Jessie Irvine is the eldest of three girls, born in Washington, DC, and raised in Cary, NC. Initially a competitive dancer, she transitioned to tennis at the age of 10, quickly rising to become a nationally ranked top junior player. Despite her dreams of playing professional tennis, a joint-related condition led her to make the decision to leave the sport.
At the age of 21, she embarked on a fresh start, moving to Los Angeles and pursuing a coaching career while attending UCLA. Introduced to pickleball by friends in late 2018, she was immediately captivated by the game's fun, strategic nature, and its reduced physical strain compared to tennis. Determined to take pickleball seriously, she embraced it as her new passion and began her journey as a professional player in 2019.
Her training philosophy prioritizes prevention, incorporating off-court conditioning, strengthening, and physical therapy several days a week. Practice drills and games further enhance her skills, both on and off the court. Her continuous pursuit of improvement and dedication to the sport has positioned her among the best players.
Jessie Irvine encourages aspiring players to approach the sport as a distinct discipline, learning its diverse range of shots and mastering the art of the soft game for defensive versatility. Developing mental focus and attention span is crucial in navigating the challenging, extended points that arise with increasing skill levels. Consistent drilling and muscle memory development is key to refining shot execution. Simplifying the game, making consistent shots, and finding joy in the process are also emphasized as essential ingredients for success.
Paddle Of Choice: Pursuit Pro1
DUPR: 5.78 Doubles / 5.17* Singles
