Pickleball Pro Imani Phillips Visits Vietnam, Shares Expertise with Coaches, Students
Bermudian pickleball pro Imani Phillips sure made the most out of her three-week stay in Vietnam, competing in some local tournaments, seeing the sights, and promoting pickleball all at once.
The 23-year-old then wrapped up her busy three weeks in Vietnam by going to ESchool International School to share her pickleball expertise with coaches and students alike. Phillips, a law graduate who pursued a career in pickleball instead, visited ESchool on the invitation of compatriot Aiyetoro Hinds, a Bermudian footballer who is also the Head of Extracurricular Activities at the international school.
It turns out, it was an experience Imani Phillips will not soon forget.
“I had an amazing time at ESchool International School,” Phillips told Bermudan publication The Royal Gazette. “The school has four pickleball courts and I played against PE teachers and the students. All the students spoke English and it was really amazing, I enjoyed the experience.”
Hinds, naturally, was super proud of his fellow Bermudian, noting how the coaches and students in ESchool International School learned a lot from the pickleball pro.
“The experience was fantastic and the students were very excited… Imani connected well with the students, they asked questions, and learnt more about us and Bermuda. I could see how much both the coaches and students benefited from her visit. I look forward to welcoming her back in the future,” said Hinds. “As a Bermudian, it was a proud moment to see a fellow countrywoman showcasing her talent here.”
Imani Phillips Nearly Played at MB Vietnam Open 2025
Phillips was originally slated to play in the MB Vietnam Open 2025, but that plan unfortunately hit a snag and did not push through. Instead, she competed in smaller local tournaments, where she made it all the way to the quarter-finals.
“I got knocked out in the quarter-finals but it was a cool experience,” Phillips said. “There were not many women, just a lot of high-level men, so I played against them and did mixed doubles.”
All in all, it appears the three weeks Imani Phillips spent in Vietnam were well worth it, and the Caribbean’s best pickler is just thankful for the opportunity, which she says is because of pickleball.
“I’m grateful for pickleball for taking me to all these places. To be in Vietnam and to have that opportunity was absolutely amazing,” said the young Bermudian, who is now back in Bermuda to prepare for the Pickleball World Cup that is set to begin on 27 October 2025 at Fort Lauderdale, in Florida.
Amazing, indeed, and it is all thanks to pickleball.
