Trish Hammer’s Golden Journey: Trish Hammer, an associate dean for faculty affairs and graduate studies in the College of Science, has achieved what few can boast. In just three and a half years of playing pickleball, she clinched the top spot in her age group at the 2024 BIOFREEZE USA Pickleball National Championships in Mesa, Arizona.
Hammer’s journey to the gold wasn’t easy. At last year’s competition, she finished fourth, an outcome that fueled her determination to sharpen her skills over the past year. Her hard work paid off as she triumphed in the singles category, leaving her competitors in awe.
Reflecting on her pickleball journey, Hammer shared, “I have been working for the past year on many specific aspects of my game (mentally, physically, technique-wise, and strategically), and it was just surreal the way it all came together.”
The Matches That Defined the Championship
To secure the title, Hammer had to triumph in three challenging matches, each played as a best-of-three format to 11 points, requiring a two-point lead to win. In the final match, she faced a new opponent who had defeated a player that had previously overcome Hammer. Despite feeling some uncertainty going in, Hammer delivered a dominant performance, winning decisively with scores of 11-4 and 11-6.
“My crowd of supporters went wild. Such a feeling of joy!” she recalled.
However, it was her second match that proved to be the most challenging. Facing an opponent who had defeated her in a prior tournament, Hammer initially struggled. But a mid-match adjustment in strategy—becoming more aggressive and disrupting her opponent’s baseline rhythm—helped her secure the win with scores of 11-3, 5-11, and 11-6.
Moments Beyond the Court
While her performance on the court was unforgettable, Hammer also cherished the support of her loved ones. Her son, Matt, traveled from Chicago to cheer her on, alongside Hal, her partner. “He’s not a pickleball player at all but became hooked last year as a spectator watching me at nationals,” Hammer said.
Another touching moment came when Hammer called her 93-year-old mother in Indianapolis to share the news. Though unable to attend, her mother has been Hammer’s biggest sports fan, following every step of her preparation over the past year. “She was just thrilled with the news,” Hammer shared.
Looking Ahead
With a national title under her belt, Hammer is already setting her sights on the next challenge: competing at the Masters Pro level. This elite division is for the top-ranked players aged 60 and older. Hammer is collaborating with her coaches to develop a plan to achieve this ambitious goal.
Through it all, pickleball has taught Hammer life lessons beyond the court. “I encourage everyone to set some goals (not necessarily pickleball). Work hard. Expect that you will succeed and fail,” she said. For Hammer, the joy of the game and the journey it represents are far from over.
News in Brief: Trish Hammer’s Golden Journey
Trish Hammer, the associate dean, and mathematician, won the top spot in her age group at the 2024 BIOFREEZE USA Pickleball National Championships in Arizona. Hammer, who began playing pickleball three and a half years ago, triumphed in three matches to claim the singles title. Her determination, coupled with her strategic adjustments, proved crucial to her success. Off the court, Hammer celebrated with her family and is now preparing to compete at the Masters Pro level for players aged 60 and older. She emphasizes goal-setting and perseverance, reflecting on the life lessons pickleball has taught her.
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