"Hi my name is Talia Saunders and I'm addicted to the new sport Pickleball!

I am currently one of the highest ranked female athletes in Australia and it's my goal to relocate to America for an extended amount of time to become a Pro rated player​ and to compete against the best in the world in tournaments and work to win medals. I'd love to one day play in the Olympics ( if the sport is included)!

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I train/ hit and play social games 5-6 days a week​ (Sometimes more) and am working hard on improving and becoming the best I can be. I have played in lots of tournaments in Australia and have medalled at every one!

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The development channels that I need to go through aren't available yet within Australia as it's still a new sport, therefore relocating to America is the best opportunity for me to reach my goals.

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I​ come from a professional badminton background where I was national champion four times and I not only represented myself but was selected to represent my country. This level of sport has given me the hunger and work ethic to do what I can to be the best I can be and put in the necessary work to get there. I worked hard to achieve my goals and this work ethic will be used in my new venture of Pickleball.

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The​ money will be used to gain a visa to America, fund my travel expenses to America as well as to and from the tournaments when I'm there. Travel expenses to the tournaments here in Australia so I can qualify a better player rating before I relocate. I will also use it for tournament entry fees, training facilities and the upkeep of equipment I need to play.

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There​ is currently no funding for this sport in Australia so any amount that you can donate will be greatly appreciated and go a long way to helping me reach my goals! Let's do this!"

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