If you’ve been in pickleball long enough, you’ve probably heard the name Jennifer Lucore. A Hall of Famer, 17-time National Champion, author, and global ambassador, she’s been part of nearly every “first” in the sport. But talk to her for five minutes, and you quickly realize she doesn’t define herself by medals or titles. For Jennifer, the game has always been about connection, history, and — above all — FUN.

That thread runs through everything she does. From competing alongside her best friend Alex Hamner, to co-authoring the sport’s first history book with her mother, to teaching beginners halfway across the world, Jennifer sees pickleball as a sport that connects people through joy, community, and adventure.

Finding Her Own Love for the Game

Jennifer’s parents, Bob and Bev Youngren, were early adopters of pickleball. “My brother and I would just laugh because Mom and Dad were off playing this pickle thing again,” she said. Holidays meant family games, but her deeper connection came later.

“I didn’t play just to carry on the family tradition,” Jennifer explained. “I found my own love for the sport. The friendships, the challenge, and the FUN… that’s what kept me coming back.”

Dynamic duo, Alex Hamner (left) and Jennifer Lucore (right)

A Partnership Built on Friendship

Her partnership with Alex Hamner became one of the sport’s most iconic duos, winning three straight Women’s Open Doubles National titles. “It was just best friends on the court,” Jennifer said. “No pressure, no paycheck on the line. We started mid-40s, had fun, and the success came naturally. The car trips, the music, the snacks — the journey was as important as the destination.”

Those early Nationals also created lasting memories. “We’d bring our little EZ-Up tent, cheer for all our friends, and then all go to dinner together,” she recalled. “It was unique — and I feel sad for people now that don’t have that same experience.”

Jennifer teaching with her mother, Bev Youngren (left)

Writing Pickleball’s History

In 2018, Jennifer and her mother co-authored History of Pickleball: More Than 50 Years of Fun! — a three-year project gathering stories from pioneers like Barney McCallum.

“I finally got him on the phone after he read it, and I was holding my breath,” she said. “He told me, ‘Kid, you did good.’ That was it for me. It didn’t matter how many books we sold. The history was captured.”

Growing Pickleball Around the World

Since 2016, Jennifer has traveled internationally to introduce pickleball in countries from Spain to Singapore. At one clinic in Singapore, she taught players who had never seen the sport before. “They listened to every word because it was so new and so exciting,” she said. “At the end, I handed out certificates, and they were just so gracious. Every country has surprised me in a different way. What’s universal is that they all discover the FUN.”

Keeping the Roots Alive

Jennifer celebrates the sport’s rapid growth but is mindful of what’s at stake. “We’ve sometimes lost track of the history,” she said. “It’s not a complicated game, and people shouldn’t make it so complicated. For the 95% who just play at their Y or their park, let’s remember why we love it.”

Her advice for newcomers is simple: “Don’t be fearful. Everyone should experience pickleball. Show up, and people will lend you a paddle, teach you the score, and make you feel welcome.”

What’s Next for Jennifer Lucore

Jennifer has been a player, champion, author, and ambassador — and she’s not done yet. She’s still traveling, teaching, and sharing pickleball’s history wherever she goes, with no plans to slow down.

“How do I stay inspired?” she said. “Because I was lucky enough to know the founders, to spend time on Bainbridge Island, and to understand how special that is. I feel it’s my duty to keep that alive. Pickleball checks so many boxes: health, friendships, FUN. That’s what keeps me going.”

Jennifer Lucore: Pickleball’s Hall of Fame Trailblazer Who Plays for FUN