The Valley Rally

Mederios Babb
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The Valley Rally is your courtside pass to the pickleball community of California’s Central Valley. Journalist Mederios Babb rallies with the region’s top players as she serves up the latest pickleball headlines! Whether you’re chasing your next win or just here for the vibes, this fast-paced, fun show will keep you on your toes.

  1. MAR 3

    ATP King: Jeter Sandoval's success on the court

    This week on The Valley Rally, Jeter Sandoval steps in my kitchen— to talk about how his mom's love for the Yankees led to his nickname. Plus, how the hell did he become a LA Dodger diehard? We talk about his journey from LA’s baseball scene to his move to Central California courts. Jeter shares what it was like to shift from baseball fundamentals to mastering touch and resets, and to become the ultimate "ATP King". Seriously, give this guy a shot too far cross court, and Jeter makes an impossible angle somehow possible Then, what is the secret to a sneaky-good playlist to keep the energy high? Apparently, it's house music — including tracks from PAWSA!

    25 min

  2. FEB 24

    Cooked on the Court: Nathan Nguyen's PE problems turns into Pro Dreams

    The Valley Rally pulls up to Merced and let’s just say… I got COOKED. Twice. In singles. By a junior. NO CAP. Nathan Nguyen is the first-ever junior pickleball player to come on the pickle pod — and this kid is lowkey HIM. What started as punishment for messing up straight A’s with a PE grade (dad said “bet, you’re playing pickleball now”) turned into a full-blown tournament grind. Now he’s chasing pro dreams, stacking medals, and even coaching his 7-year-old little brother like a tiny drill sergeant.

    22 min

  3. FEB 12

    Resets and Spreading Positivity

    This week on The Valley Rally, I caught up with pickleball coach and competitor Jose Ramirez for a conversation that goes way beyond the kitchen line. Jose opens up about his powerful weight loss journey, what it was like growing up in a rough household, and how the pickleball court became more than just a place to play — it became a place to heal. He shares how he found a mother-like mentor in the sport, the life lessons that shaped him, and why spreading positivity is part of his game plan. We also get into the fun stuff: his love for trading cards, the art of resetting the ball (and your mindset), and how staying steady under pressure applies both on and off the court.

    25 min

  4. FEB 3

    $1000 Challenge: It's Greek to me

    Sierra Sport & Racquet Club Pickleball and Tennis Director Stavro Sophocleous, isn’t just one of the Valley’s best players — he’s putting his money where his mouth is. Stavro issues an open $1,000 challenge to anyone in the Valley who thinks they can beat him and his partner on the court. In this episode of The Valley Rally, Stavro opens up about the path that got him here — from having his PlayStation taken away by his mom to force him into pickleball, to embracing his Greek roots, and battling through the loss of his father and a spinal injury that cut his Tennis career short. We talk high-level competition, confidence, Coca-Cola fuel, video games, and what it really takes to bet on yourself — literally. The challenge is out. The question is: who’s stepping up? 🏓💰

    47 min

  5. JAN 31

    All Aboard the A-Train 🚆 | Building a Pickleball Movement

    Bonus drop! With the A-Train tournament rolling into the South Valley on February 7, we step onto the court with the founder of A-Train and two of their sponsored players to talk about how it all started, what it takes to build a pickleball organization from the ground up, and the grind behind running tournaments. From early struggles to big goals, this episode is all about passion, opportunity, and growing the game right here in the Valley.

    39 min

  6. JAN 28

    Unapologetically Authentic: An Unfiltered conversation with Deb

    Consider this your warning: Deb Petersen has no filter — and that’s exactly why we love her! She hosts open play each morning at Orchid Park & hopes her 271 song playlist gets people dancing! A former tennis player and USTA verifier turned pickleball mainstay (with fabulous fashion, obviously), Deb talks tennis vs pickleball, community court etiquette, and the confidence it actually takes to earn respect on the court. Plus, we may or may not touch on the players who think they’re pro… Plus, we talk about overcoming a cancer diagnosis and meeting a friend, who turned into her adopted court son! Real talk, all laughs, and some tears shed along the way!

    39 min

  7. JAN 23

    Hot takes & DAUminating Drives with Will

    This week on The Valley Rally, Mederios Babb is serving up a can’t-miss player profile with Will Dau—one of the biggest (and tallest) threats on the court and the former #1 NCPA men’s singles player. Known for having arguably the best drive in the Valley, Will breaks down his game, the transition from tennis, and taking LOVE (not the score) to a whole new level on the court. Plus, it's an ATP that is flipping the script for Babb's Best Shot. 🥒🔥

    20 min

  8. JAN 13

    Game Changers: Anna Leigh Waters & Wheelchair pickleball

    In this episode of The Valley Rally, we’re covering a major pickleball power move. Anna Leigh Waters signs with Franklin, what it means for the sport, reaction, and a new paddle on the way. Then we shift into our player profiles, spotlighting a South Valley woman who is building community, creating opportunities, and promoting accessibility. Plus, we sit down with two wheelchair pickleball players who are pushing the sport forward by making it more inclusive. One of them rocking the red, white, and blue for Team USA's Para bobsled team!

    26 min
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About

The Valley Rally is your courtside pass to the pickleball community of California’s Central Valley. Journalist Mederios Babb rallies with the region’s top players as she serves up the latest pickleball headlines! Whether you’re chasing your next win or just here for the vibes, this fast-paced, fun show will keep you on your toes.

Information

  • Creator
    Mederios Babb
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13