Connor Garnett explains his move from banking to pickleball
Summary by Coachino Daily Digest · Original reporting by The Kitchen
Published
On Pickleballers, Connor Garnett discusses leaving investment banking for a pro pickleball career, after working 92-hour weeks. He also recalls hitting with Novak Djokovic at the U.S. Open and explains how his two-handed backhand became part of his brand.
Garnett describes serve yips, his MLP trade out of Columbus and winning bronze with Alix Truong. He also talks about rebuilding his mechanics, investing in the sport and recommitting to training after a slow start to 2026.
Coachino Insight
Garnett’s account connects performance challenges with career decisions, branding and investment—useful context for players weighing how to build a sustainable path in the sport.
Trevor Noah played pickleball with local enthusiasts at The Sports Arena at Singapore Expo while in Singapore for the Just For Laughs Singapore festival. Actress Jaime Teo and local players joined him; Teo described him as an encouraging partner, while Joshua Seow praised his quick hands. A local coach said Noah had arranged private matches before the trip, and he later joked about the games during his 5 November comedy set.
Coachino Insight
Noah’s pre-arranged matches show how visiting players can connect with local pickleball communities. For clubs, celebrity drop-ins can also put a spotlight on welcoming, social play.
Anna Leigh Waters is scheduled to return to Manila on Wednesday, 9 December, for IAM Experience: Anna Leigh Waters at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The programme starts at 3:00 p.m., with gates opening beforehand, and is set to include athletic exhibitions, interactive activities, music and celebrity guests.
IAM Worldwide says members can access pre-sale tickets on 5 November, followed by the general release on 9 November. Admission is complimentary with designated product-package purchases; tickets can be collected at the company’s head office and authorised branches.
Coachino Insight
The product-purchase model makes ticket access part of IAM Worldwide’s campaign. Clubs and coaches can use the event to connect local players with a high-profile athlete and pickleball activities.
Vietnam has named eight players for the China–ASEAN Open in Guilin, scheduled for October 30 to November 2. Dân trí’s roster report includes Trần Tuệ Ngọc and Nguyễn Đắc Tiến, with Nguyễn Hải Long coaching the team and Lê Ngọc Anh leading the delegation. The ten-person group combines athletes with its coach and delegation leader. Vietnam’s sports authority separately confirms a planned 32-team competition spanning singles, doubles and mixed doubles, with the draw still to come.
Coachino Insight
A team event across five disciplines rewards balanced preparation and flexible pairings, giving coaches a different planning challenge from a stand-alone singles or doubles tournament.
