Presley Smith: Overlooked Junior to World Tour Star

In this episode, we sit down with Presley Smith, one of the top American men’s doubles and mixed doubles players currently competing on the BWF World Tour. Presley opens up about his unconventional journey from being a relatively unknown junior player to becoming a Pan Am double gold medalist and a consistent contender on the international circuit. Presley shares how moving to Taiwan transformed his development, the role his mother played in supporting his career, and how elite training environments reshaped his speed, physicality, and mindset. He reflects on breakthrough moments at major tournaments, handling pressure against top Asian and European pairs, and what truly separates a top 30 player from breaking into the top 15. The conversation also dives deep into doubles and mixed doubles strategy, serve and return mastery, mental toughness, and advice for juniors who feel stuck early in their careers. Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:12 From unknown junior to international breakthrough 03:39 Moving to Taiwan and how elite training changed his level 07:15 Family support and advice for parents of junior players 12:42 Balancing school, training, and life between the US and Taiwan 17:23 Winning double gold at the 2024 Pan Am Championships 22:59 Competing against top world pairs and building confidence 30:14 What separates top 30 players from breaking into the top 15 📲 Follow Presley Smith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p_smith03/?... BWF Profile: https://bwfbadminton.com/player/63739... 🎧 Follow the TLZ Podcast Instagram:   / thetlzpodcast   Train your mind. Change your game. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and comment who we should bring on next.