Q: How would you introduce yourself - on and off the court?

My name is Andrew Garcia. I'm a very enthusiastic and outgoing person who loves enjoying the little things in life. On the court, that same energy shows up, I play with a joy for the game that I hope is contagious to anyone watching.

Q: How did you first get into pickleball - and what made you take it seriously?

My local church built pickleball courts on-site, so I decided to give it a shot — and instantly fell in love with the sport. At first, I kept losing over and over again. As a competitor, I hated that. That burning desire to stop losing is what pushed me to improve, study the game deeper, and start competing at a higher level. Pickleball found me, but my competitiveness is what kept me.

"Even the greatest are never satisfied - thats what inspires me."

- Andrew Garcia, OSAKA pickleball athlete

Q: Who has been your biggest inspiration, and why?

Cristiano Ronaldo. Even though he's considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, he's never satisfied — he keeps pushing himself to be better every single day. That hunger is what I admire and try to bring to my own game. No matter where you are in your journey, there's always another level to reach.

Q: How would you describe your playing style:

Flashy and smooth. I love hitting creative shots and making them look effortless while gliding around the court. There's an artistry to pickleball that I lean into — I want every point to feel like a performance as much as a competition. That creativity, combined with a left-handed attack, gives opponents a unique problem to solve.

Q: What do people underestimate about pickleball?

The strategy and mental toughness required. Pickleball is an incredibly streaky game — momentum can shift in an instant. In tense moments, you have to stick to your strategy while executing under pressure. That combination is the real separator between recreational players and serious competitors. It's not just a backyard game; it's a chess match played at speed.

"Sticking to your strategy under pressure is what separates players."

- Andrew Garcia on the mental game of pickleball

Q: What makes you unique on the court?

I play with my shoes untied — and I'm left-handed. People tend to recognize me for both. But beyond those signature quirks, it's my crafty offense that I'm most proud of. I can attack balls from almost any height, which makes me unpredictable. When opponents think they've hit a safe ball, I find a way to turn it into a weapon.

Q: Do you have any pre-match rituals or routines?

Before a match, I remind myself that tournaments and recreational play are really no different. Both deserve full presence and joy. Remembering why I started — that moment of pure love for the sport on a church court — helps me stay calm, focused, and confident no matter the stakes.

"Remembering why I started playing keeps me calm, focused and confident."

-Andrew Garcia on pre-match mindset

Q: What does being part of the Osaka family mean to you?

It means everything. Representing a brand that's truly dedicated to athletes is extremely important to me. It motivates me to keep growing as a player and gives me another reason to work hard — to make the people supporting me proud. The gear is also some of the best I've ever worn. Being comfortable and looking stylish both on and off the court is the perfect complement to my game.

Q: What Advice would you give to players who want to go pro?

Hard work beats talent every single day. Commit to improving daily and becoming the best version of yourself — that's what separates amateurs from professionals. Have a plan, stay consistent, and trust the process. And most importantly: never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. Set your goals and work relentlessly to achieve them. The biggest separator at the highest level is simply wanting it more.

"Hard work beats talent every single day."

-Andrew Garcia's message to aspiring pickleball pros