A visit to a school in Vietnam last week allowed Imani Phillips to share her pickleball expertise with coaches and students.

Phillips, who was in Ho Chi Minh City for three weeks, spent time at ESchool International School on the invitation of Aiyetoro Hinds, a Bermudian footballer who is the head of extracurricular activities at the school.

“I had an amazing time at ESchool International School,” Phillips told The Royal Gazette.

“Their PE department invited me to come and play pickleball with students as well as the teachers.

“The school has four pickleball courts and I played against PE teachers and the students. All the students spoke English and it was really amazing, I enjoyed the experience.

“I’m grateful for pickleball for taking me to all these places. To be in Vietnam and to have that opportunity was absolutely amazing.”

Phillips had initially planned to play in the Professional Pickleball Association Vietnam Open but ended up competing in smaller tournaments.

“I got knocked out in the quarter-finals but it was a cool experience,” she said.

“There were not many women, just a lot of high-level men so I played against them and did mixed doubles.”

Hinds, who has been living in the South-East Asia country for five years, believes the coaches and students learnt a lot from Bermuda’s top female player.

“The experience was fantastic and the students were very excited,” he said.

“As a Bermudian, it was a proud moment to see a fellow countrywoman showcasing her talent here.

“Imani connected well with the students, they asked questions and learnt more about us and Bermuda.

“I could see how much both the coaches and students benefited from her visit. I look forward to welcoming her back in the future.”

The 23-year-old Phillips is back in Bermuda preparing for the Pickleball World Cup, to be held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, from October 27 to November 2.