Jorja’s Rise and Julie’s Role in Pickleball Success: At just 18, Jorja Johnson has already made a name for herself in the world of pickleball. Ranked as the third-best women’s mixed doubles player globally, she’s achieved remarkable milestones alongside her brother, JW Johnson, including a victory in the 2024 MLP Premier Level Championship with the Dallas Flash.
Behind her success is her mother and coach, Julie Johnson, who’s been guiding both siblings through the ups and downs of an unconventional life on tour. Julie shared her experiences balancing the roles of a mother and coach while raising a teenage daughter in the spotlight.
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A Balancing Act: Motherhood and Coaching
Julie describes her approach to parenting Jorja as one of support and respect.
“Jorja is very independent. She’s a free-thinker and she’s going to do what she’s going to do, so I’ve learned that I just need to step into a massively supportive role for her. I’ve learned that if she wants my help, she’ll ask for it.”(Julie Johnson)
Admitting that the urge to micromanage can be strong, Julie emphasizes the importance of giving Jorja space to learn.
“Jorja is in that pivotal stage of growing up, and there are things she has to learn on her own,” -(Julie Johnson).
The Art of Support on and off the Court
For Julie, the key to effective parenting and coaching lies in timing.
“I best support her by not saying anything until she comes to me. That’s just good parenting advice in general.” -(Julie Johnson).
While watching her children struggle can be difficult, she’s learned to let them take the lead.
Julie also focuses on maintaining positivity after tough matches.
“I try to always keep it positive,” she noted. “You pull something positive from the match because they’re young and they’re in this for the long haul”-(Julie Johnson).
Lessons Beyond the Scoreboard
As a coach, Julie keeps a critical eye on areas for improvement, but she saves constructive feedback for practice sessions.
“I try to save my constructive criticism for when we go back to the practice courts and then we turn it into a drill,”-(Julie Johnson).
Above all, Julie treasures the joy of sharing the pickleball journey with her children.
“If I’ve taken anything away from it, it’s that I need to find the joy in all of this and not worry about anything else because my kids are doing what they love” -(Julie Johnson).
News in Brief: Jorja’s Rise and Julie’s Role in Pickleball Success
Julie Johnson, mother and coach to pickleball prodigy Jorja Johnson, shares her perspective on balancing the demands of life on tour with raising a teenage daughter. Jorja, ranked third in the world for women’s mixed doubles, thrives under her mother’s supportive approach. Julie emphasizes giving Jorja space to learn independently while focusing on positivity and gradual improvement. Despite the challenges, Julie finds joy in watching her children pursue their passions.
Readers Queries
1. Who is Jorja Johnson?
Jorja Johnson moved from Kansas to Florida so her brother, fellow pickleball superstar JW Johnson, could concentrate on tennis. She did not have a tennis background but found her love for pickleball when her family started playing as a way to find community after the cross-country move to Naples, FL.
2. Are JW and Jorja Johnson related?
JW Johnson grew up in Pittsburg, Kansas before he and his family moved to Naples, Florida to pursue a tennis career for him and his sister, Jorja.
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