Introduction
At PBPRO, we believe the most powerful stories in sport live between the wins and the losses. They’re found in the setbacks, the quiet resilience, the moments of doubt, and the courage it takes to keep showing up.
That’s why we wanted to share Anna Shirley’s reflections on her 2025 season—and her outlook for 2026. Too often, we only see the final score. What we don’t always see is everything it takes to get there.
More Than Results: Anna Shirley Reflects on 2025
Early in the year, I got Covid. Shortly after, my childhood home—the one my family had just purchased from my mom—burned down in the Palisades Fire. That house held decades of memories, and losing it felt like losing part of my foundation.
It was one of those moments when life reminds you that no matter how prepared you think you are, you’re never fully in control.
And yet… even in the middle of that chaos, I had a goal.
A Clear Goal, No Matter the Noise
Going into 2025, my goal was simple and bold:
Finish the season ranked #1 in the Masters Pro Women’s Division.
I’m proud to say—I achieved it.
That accomplishment didn’t come easily or in a straight line. Throughout the year, I played with five different partners, and each one brought out a different side of me on the court. Different energy. Different communication styles. Different challenges.
Every partnership made me better.
Pickleball isn’t just about skill—it’s about connection, adaptability, and trust.
When Confidence Slips
While I was happy with my tournament play overall, the beginning of the NPL season humbled me.
I lost several very close matches—matches that could have gone either way. Unfortunately, they didn’t go my way.
And if you’re an athlete, you know how fast that can spiral.
My confidence took a hit.
My mind got loud—and not in a good way.
Those thoughts were relentless, and heavier than any opponent across the net.
Choosing Gratitude Over Fear
At some point, I had to stop listening to that voice.
I practiced harder.
I prayed harder.
And I reminded myself why I started playing in the first place.
This is supposed to be fun.
This is a gift—to compete, to be healthy, to play at this level.
I leaned into gratitude and made a conscious decision to change my self-talk. When negative thoughts popped up (and they still did), I worked to squash them immediately and replace them with something positive.
Slowly—but surely—things shifted.
I won tournaments.
I picked up strong NPL wins.
And my confidence returned—not because I was perfect, but because I trusted myself again.
The OKC Punishers: From Last Place to Family
If there’s one moment from 2025 that stands above the rest, it’s this:
The OKC Punishers started the season 0–4.
Dead last.
We finished the season in 3rd place, just shy of playing for the championship.
That turnaround is one of my proudest moments—not because of the result alone, but because of how we did it.
We did it together.
We cheered for one another.
We coached one another.
We shared meals, laughter, tears, and belief.
We went from looking like a weak, last-place team to becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Somewhere along the way, we stopped being just teammates—we became a family.
Our team owner, Carol, was instrumental in keeping us grounded and encouraged. Whether it was scripture or wisdom from legendary coaches, her words always reminded us to believe, stay steady, and keep pushing forward.
I will always have a special bond with that team.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As I step into 2026, my goals are clearer—and kinder—than ever.
My goals for 2026:
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Defend my #1 ranking in Masters Women’s Pro Doubles
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Have more fun on the court
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Stop beating myself up when I lose (it’s only pickleball)
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Nurture relationships and be a supportive, positive partner
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Possibly take a stab at singles
Singles is brutal. You’re alone out there with your thoughts, your mistakes, and your wins. But maybe that’s exactly why it’s worth trying.
Final Thoughts
2025 taught me that success isn’t just about medals or rankings.
It’s about resilience.
It’s about self-belief when things go sideways.
It’s about choosing gratitude over fear.
And it’s about the people who stand beside you when you’re down—and celebrate you when you rise.
I’m stepping into 2026 lighter, stronger, and more grateful than ever.
Let’s see what this next chapter brings. 💛
— Anna Shirley
Team PBPRO
Anna Shirley is a PBPRO athlete, proudly representing the brand with PBPRO protective eyewear on and off the court. We are incredibly grateful to have Anna as part of the PBPRO family.
She exemplifies everything PBPRO stands for—competition, resilience, humility, and heart. Beyond her results and rankings, Anna leads with integrity, gratitude, and an unwavering love for the game.
