Not even a year ago, Kiora Kunimoto was just getting her start in pro pickleball. In September, she signed with the PPA Tour, and now she’s taking down the likes of Catherine Parenteau, Jorja Johnson, and Brooke Buckner. She even took a game off Anna-Leigh Waters in just their second-ever matchup.
Behind the scenes in Hilo, Hawai`i, Kiora’s dad, Randy Kunimoto, has been guiding Kiora in the transition from tennis to pickleball and life on the tour as a young athlete. Randy, himself a well-known coach in the community, shared some of his background and perspective on Kiora’s rise in pickleball.
Q: Randy, what is your sports background? How did you find pickleball?
A: I’ve been a tennis coach for over 30 years. My good friend got me started in pickleball in 2018.
Q: What do you think is most difficult about the transition from tennis to pickleball?
A: I feel the biggest transition from tennis to pickleball is the ability to go at full speed and then to be fully relaxed in a matter of a fraction of a second. Playing from so much closer and having to react that much quicker and think so much faster.
Q: Kiora’s game is often talked about for the power she has in her shots and her quickness to get to balls. Are those things you work on with her?
A: I wish I could say I work on her power and quickness, but the answer is no. In tennis, we did some work on power and speed, but we don’t focus on that in pickleball.
Q: What's one drill that you think players of all levels could benefit from?
A: I feel skinny singles down the line and crosscourt is a drill/game that anyone can play and improve their skills on. During the game, just try to stay in the areas that you need the most work on to get full benefits from the game.
Q: What’s one piece of advice that you’ve told Kiora that has helped her to get to where she is today?
A: I always tell Kiora the same thing: footwork, focus, and play with your heart.
Q: What’s your pickleball coaching philosophy for Kiora?
A: My philosophy for Kiora is to play with anyone and work on things that you need to work on. Always be respectful, stay humble, and always have a good attitude.
Q: What’s your advice for parents who have kids aspiring to turn pro in pickleball?
A: My advice to parents is to make the best use of your resources around you. If you don’t have players for your children to play with, then look for other practice options. I’ve always felt quality, useful practice over quantity non-useful practice. No matter the level, there’s always something that they can work on. Our children just need to be guided in the right direction, even in practice. Last but surely not least, the main thing is keep it fun and engaging. The whole experience should be enjoyable. Never look at if your child won or lost. Look at if are they trying to implement their skills into their games. Did they fight hard and put out as much efforts as they possibly could have. If those answers are yes, then they are headed in the right direction to improvement and longevity in this sport.
