Michael Loyd

You worked on the corporate side of pickleball for Head before becoming a tour pro. What do you see as the future of pickleball from a business standpoint?

I see more and more indoor facilities, memberships, more indoor tournaments. Currently Austin is building courts in different suburbs catering to different markets. Location is very important to the profitability of a facility.

What drew you to the tour?

I wanted the ability to compete. It was a dream to compete professionally. An opportunity for travel and to meet lots of people. I had played collegiate tennis, and this was a way to reach out.

What’s your advice to young players?

Make sure you don’t limit yourself. Don’t just become a right-side or left-side player. Compete in different sports. Become a well-rounded athlete.

What changes would you make on the tour?

I would make every facility spectator-friendly. There should be ease of access to players not just on the showcase court. Dallas has great courts, and the Legacy in Mesa.

What is causing your star to rise?

A combination of things. I have been putting in a lot of work. Ty Woody is helping me. I dropped 12 pounds. I have had a mindset shift to not just work, work, work. I am having fun. Austin has become a pickleball Mecca. I have so many good players to train with including Dekel Bar, Ben Johns, Zane Navratil, Julian Arnold, Hunter Johnson. These players have taught me what to work on, to know my strengths and weaknesses.

There are a lot of shot choices in pickleball. How do you make the right decisions?

I watch film of myself. I study what shot has the higher percentage for me. I look at film of my opponent. I set up my phone on the court to video my play. I want to match my strengths against my opponent’s weaknesses.

In pickleball, so often players get to 9 or 10 points and then they can’t finish the match. How do you learn to finish each match?

I examine what I have done to get to the finish line. I examine the portfolio that I have built. At that point it is not necessary to play shots that you are not confident about making.

You like playing on center court and playing to the crowd. You have more than 30 tattoos. What is your message?

I love the pressure of a packed house—all eyes on me, give them a good show, have a good time, make it enjoyable for everyone. My tattoos are conversation starters. They are a time stamp of different moments. My faith plays a huge role in my competitive career. I have somebody to bounce off ideas. I believe in a living God. I was chasing happiness and now there is ever-apparent joy. I am lucky to have all I have.

What is your favorite tattoo?

On my left bicep I have “fruit of the spirit” on a juice box.

Do you have a favorite color to wear on the court?

Yes, I like to wear lavender.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

Proverbs 16:32. I have it tattooed on my left arm. “Better he who is patient…”  •