Daily Racquetball’s Women Crush Wednesday Racquetball Influencers!
AKA Women Making Racquetball History Now!
We will feature another woman making racquetball history every Wednesday. Do you know someone else we should be celebrating with this interview and feature process? Drop us a line on Facebook!
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Name: Janel Tisinger-Ledkins
Are you a pro player, coach, association board member, tournament organizer, or racquetball broadcaster AKA why do racquetball players know you?
I am a racquetball player. A multi time national champion of indoor and outdoor racquetball. I am a world doubles champion. I have been a US Team member for multiple years.
Where do you promote racquetball on social media and the web?
Facebook personal page
Instagram
Wikipedia
Country of Origin: USA
Place you consider home: Simi Valley is where I have lived my whole life, but I will soon be calling Ogden Utah home.
Have you ever been on your country’s national team? When?:
Yes, at least 9-10 times. I am unsure of the exact years…. 2013 2015 2016 2017 these years for sure.
Did you play as a junior?
I played as a junior and was on the US National Jr team for 3 years.
When & how where you introduced to the competitive side of racquetball?
My parents both played racquetball, so I grew up in the sport. I started playing when I was 4, but actually started competing at the age of 9. My mom became a racquetball instructor and coach. She has been my coach. She is a multiple time national and world champion and she has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Playing hand: Right
Year you started playing racquetball: 1988
First female mentor or idol in racquetball: Debra Kay Tisinger-Moore….My mother
Favorite racquetball shot: The reverse Pinch or a boast pinch
Motivation for the game (what keeps you playing):
My passion for the game, the people, and my desire to achieve goals I’ve aimed for my whole life.
Love most about racquetball:
I love the people….The social aspect of racquetball. The friends I’ve met in the sport are a big family.
Preferred equipment:
I play with Prokennex equipment. They are by far my favorite company to play with. I play with the Momentum M170. I have always loved my racquets strung at factory. In fact I hate when I have to re-string a racquet, because it never feels the same!!! I love their gloves, especially the KM Vapor.
Favorite event:
My favorite event currently is the 3Wallball Sports Festival in Las Vegas.
Best results at tournaments you’ve played in:
Gold Medal at the 2016 World Championships for Women’s Doubles. Triple Crown at the National Outdoor Championships (Which means a Gold medal in Women’s Pro, Mixed Pro Doubles, And Women’s Pro Doubles) I am the Only person in the history of the sport to accomplish this. 5 time National Doubles Champion (Indoor). 5 Time National Champion Pro Singles (outdoor). 4 time National Champion Pro Doubles (outdoor). 3 time National Champion Mixed Pro (outdoor). Several National age group titles as well (indoor).
Day job: Massage Therapist
Family shoutout: My Mom and Coach Debra Kay Tisinger-Moore
Other sports played in addition to racquetball: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Swimming, Strength Training.
What can we do to activate more female players?
Expose them to the sport, Have parties and events socially so they can make friends with the other women.
What is your hope for the future of racquetball?
My hope for racquetball is that the sport grows, and more people can be exposed to this amazing sport.
If you could bring one thing back from racquetball past – what would it be and why?
I would bring back its popularity, the courts that existed everywhere. The enthusiasm from the players.
What do you do to train?
I cross train with swimming, and I do weights and strength training. I also work with my coach working on court specifics.
What is the biggest challenge you face right now as it comes to racquetball, and how do you work to overcome that challenge?
The biggest challenge I face now is the stresses of life and age…With life comes work and family and drama and things that can hinder you emotionally and mentally. Lately that has been my struggle. I cope with this by doing a lot of training and visualization. I use racquetball as a way to get through tough times. However, I find that over time, it gets harder and harder to stay mentally tough. I Just keep trying and fighting.
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Do you know someone else we should be celebrating with this interview and feature process? Drop us a line on Facebook!