Nathan Wildridge
For this ONIX athlete, the journey into the world of pickleball was not instantaneous; rather, it evolved into a deep-seated passion over time. Initially hesitant, he finally decided to take the plunge after six months of gentle prodding from his father, agreeing to try it out one winter simply to keep himself occupied. However, after just one match with his dad and a few friends, he found himself captivated. The term "addicted" might be more fitting—a humorous nod to his ongoing "recovery" from this thrilling sport. With his children now joining in on the fun and picking up paddles themselves, the family-friendly nature of pickleball continues to draw him back to the court.
Residing in Washington, Indiana, this pickleball enthusiast has dedicated nearly five years to the sport. Although pickleball isn’t his primary occupation—he is employed at NASCO Industries, a local manufacturer of safety apparel—his friends and family would likely argue otherwise. He is a familiar face at tournaments and consistently seeks to enhance his skills.
Currently, he plays with the ONIX Evoke Premier Pro Raw Carbon 10mm paddle, a choice that he believes perfectly complements his style of play. “It’s all about the power for me,” he says. “The pop and the feel it provides aligns with my game beautifully.”
What he cherishes most about pickleball is the competitive aspect, but the camaraderie he has found within the community has become equally significant. “I’ve forged incredible connections through this sport and developed friendships that I truly value,” he shares.
When discussing his inspirations, he cites Roger Federer—not only for his extraordinary talent but also for his embodiment of class, grace, and respect on the court. These are qualities that he strives to mirror in his own approach to the game.
His aspirations, while straightforward, hold great importance: to keep learning, to improve continually, and to share the joy of pickleball with others. This includes teaching his children the sport, participating in tournaments, and contributing to the growth of pickleball in his local community.
His dedication and effort have begun to yield impressive results. Recently, he clinched a gold medal in the Men’s 5.0 category (Ages 30-39) and a silver medal in the Mixed Open category (Ages 25-29) at the US Open, one of the most esteemed competitions in the sport.
