By Wayne Kerr
Tell us a little about yourself?
I’m an only child and grew up in Port Moody, BC. I spent my junior years playing and competing in tennis and managed to win eleven national titles before going on the satellite tour. When I suffered an elbow injury, I decided to give it up and go to work for my grandfather’s mining supply business in Vancouver. I didn’t realize how much I would miss competition until I picked up a racquet again in 2010. I played hard and made the Young Senior Canadian Team and travelled to Antalya, Turkey and then Umag, Croatia to play in the World Championships. I loved the sport all over again but mostly the friendships and camaraderie that come with competing together with like-minded athletes.
Who introduced you to the sport of pickleball?
Once again, I found myself injured after Tennis Nationals, as tends to happen as we age and I was home rehabbing my shoulder when my Dad suggested I try pickleball at the local Rec Centre. I was immediately hooked. Smaller court, faster paced, serious point constructing. Lo and behold…underhand serves. Perfect.
Who has been most influential in your rise to the top of the sport?
Mostly a core group of buddies locally, that I’ve become good friends with, keep me motivated. Though once I started competing on the tour, I’d have to say that the simple drive to beat Ben Johns has kept me seriously in this.
What is your favorite moment on a pickleball court?
Well, I have a few now but my first was probably the excitement of playing on the ‘Stadium’ court at the 2018 Nationals against Matt Wright and Dave Weinbach. That was when I realized I belonged with their level of play. Since then, playing for Gold at the 2019 Nationals in Indian Wells with Erik Lange was another amazing moment!
What would you say is your greatest strength when you are competing against the best in the sport?
Likely my greatest strength is my mental toughness. I just won’t give up.
When you are not playing pickleball what are some of your other favorite activities?
Hanging with the family. When time permits, I love to play a little Poker or Golf online. Also, my front lawn. I’m obsessed. It is probably the nicest lawn in my city.
If you have a question for Steve please send them to: communications@pickleballcanada.org
Thanks to pickleballcanada.org.