Devin Gorder shows off his provincial gold medal. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

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When Devin Gorder is not re-aligning backs at work, he’s also proving that he’s a crack shot on the pickleball court.

The provincial championships were held this past weekend in Regina, and Gorder came away with two gold medals – one for Men’s Singles and the other in Mixed Doubles with his partner Sarah English. Gorder told paNOW he was happy with how he played.

“It’s a big mental game too, especially in singles it’s just you and one other person so there’s a lot things that can happen, whether it’s good shots, balls out, little bit of talk back and forth between opponents,” he said.

Gorder had also competed at provincials last year and finished third in Men’s Singles. Acknowledging this year was a big step up, he cited extra experience and training as key reasons for his success.

“More practice time on the court and developing and refining some skills and mechanics of the swing and certain shot selection,” he said.

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Gorder and his partner Sarah English. (Facebook)

Gorder’s partner Sarah lives in Saskatoon but once a week the two are still able to find time to play together. While pleased with both medals, he acknowledged the doubles game is very different.

“You have two people on the same team and you’re trying to communicate with each other and essentially trying to get the same job done so that can be difficult. But in singles it’s just you, so it’s all on your shoulders,” he said.

In turn English told paNOW she admires Devin always remains relaxed and level headed regardless of what’s happening in a game and that he is both a strong and consistent player.

“I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to play alongside Devin this past weekend and hope to continue to compete with him in the future,” she said.

English also noted the overall experience at provincials was amazing experience and thanked all the volunteers who kept everything running smoothly throughout the weekend.

“The event does a great job at bringing together all ages and experience levels to compete and it’s a wonderful opportunity for those, like myself, who may not have the chance to play in many sanctioned tournaments throughout the year,” she said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell