Meet the Pros - Nancy Nowak

by elizaled on Apr 3, 2018

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Meet The Pros - Nancy Nowak

Nancy Nowak Nancy Nowak

Nancy has had the privilege of playing with one of the best instructors in the country, Deb Harrison. Together they are a force to be reckoned with. Enjoy!

Deb Harrison and Nancy Nowak - Huntsman World Senior Games Deb Harrison and Nancy Nowak - Huntsman World Senior Games

Can you list for us your major wins so we can correctly introduce you to our readers?

2013 World Huntsman Senior Games: Gold Mixed Doubles (60-64) with partner Dick Scott
          Silver Women’s Doubles (60-64) with partner Deb Harrison
2009 USAPA Nationals: Silver Women’s Doubles with partner Judie Kelly

What paddle do you play with and why?

My paddle of choice for the past 2 years has been the Paddletek Bantam EX-L. This paddle provides nice pop but also allows control. I’m currently trying some of the elongated paddles as they have become the new craze.

What’s your pickleball story? How were you introduced to pickleball?

I retired and bought a home in The Villages, Florida in 2004. A golf friend introduced me to the game. Being a former racquetball and badminton player, the game came naturally to me. Since then I have been addicted.

What’s your preference – playing indoor or outdoor?

I prefer outdoors. We have 180+ courts in The Villages with open play every day. Lighting seems to be an issue indoors for me.

Nancy Nowak and Dick Scott Nancy Nowak and Dick Scott

Do you like singles or doubles better? Why?

I prefer doubles both women’s and mixed. Like teamwork concept of doubles. Deb Harrison and I often partner for tournaments, and when you play with same person you know and sense each other’s next move.

What is your favorite place to play? Why?

Lake Miona Recreation Center is my favorite place to play as the competition is great there. These courts attract mainly 4.5 and 5.0 players.

What is your secret sauce? Any tips for players?

I am known by my pickleball friends as Nasty Nancy due to 3 shots I use to pull my opponent’s out of position. These shots are a cut drop, bump lob off dink and inside out cut to sideline. These shots can be seen on Picklepong Deb’s U-Tube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWKAGUCHJVY

My tip for players is to form practice groups where you work on different aspects of the game and then try to implement them as you play.

What is your day job?

Retired and enjoying life.

How many hours a week do you play? How do you make time to play?

I usually play 6-7 days per week for 2-3 hrs. Sometimes twice a day if I have the opportunity. Also, for the past 10 years I attend a Weekly Advance Women’s PB Clinic led by Deb Harrison.

Any lucky rituals before a big tournament?

No, not really.

Do you have any pickleball goals you’d like to share?

I have friends in their 70’s & 80’s who are still enjoying this game so my goal is stay healthy and keep my skills sharp so I can continue to play for several more years.

Nancy Nowak and Steve Butler Nancy Nowak and Steve Butler - playing in the 2018 US Open.