Zalina Nazarova Giometti: From Interior Designer to Rising Pickleball Competitor
Pro Players

Zalina Nazarova Giometti: From Interior Designer to Rising Pickleball Competitor

Dink Authority Magazine Editors Team

Zalina Nazarova Giometti: From Interior Designer to Rising Pickleball Competitor

Zalina Nazarova Giometti is an emerging player in the competitive pickleball scene in the United States, making a name for herself in the Minor League Pickleball (MiLP). With her team, Cobra Kai, she won the MiLP tournament held at the John Newcombe Country Club in New Braunfels, Texas, proving her talent goes far beyond the court.

A multifaceted profile, beyond her role as an athlete, Zalina has a solid background in interior design. She is LEED-certified and a member of IIDA, having worked on large-scale projects for companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. Her expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and strategic thinking is clearly reflected in how she plays—meticulous, intentional, and always focused.

Playing Style: Power, Focus, and Strategy

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On the court, Zalina stands out for her aggressive yet calculated style of play. Her background as a top NCAA Division I tennis player—ranked top 20 in singles and top 10 in doubles— provides her with a strong technical foundation and exceptional court awareness.

She reads the game well, anticipates opponents’ moves, and makes quick decisions under pressure. One of her key strengths is her controlled power: her shots are strong, well-placed, and strategically executed, allowing her to dictate play from both the baseline and the net. Her explosive transitions and commanding presence make her difficult to break down.

Zalina’s competitive mindset is evident in every point. She plays with determination, intensity, and a high-level tactical awareness that enables her to adapt to any match situation. This combination of physical strength, mental clarity, and game intelligence has been essential to her success in both individual competitions and team events.

Fellow players recognize her as someone who consistently raises the level of any match. Whether leading her team in critical moments or bringing consistency to the serve, Zalina is a core asset to any roster aiming for results.

Notable Achievements

Zalina is a member of the Texas Ranchers DUPR 22 team, alongside players like Kayla Fjelstad, Jason Loyd, and Chee De Vries. The team competes in high-level regional events, such as the MidSouth Regional Showdown in McKinney, Texas, where they were crowned champions on July 28, securing their position as one of the league’s most solid squads.

Additionally, Zalina is currently ranked #84 with a DUPR rating of 1400 on the national Minor League Pickleball leaderboard, a clear sign of her consistency and competitiveness in the developing pro circuit.

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