Luana Stanciu: Technique, Composure and a Rising Talent
Luana Stanciu: Technique, Composure and a Rising Talent
We watched her play at the Challenger in Boise — calm, composed, and methodical. Luana Stanciu doesn’t shout her way through matches or force chaotic rallies; she builds her game point by point, with the rhythm of someone who understands the game deeply.
Originally from Romania and raised within a strong tennis tradition, Luana transitioned into pickleball after years of competitive tennis. Her movement, patience, and court awareness immediately translated well to the sport.
After spending time competing and coaching in the United States, she quickly became known for her disciplined style and ability to construct points with precision. While many players rely on raw power, Stanciu’s game reflects something different: balance, timing, and tactical clarity.
INTERVIEW
You come from a solid tennis background in Romania and the U.S. college athletics. What made you transition to pickleball?
LS:
I was introduced to pickleball through the coaching community. I loved tennis and competed for many years, but when I first tried pickleball, I immediately felt the strategic side of the game.
The rallies are fast, and every shot requires intention. I realized that my tennis background helped a lot with positioning and understanding patterns of play.
What was your first tournament as a professional pickleball player, and what was that experience like?
LS:
My first professional event was exciting and challenging. Competing against players who had been in the sport longer pushed me to learn quickly.
The community in pickleball is incredibly welcoming, and that helped me adjust to the professional environment.
Besides competing, you also serve as Director of Racquet Sports at Owl’s Nest Resort. How do you balance your coaching role with tournament training and travel?
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LS:
I used to be at Owl’s Nest Resort from May to November, and then I came to the Director of Pickleball role at Welcome Country Club up until this Spring.
When I moved to Texas back in the summer of 2023, I also started the pickleball journey with training and then slowly playing tournaments while coaching.
I used to plan my tournaments around the club calendar and my teaching schedule. Now I focus more on training and competition.
You played the Minor League Pickleball National Championship and qualified for DUPR World Series in Dubai. What stands out about those experiences?
LS:
That tournament was surreal.
Going to Dubai and competing internationally showed how quickly the sport is growing around the world. The level of competition was very high, and the energy around pickleball internationally is incredible.
From your coaching background, how do you see the global growth of pickleball, especially in Europe and Latin America?
LS:
I truly believe pickleball has huge potential globally.
Countries in Europe are starting to adopt the sport more quickly, and Latin America is also seeing strong interest. The accessibility of pickleball makes it easy for new communities to embrace it.
What advice would you give to women who are thinking about entering competitive pickleball but still see it mostly as a recreational sport?
LS:
Don’t hesitate to try.
Pickleball is very welcoming, and if you enjoy competition, there are many opportunities to grow in the sport. The level of play continues to rise, and more women are discovering that they can compete seriously.
What has been your most memorable tournament so far?
LS:
Playing at the Minor League Nationals was very special.
Every match felt like a battle, and it reminded me how much I enjoy competing at the highest level. That experience helped confirm that I want to keep pushing myself in this sport.
In your opinion, who are five of the strongest female players on the pro circuit right now?
LS:
Anna Leigh Waters is obviously number one.
Her ability to control the pace and impose her game is remarkable. She’s incredibly consistent and technically sound.
Lea Jansen is another player I admire — she brings intensity and emotional energy to every match.
The level across the tour keeps improving, and many players are raising the standard of the women’s game.
Luana Stanciu: Technique, Composure and a Rising Talent
We watched her play at the Challenger in Boise — calm, composed, and methodical. Luana Stanciu doesn’t shout her way through matches or force chaotic rallies; she builds her game point by point, with the rhythm of someone who understands the game deeply.
Originally from Romania and raised within a strong tennis tradition, Luana transitioned into pickleball after years of competitive tennis. Her movement, patience, and court awareness immediately translated well to the sport.
After spending time competing and coaching in the United States, she quickly became known for her disciplined style and ability to construct points with precision. While many players rely on raw power, Stanciu’s game reflects something different: balance, timing, and tactical clarity.
INTERVIEW
You come from a solid tennis background in Romania and the U.S. college athletics. What made you transition to pickleball?
LS:
I was introduced to pickleball through the coaching community. I loved tennis and competed for many years, but when I first tried pickleball, I immediately felt the strategic side of the game.
The rallies are fast, and every shot requires intention. I realized that my tennis background helped a lot with positioning and understanding patterns of play.
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What was your first tournament as a professional pickleball player, and what was that experience like?
LS:
My first professional event was exciting and challenging. Competing against players who had been in the sport longer pushed me to learn quickly.
The community in pickleball is incredibly welcoming, and that helped me adjust to the professional environment.
Besides competing, you also serve as Director of Racquet Sports at Owl’s Nest Resort. How do you balance your coaching role with tournament training and travel?
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
LS:
I used to be at Owl’s Nest Resort from May to November, and then I came to the Director of Pickleball role at Welcome Country Club up until this Spring.
When I moved to Texas back in the summer of 2023, I also started the pickleball journey with training and then slowly playing tournaments while coaching.
I used to plan my tournaments around the club calendar and my teaching schedule. Now I focus more on training and competition.
You played the Minor League Pickleball National Championship and qualified for DUPR World Series in Dubai. What stands out about those experiences?
LS:
That tournament was surreal.
Going to Dubai and competing internationally showed how quickly the sport is growing around the world. The level of competition was very high, and the energy around pickleball internationally is incredible.
From your coaching background, how do you see the global growth of pickleball, especially in Europe and Latin America?
LS:
I truly believe pickleball has huge potential globally.
Countries in Europe are starting to adopt the sport more quickly, and Latin America is also seeing strong interest. The accessibility of pickleball makes it easy for new communities to embrace it.
What advice would you give to women who are thinking about entering competitive pickleball but still see it mostly as a recreational sport?
LS:
Don’t hesitate to try.
Pickleball is very welcoming, and if you enjoy competition, there are many opportunities to grow in the sport. The level of play continues to rise, and more women are discovering that they can compete seriously.
What has been your most memorable tournament so far?
LS:
Playing at the Minor League Nationals was very special.
Every match felt like a battle, and it reminded me how much I enjoy competing at the highest level. That experience helped confirm that I want to keep pushing myself in this sport.
In your opinion, who are five of the strongest female players on the pro circuit right now?
LS:
Anna Leigh Waters is obviously number one.
Her ability to control the pace and impose her game is remarkable. She’s incredibly consistent and technically sound.
Lea Jansen is another player I admire — she brings intensity and emotional energy to every match.
The level across the tour keeps improving, and many players are raising the standard of the women’s game.
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