Conversation with Augie Ge: In Dallas, the PPA Tour continues to showcase fresh talents, and one rising star making headlines is Augie Ge. Ge’s journey into professional pickleball took flight earlier this year at the Desert Ridge Open, where his unexpected partnership with Tyra Black led to a mixed doubles medal, propelling him into the limelight.
During a recent sit-down at the Select Medical Orange County Cup presented by Fitvine Wine, Augie reflected on his rapid rise in the sport with a conversation with Jim Kloos
Jim, the interviewer, asked, “How did you get introduced to pickleball?”
Augie replied, ” I first played in middle school in Phoenix where I grew up. Loved it from the first time I played.”
Jim followed up by inquiring how Augie’s journey had progressed toward becoming a professional player.
Augie explained, “I didn’t play again for awhile, but picked it up when I was in school back in Rhode Island. I visited Arizona and played with pro Nico Montoya, who was my friend from junior tennis. After that, in late 2022, I started thinking about it more, as I knew Hunter Johnson and Yates Johnson were pickleball pros and I had experience playing tennis with them.
Jim then asked about Augie’s career outside of pickleball, noting his background in biostatistics. He he then asked about how Augie balanced that career with his aspirations in pickleball.
Augie acknowledged that he had a Master’s in biostatistics and was working in the pharmaceutical industry. He added that his employer had inadvertently made the decision for him when he was laid off in November 2023, prompting him to give full-time pickleball a shot.
Jim acknowledged Augie’s quick success, noting, “It didn’t take him long to break through, particularly at Desert Ridge. How was that experience?”
Augie credited his success to Tyra Black, saying, “Yes, I owe Tyra Black a lot for that one. I love playing with her, she is a great partner, Her drives are great!”
The conversation shifted to Augie’s draft into the Premier division of MLP, with Jim asking, “You were drafted Premier in MLP, which was a big jump for you. How do you like MLP?”
Augie responded positively, “I love playing MLP. My teammates are great, the team management is great, everyone associated with Dallas has been awesome.”
Jim asked about the draft experience, noting, “It must have been thrilling to see his name pop up.”
Jim recalled, “The draft was great. I was at the North Carolina PPA event. I was hanging out with a bunch of other pros. We were all on our phones, watching the picks and constantly refreshing,” I had several teams contact me before the draft. Both Premier and Challenger. But Dallas was not one of them. I read your mock drafts and you had me going Premier, so I just kept hoping you were right!
Jim queried Augie about his goals in pickleball?
Augie replied modestly, “Just to be the best I can be.”
The interview concluded with a lighthearted question from Jim, would you rather beat Ben Johns or play with Ben Johns?
Augie humorously replied, “Can I say both?”
Jim noted Augie’s diplomatic response, describing him as one of the nicest and smartest players on tour.
Augie Ge is set as a rising star in professional pickleball, demonstrating both skill and potential for future achievements, including possibly clinching an MLP championship.
News In Brief: Conversation with Augie Ge
Augie Ge, a rising star in the PPA Tour, gained attention at the Desert Ridge Open with a mixed doubles medal alongside Tyra Black. In an interview at the Select Medical Orange County Cup, he shared his journey from discovering pickleball in middle school to turning professional after being laid off from a biostatistics career. Augie praised his experiences and teammates in the MLP, recalling the excitement of being drafted despite Dallas not contacting him beforehand. His goals are modest, aiming to be the best he can be, while his humor and diplomacy make him one of the tour’s most admired player.
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