LA Mad Drops Teammates Share Insights Ahead of Major League Pickleball Season
Teammates Bond Over Humor and Fears
As the Major League Pickleball season approaches, teammates Ben Johns and Jade Kawamoto from the LA Mad Drops engaged in a light-hearted discussion about their growing partnership. They shared their favorite pickleball techniques and personal fears during a team bonding session. The conversation highlighted the chemistry between these two key players as they gear up for the upcoming season.
When asked about their skills in trash talking, both players admitted they aren't particularly skilled in that area. "I think we're both pretty non-existent when it comes to trash talk, so neither," Johns stated during a YouTube interview. Kawamoto, however, playfully claimed she might have a slight advantage, saying, "It is actually me," and added, "Ben wins a lot more, so he deserves to be able to talk trash." Johns mentioned that he hasn't engaged in trash talk during tournaments since 2021, although he does it occasionally in practice.
The duo also discussed their favorite shots on the court, with Johns favoring his signature backhand counter and Kawamoto preferring the block reset. "I do like a reset, though," she noted.
Shifting the topic to personal fears, Kawamoto confessed her fear of spiders, while Johns shared a more unusual fear of wolves, explaining, "They hunt in packs and are actively coming after you." Kawamoto dismissed his fear, stating, "My fear is much more cliché. Spiders. For good reason. They're creepy little guys."
The conversation also touched on personal preferences, with Kawamoto revealing her love for Twizzlers and her need for caffeine before matches. "I do need an iced coffee before I play, though," she admitted.
In a humorous moment, when asked which animal he relates to, Johns joked, "I relate to a bear because they’re mostly concerned with food and sleep and I’m into both of those things." However, when pressed about which animal he would prefer to be, he said, "If I had to choose something to be, I’d be a tiger. A tiger is the biggest cat. Cats are very athletic. That's quite fun." Kawamoto quickly responded that no amount of money would convince her to change into an animal.
While their conversation was filled with laughter and playful exchanges, it also showcased the growing camaraderie between two players who are expected to play pivotal roles for the LA Mad Drops in the MLP season.