Missouri native Julie Johnson remains a major player in the world of pickleball following her remarkable performance at the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA) Kansas City Open.
Impeccable Teamwork
Johnson, alongside her partners Cristie Sharpsteen and James Latham, achieved gold medals in the Senior Pro Women’s Doubles and Senior Pro Mixed Doubles categories, respectively.
These victories secure Johnson and her partners a spot in the prestigious PPA National Championships scheduled for November 5-12 near Dallas, TX.
Johnson and Sharpsteen displayed impeccable teamwork in the Senior Pro Women’s Doubles event, maintaining an undefeated streak throughout the tournament. Their synergy on the court was evident, culminating in what turned out to be a relatively effortless and stylish victory.
An Initial Setback
In complete contrast, the Senior Pro Mixed Doubles division presented challenges. Johnson and Latham encountered an initial setback, experiencing a loss in their opening match.
Undaunted, they rebounded through the back draw, showcasing their skills, unwavering determination, and strategic acumen to claim the gold medal.
Julie’s achievements on the pickleball court have not gone unnoticed, leading to partnerships with various sponsors who provide essential equipment and financial support for her tournament endeavors.
Prestigious sponsors, including Chicken n Pickle, IXT Trucking, Diadem Paddles, and the recent addition of Soggy Bottoms CBD Cream, have recognized her exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the sport.
Pickleball Pro
Julie is equally enthusiastic about sharing her passion for pickleball with her local community. Her dedication to the sport has earned her the role of the official Pickleball Pro for Kearney, Clay County, Missouri.
She’ll be overseeing a 12-court pickleball complex in her capacity as the Court Pro. She will also contribute to organizing clinics and classes aimed at introducing newcomers to the game and honing the skills of existing players.
As Julie reflects on the sport’s growing popularity, she expresses her excitement regarding the enthusiastic response from the Kearney community.
She said, “It’s incredible to see how the sport is booming, especially among young people. On certain evenings, we have around 30 to 40 high school students coming together to enjoy the game and spend time together in a positive way.”
Excelsior Springs
She hopes her hometown of nearby Excelsior Springs can follow in Kearney’s footsteps and expand its offerings to cater to the surging demand for the sport.
Despite her recent triumphs, Julie Johnson remains firmly grounded and committed to ongoing self-improvement. Following a mere four days of rest after the Kansas City Open, Johnson and Sharpsteen embarked on the PPA Chicago Open, although they ultimately fell short of securing medals.
Reflecting on this experience, Johnson remarked, “Every match teaches us something new. We’ll take the lessons we’ve learned, rest up, and focus on improving our consistency on the court.”
Excelsior Springs is 22 miles northeast of Kansas City and forms part of its metropolitan area.
