Between code and court

Mateusz, Senior .NET Developer at Scalo, shared his passion for programming in .NET and his love for the sport of pickleball. He told us about his early days in IT, his views on the future of .NET, and how sport helps him maintain his work-life balance.

What excites you the most about working with .NET and what do you see as the biggest strengths of the environment?

I joined the .NET family by chance when I was applying for internships during my studies. A company encouraged me with their stand at the Academic Job Fair. Looking back, I am grateful for that coincidence – I see .NET as a mature, versatile, and constantly evolving ecosystem. I am constantly following the changes that Microsoft is making, and I see the decision to introduce .NET Core as the biggest asset, opening it to the needs of developers and the market.

What motivates you most to be successful at work?

The future is bright. .NET is still one of the best choices for web or Windows applications. Certainly, the rise of the Azure cloud will drive demand for. NET-based solutions.

What was it about pickleball that attracted you to the sport?

I really enjoy sports that involve eye-hand coordination, direct competition with an opponent, and physical exertion. Pickleball checks all of these boxes, plus it’s incredibly fun and has a low barrier to entry.

What are the biggest challenges you face when trying to master the sport?

Pickleball borrows a lot from tennis or paddleball, so it requires precision when hitting the ball and proper movement around the court. It’s always a challenge to master the technique, especially as you get tired.

How often do you play and how do you train?

With a busy schedule, I try to play a two-hour session at least once a week, whether it’s 1-on-1 or doubles. On that note, I’d like to say a big hello to Christopher from Scalo, who is my sparring partner. We’re getting into the sport together.

How is the pickleball scene in Poland? What are your experiences with other players?

Pickleball is still in its infancy in Poland, but every year it gains more fans and starts breaking through into the mainstream. More and more cities are building pickleball courts and sports shops are starting to offer equipment for the game. Now I play with friends, but I plan to actively contribute to the pickleball scene in Lodz.

What are your ambitions for pickleball?

For me, pickleball is a break from everyday life, a form of physical exercise and an opportunity to meet friends. However, I am planning to participate in a tournament in 2025 to get a feel for what it’s like to compete for stakes and meet other players.

Do you see any similarities between programming and pickleball?

Pickleball is an analytical sport – like playing chess with paddles in your hands. A creative approach to problem-solving, cleverness and decision-making are just as useful on the court as they are on the keyboard. It also teaches concentration and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Does playing sport help you with your work-life balance?

Absolutely. Taking your mind off work, even for an hour or two, helps prevent professional burnout and gives you a fresh perspective.

How do you find time for so many different activities?

I try to set realistic goals and plan the more time-consuming activities in advance. I eliminate idleness – if I’m going to sit on the couch, I might as well pick up my guitar.

What is your greatest passion?

It’s impossible to choose just one. Each one brings something different, and they are all equally important to me.

Do your other hobbies, such as guitar playing, influence your work as a programmer?

Each one has a positive influence. It’s important to engage your brain in as many ways as possible.