What does it take to become one of the best racquetball players in the world — and then reinvent yourself in an entirely different sport? On this episode of Kitchen Conversations, I sit down with Corey Osborne, a former #9-ranked racquetball player in the world, Pan Am Games bronze medalist, Midland Sports Hall of Fame inductee, CNPL player, coach, and one of the most genuinely respected people in Canadian pickleball. Corey’s athletic story is remarkable. He began playing racquetball as a teenager, eventually competing on the world stage and representing Canada at the 2003 Pan Am Games. Years later, he returned to the Pan Am Games as a Team Canada coach. Then came pickleball. What started as another racket sport to try became a completely new chapter in Corey’s life — one that has taken him into the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL), professional coaching, tournaments across Ontario and beyond, and the creation of his own coaching business, RAW Pickleball — Ready and Waiting. But this conversation goes well beyond Corey’s résumé. We dig into what actually separates great pickleball players from everyone else, why decision-making becomes so important under pressure, the value of footwork and positioning, whether expensive paddles really make a difference, and why Corey believes recreational players should spend roughly 50% of their development time drilling and 50% playing. Corey also shares some outstanding advice for anyone trying to improve: Consistency. Purpose. And what you do after you hit the ball. We talk about the CNPL, DUPR, tournament play, coaching, paddle technology, the evolution of pickleball, the increasing power of the modern game — and Corey’s concern that speed, harder balls and increasingly powerful paddles could eventually diminish some of the finesse, strategy and longer rallies that make pickleball unique. And perhaps most importantly, we talk about something bigger than pickleball: sport, friendship, competition, aging, reinvention and the incredible opportunity to keep challenging ourselves long after we thought our competitive years might be behind us. Corey Osborne has accomplished an extraordinary amount in sport. After spending an hour with him, however, it’s very easy to understand why the accomplishment people seem to appreciate most is simply the kind of person he is. Enjoy the conversation. Kitchen Conversations — a pickleball podcast about the people, stories and ideas behind the game. If you enjoy the episode, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who loves pickleball — or perhaps someone who hasn’t picked up a paddle yet. #Pickleball #CoreyOsborne #CNPL #CanadianPickleball #PickleballPodcast #PickleballCoaching #PickleballTips #Racquetball #KitchenConversations And that wraps up this episode of Kitchen Conversations. If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the game as much as you do. And if you want the full experience, including the visuals, head over to YouTube and watch the episode at https://www.youtube.com/@KitchenConversationspodcast Or search Kitchen Conversations Pickleball Podcast That’s where these stories really come to life. You’ll also find links and show notes in the episode description. Until next time… more than dinks, drops and drives… these are stories from behind the paddle.
