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

On the court, I actually talk more about my school life and hobbies outside of pickleball — people are often surprised by that. But off the court? That's when you'll really hear me go deep on pickleball: the grind, the strategy, and the endless variety of shots you can hit. I think that duality keeps me balanced and reminds me why I love the sport so much.

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

At first, my parents would drag me into their games because they needed a fourth player. But as I slowly started winning tournaments, I realized this could really go somewhere. That's when I made the decision to leave competitive soccer behind and go all in on pickleball — and I have zero regrets. Sometimes the things that find you are exactly where you're meant to be.

"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."

- Averry Chew, OSAKA pickleball athlete

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

Three people stand out — two elite athletes who represent what’s possible through discipline and a growth mindset, and one person much closer to home who inspires Averry every day.

Jorja Johnson embodies the balance of elite competition and humility, showing that confidence and continuous growth can coexist at the highest level.

Eileen Gu is inspiring because she proves ambition, creativity, and high performance are not mutually exclusive — both on and off the field of play.

And finally, her sister remains one of her biggest inspirations. She constantly pushes Averry to think bigger, work harder, and continue growing not just as an athlete, but as a person.

Q: What do people underestimate about high-level pickleball?

The movement and the speed. People look at pickleball and think it's easy — until they step onto the court themselves. The ball moves fast, you're constantly in motion, and it requires way more footwork than most people expect. That gap between watching and playing is bigger than almost any other sport I've experienced.

Q: What makes you unique on the court - what do people recognize you for?

My kitchen game. That's where I have the most fun on the court, and anyone who's watched me play knows that's where I'm most dangerous. The non-volley zone is where creativity meets pressure, and I thrive in that space. It's not just a strength — it's my identity on the court.

"People think pickleball is easy - until they step onto the court."

- Averry Chew on what makes high-level pickleball special.

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

Before a match, I always eat pasta. And throughout tournaments I snack on peanut butter sandwiches and bananas to keep my energy up. Having that routine grounds me — by the time I step on the court, my body already knows it's game time. Consistency off the court leads to consistency on it.

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

It means being part of a community that genuinely looks out for you. There was a rain delay at one of my tournaments and I was freezing — Osaka immediately came through with warm sweats and a jacket, no hesitation. Everyone is genuinely kind and caring while still keeping things professional. It really is the best of both worlds: you feel supported, looked after, and truly part of a family.

"As an OSAKA athlete, you feel supported, looked after, and truly part of the family."

- Averry Chew on the OSAKA community

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

It's never too late to start — and I mean that wholeheartedly. Don't let mistakes shake you, they're part of the process. Every error is just the game teaching you something. Pick up a paddle, get on a court, and trust that the improvement will come if you put in the work and stay consistent.

Q: How do you hope to inspire the next generation?

I want young kids to look at what I'm doing and think, "I can do that." Age is not a barrier in this sport — anyone can pick up a paddle and compete. That's what makes pickleball so special, and that's the message I want to carry everywhere I go. If my journey makes even one kid pick up a paddle for the first time, that means everything to me.

"Every error is just the game teaching you something."

- Averry Chew's advice to aspiring pickleball players