James Ignatowich, Mackonner Dy Identify Key Traits That Give Filipinos ‘Edge’ in Pickleball
If there’s one word that captures the Filipino character, it’s resilience. Filipinos always find their way through challenges and setbacks. No matter the situation, trust the Filipino to figure it out.
Evidently, even in the rising sport of pickleball, that resilience is proving to be a defining edge for Filipinos.
Top pickleball players Mackonner Dy and James Ignatowich, who were in the country for the SM Pickleball Superseries 2026, pointed to resilience and adaptability as traits that set Filipino athletes apart.
Dy, who’s just 16, astutely explained to The Philippine Star how these qualities translate directly to success on the court: “Those two things are going to get you really far in pickleball. Because like, the more effort you put, the more resilient you are. Like, you just get more balls. And that gets you to the next level very fast, in my opinion. That’s one of the best ways. So, I think Filipinos do have an advantage in that way.”
Ignatowich, a decorated American player with over 30 PPA medals, echoed Dy’s sentiment while also lauding the Filipino’s ability to move deftly and gracefully as another positive quality.
“Totally agree. I think [Filipinos] move their feet pretty well. I think they like to play. They play with more enthusiasm,” he said. “And I think it shows actually in the way that they play. Because they’re always trying to get their feet behind the ball. And I think if you play with fun, you’re going to play better. You usually play better when you’re having fun.”
That resilience isn’t just about effort—it’s about community. To illustrate this point, Dy noted how Filipinos show unmatched support for their athletes.
“They’re, like, willing to travel. There’s probably people who’ve come out at least two hours just to get here. For me, you know, for Americans that’s way too long. I’m not even going to drive an hour to practice. That’s too much for me,” he said. “I think a lot of people are more willing to support and pay attention. The community is super great.”
Ignatowich added that the warmth of Filipinos makes the sport thrive locally. “It’s interesting how in the Philippines, everybody’s a little bit nicer than in the US. I think that’s one of the reasons why pickleball is going to get really popular here, because pickleball is such a social sport,” he explained
Resilience, adaptability, and community—these are not just traits for pickleball, but hallmarks of the Filipino spirit. And pickleball standouts like Leander Lazaro, Anna Clarice Patrimonio, and Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa are certainly showing these same traits.
