Jenny Merrill Turned Pickleball Pro in NPL: Jenny Whalen Merrill, renowned for her success on the tennis courts, initially approached pickleball with skepticism. Despite a storied tennis career, Merrill’s enthusiasm for pickleball came more from curiosity than a deep-seated passion. “I don’t think I ever really got bit by the pickleball bug,” Merrill admitted. Her entry into the sport in 2019 was casual: she watched friends play, tried it herself, and found it enjoyable.
“I went to watch some friends play in a tournament and then I stepped on a court and hit a few balls. I was like, ‘Ok, this is fun.’” – (Merrill)
Professional Play and Travels
Now 53, Merrill is a prominent player in the National Pickleball League (NPL), competing with the Princeton Bruisers, a team part of the league’s 50-and-over division. Her role includes participating in women’s and mixed doubles matches.
This season has seen her crisscrossing the country, from Austin and Houston to Seattle and Kansas City. “There are mornings I wake up and head to the airport and I say to myself, ‘I can’t believe I am doing this again.’” Merrill reflected. Despite the rigorous travel schedule, she enjoys the camaraderie and the opportunity to reconnect with fellow tennis players.
“There is a lot of traveling involved. But it is great fun, and I’ve met a lot of players I knew from college. Tennis players. You can kind of pick them out, the players who have a tennis background.” – (Merrill)
The Transition and Its Challenges
Merrill’s journey into pickleball began with a nerve-wracking NPL combine in Fort Lauderdale, where she earned her spot on the Bruisers. Despite her tennis history—four consecutive Section II championships and a successful collegiate career at the University of Alabama—Merrill faced challenges transitioning to pickleball.
“COVID hit right after I started playing the sport, so I really didn’t play that much, and like other tennis players, I really fought against going to pickleball.” – (Merrill)
Her transition was also influenced by injuries sustained during her tennis career, including thumb and shoulder issues, which have made pickleball’s fewer overheads more manageable.
Legacy and Future
Merrill’s tennis legacy includes notable achievements, such as a wildcard entry into the OTB Open following a victory at the Schenectady County Open in 1989. Her early tennis success was supported by her father, Rod Whalen, and mentor Rich Johns.
“I was so thankful to Nitty for the wildcard because that sort of put me on the map. I got a few computer points and was able to get into a few other tournaments.” – (Merrill)
Now, as her sons also embrace pickleball, Merrill reflects on her athletic journey with a mix of nostalgia and contentment. “I’m winded, I’m tired after playing our matches,” she said. Her success in pickleball, despite the challenges and her late start, shows the sport’s demand and her enduring athletic skills.
News in Brief: Jenny Merrill Turned Pickleball Pro in NPL
Jenny Whalen Merrill, a former top tennis player, has transitioned to professional pickleball, competing with the Princeton Bruisers in the National Pickleball League. Although she initially approached the sport with limited enthusiasm, Merrill has embraced the competitive circuit, traveling extensively across the U.S. This season has presented challenges, including a rigorous travel schedule and adjusting to a new sport.
Merrill’s background in tennis, including significant achievements and past injuries, has influenced her Schenectady County Open. Her story highlights the evolving nature of sports careers and the enduring appeal of racquet sports.
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