APP Pickleball Professionals Thanksgiving Traditions: As Thanksgiving approaches, the spirit of tradition fills households, from the aroma of familiar dishes to the laughter of family gatherings. For professional pickleball players in the Association of Pickleball Players (APP), this holiday is no different. While pickleball may not top their list of Thanksgiving favorites, the celebrations are as memorable as any tournament victory. Here’s a look at what some of the APP pros cherish most about this time of year.
Brandon Lane: The Turkey Leg Thief
For Brandon Lane, Thanksgiving traditions revolve around family and food.
“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is usually my mom and my grandpa would cook this giant turkey, and I would always be the first one to one to steal the turkey leg. I love it.” – (Lane)
The turkey leg has become a symbolic part of his holiday, representing family bonds and personal moments of joy.
Max “Purple Jesus” Manthou: A Wholesome Holiday
Max Manthou, known for his unique playing style, views Thanksgiving as the most wholesome American holiday.
“I don’t know if I have too many traditions on Thanksgiving, but I do feel like Thanksgiving is the best American holiday. It feels the most wholesome, and the families get together. It’s the least commercial, so I love that. I’m vegetarian, so I don’t eat turkey. Usually we get just like a vegetarian Turkey thing.” – (Manthou)
As a vegetarian, he forgoes the turkey, often opting for a vegetarian alternative, but the spirit of family gathering remains central to his celebration.
Jayden Broderick: Family and Stuffing
Jayden Broderick’s Thanksgiving is all about family and food.
“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is the family get-togethers and the stuffing.” – (Broderick)
For Jayden, it’s not just about the food, but the moments shared with loved ones, creating lasting memories year after year.
Brooke Revuelta: A Special Twist on Stuffing
For Brooke Revuelta, stuffing is a holiday must-have.
“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition definitely is the stuffing. My grandma makes Vietnamese stuffing, and it’s the best!” – (Revuelta)
The unique twist on this traditional dish offers a blend of cultures, making her Thanksgiving celebration all the more special.
Grayson Goldin: A Competitive Family Spirit
Grayson Goldin’s Thanksgiving is full of friendly competition.
“My favorite thanksgiving tradition would have to be playing sports with my family. So that could be like football or golf, it really just depends on the weather and the day, there’s always some type of competition in the family.” – (Goldin)
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Whether it’s football in the backyard or a round of golf, the family’s competitive nature adds excitement to the holiday.
Erik Lange: The Jim Baker Salad
For Erik Lange, Thanksgiving carries a unique memory tied to a dessert known as the “Jim Baker Salad.”
“Favorite Thanksgiving tradition has to be Jim Baker. I’ve been in my wife’s family for 21 years now, going to Thanksgiving. There was this gentleman named Jim Baker, I’ve never met, who created this dessert which had a graham cracker crust, a lemon-type filling, and whipped cream on top.” – (Lange)
Though it’s called a salad, the dish was a beloved dessert that became a staple of his Thanksgiving celebrations, cementing its place in his family’s holiday traditions.
“So it was the dessert along with the usual desserts, but this thing was featured, it was special. It’s unique to our Thanksgiving. So that’s what makes the memory so special, was Jim Baker. I would say it was actually called the Jim Baker Salad, even though it was a dessert. So yeah, tricky, but it was tasty, and that’s all that mattered.” – (Lange)
- Erik’s Thanksgiving Tip:
- A memorable Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey, but the unique desserts that make the occasion special.
Shelby Bates: Simplicity at Its Best
Shelby Bates keeps it simple on Thanksgiving.
“Honestly, just a typical Thanksgiving: turkey, mashed potatoes, and my mom’s special creamed onions.” – (Bates)
For her, it’s the comforting familiarity of the meal that makes the holiday so enjoyable, with the focus on the classics that never fail to bring satisfaction.
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News in Brief: APP Pickleball Professionals Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving traditions among APP pros range from stealing turkey legs to enjoying unique dishes like Vietnamese stuffing and the famous Jim Baker Salad. Whether it’s sports, family gatherings, or special meals, each player has a cherished way of celebrating this heartfelt holiday with loved ones.
ALSO READ: How Professional Pickleball Players Celebrate Thanksgiving Season, Family Time and Friendly Matches