and relies on faith to center herself amid challenges.