From Tennis to Pickleball
After four years of high school tennis, Whitworth decided to pursue pickleball, a sport she grew up playing with her grandmother. Whitworth’s tennis career includes being an all-conference selection three times and all-district twice. Despite her success in tennis, she was drawn to pickleball’s faster, more dynamic pace.
“My grandma, Bonnie Tillman, she actually worked with me when I was seven or eight years old and we would just hit against the garage. Then, she let me play with her pickleball team she plays with. I would go on break, and I would play with them all the time.” – (Whitworth)
A Unique Opportunity at Drury
Whitworth’s interest in Drury stemmed from her academic goals. She plans to major in psychology, minor in communication, and earn a certificate in wrongful convictions, aiming to become an art therapist. During the application process, she expressed interest in tennis and pickleball. The university’s pickleball program, still in its early stages, reached out to her.
Drury’s head coach, Jarrod Smith, who led the program through its first season, helped recruit Whitworth. She visited Drury in September and participated in her first practice despite having a broken wrist.
“Luckily, it was my left wrist that was broken, and I’m right-hand dominant. (Drury coach Smith) talked to me afterward and asked if this was for sure where I wanted to go and said, ‘You understand this is going to be a lot of work? Pickleball’s fun, but it’s not going to be easy.’” – (Whitworth)
Strong Support System
Whitworth credits her success in both sports to her family. Her grandmother and her grandfather, Drury tennis alum Charles Tillman, were pivotal in her development.
Additionally, Whitworth took tennis lessons with Missouri Military Academy’s head coach, Brad Smith, during the summer, which further honed her skills. Her high school tennis coaches, Kim Costley and Sarah Olson, are also on her list of people to thank.
“Jyllian never backs down from a challenge. She’s not shy. She’ll put herself in an uncomfortable situation to become a better player. I’m really proud of her pursuing this, something very different.” – (Kim Costley)
Drury’s First Pickleball Team
Drury’s pickleball program is groundbreaking as the first official NCAA pickleball team in the country. Already, the team has won a regional title and earned a bid to nationals. Whitworth is excited to be part of the program’s early years and looks forward to competing on a national level.
Looking Ahead
Whitworth’s journey to Drury is a story of persistence and adaptability. From playing soccer, dance, and swimming to embracing tennis and now pickleball, Whitworth has always been open to new challenges. She is determined to enjoy her college experience and pursue her academic and athletic goals.
“While it may not have been tennis, I have reached my goal of being accepted and being signed to a sport that I will enjoy playing competitively in college to stay active and make friendships that will last a lifetime.” – (Whitworth)
News in Brief: Jyllian Whitworth Signs with Drury University
Jyllian Whitworth, a senior from Mexico, Missouri, has signed to play for Drury University’s inaugural NCAA Division II pickleball team. Whitworth, a standout tennis player with multiple all-conference honors, transitions to pickleball, a sport she’s been passionate about since childhood.
Drury’s groundbreaking pickleball program, led by coach Jarrod Smith, is already making waves with a regional title and a bid to nationals. Whitworth is excited to contribute to the program’s early success while pursuing her academic and athletic goals.
ALSO READ: Jyllian Whitworth Makes History as Part of Drury University’s Inaugural Pickleball Team
