Thomas Wilson, one of the most athletic and beloved players in pro pickleball, joins the Pickleballers crew for an inspiring and emotional episode. Thomas opens up about his journey from college tennis to the pro pickleball stage, his battles with life-threatening health challenges, and the resilience it’s taken to fight his way back. He shares his long road through fertility struggles, the joy of adopting two beautiful daughters, and his hopes to return to the court.

(00:00) – Intro

(00:54) – Thomas’s positive energy and presence on tour

(02:00) – Growing up in Texas and college tennis journey

(04:06) – Meeting his wife and Bible college experience

(06:23) – Working at a prayer call center

(08:03) – Career in insurance and software sales

(08:09) – Thomas and Britney’s long fertility journey

(10:29) – Adopting Holland and Haven

(13:20) – First pickleball experiences and family tournaments

(14:02) – Training with his parents

(14:26) – Early tournaments and breakthrough matches

(16:17) – Deciding to go full-time in pickleball

(18:05) – MLP championship and connection with Drew Brees

(19:57) – Playing eight days after heart surgery

(20:50) – Discovering Wolf Parkinson White syndrome

(23:39) – New health challenges after heart surgery

(25:00) – Severe breathing issues and hospital stays

(26:49) – Emotional toll and uncertainty about living

(27:56) – Exploring holistic treatments and peptides

(32:01) – Goals for returning to pickleball

(33:27) – Perspective shift after adopting children

(35:35) – Desire to play with Vivian David again

(37:42) – Meeting Hunter and Yates Johnson

(39:26) – Moving to New Braunfels, Texas

(39:37) – Oakfire Ridge pickleball resort project

(42:24) – Toughest opponents and playing against Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters

(43:36) – Partnership with Julian Arnold in MLP

(44:59) – Challenges for tennis players transitioning to pickleball

(46:04) – Who Thomas would take on a 10-hour road trip

(47:30) – Jeff Johnson’s positive energy

(48:39) – Adjusting to the modern pace of the game

(49:25) – Funniest pickleball memes about Thomas

(49:31) – Advice for players to improve their game

(49:55) – Closing thoughts and support for Thomas’s recovery