Every so often, someone comes along in pickleball who doesn’t just play the game—they change it.

A perfect example of that is Catherine Baxter, the founder and CEO of Nettie, a female-led brand adding color, creativity, and heart to the paddle industry.

How It All Began

Catherine’s story starts the same way many pickleball stories do—with connection. During quarantine in New York City, she watched her boyfriend’s parents turn their apartment into a makeshift pickleball court. Laughter echoing off the walls, and the joy of play in tight quarters sparked something in her.

When Catherine picked up a paddle herself, she found a sport that was as inclusive as it was addicting. “Even I could get good at it,” she jokes—the kind of self-deprecating honesty that makes her instantly relatable.

But when she went to buy her own paddle, she hit a wall: everything felt dull, cheap, or wildly overpriced. Nothing matched the vibrant, welcoming energy of the pickleball community. That’s when her idea—and her company—was born.

The Birth of Nettie

Named after her grandmother, Nettie brings style, substance, and soul to pickleball. Catherine wanted paddles that not only performed beautifully but looked like the game felt—joyful, nostalgic, and full of life.

She built Nettie to honor pickleball’s 1960s origins, channeling the retro spirit of long summer days when friends first created the game.

But her mission goes deeper than design. Nettie was founded to spark connection, creativity, and community—helping people play more and reconnect after years of disconnection.

A Personal Note

I met Catherine early on in her journey—right before her big break on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Even then, it was clear she was building something special. She talked about Nettie not just as a brand, but as a feeling. She wanted players to pick up a paddle and instantly smile. Her quiet confidence and relentless drive are hallmarks of founders who build from the heart.

Watching her rise since then—seeing Nettie on national TV, on retail shelves, and in the hands of players across the country—has been nothing short of inspiring.

From Living Rooms to National Spotlight

Since those early days, Catherine has taken Nettie to heights few small brands ever reach:

TV Fame: Nettie became one of the first pickleball paddle companies featured on The Drew Barrymore Show—a huge milestone for both the brand and the sport.
Retail Breakthrough: Nettie is now sold at Dick’s Sporting Goods, bringing Catherine’s colorful designs to players nationwide.
Iconic Collaborations: From the limited-edition Barbie® 65th Anniversary Collection to a partnership with Hamilton the Musical, Nettie merges pop culture and play.
Media Love: Nettie was named Women’s Health’s “Best Pickleball Set” and featured in Vogue and other major lifestyle outlets for its design-meets-performance ethos.

Leading With Heart

Catherine’s success isn’t just about smart marketing or great design—it’s about authenticity.

She built Nettie to make pickleball more inclusive, stylish, and full of joy. Her leadership reflects exactly what makes this sport so special: connection over competition, and creativity over conformity.

“I started Nettie to bring products and experiences into the world that spark connection, joy, and meaningful relationships,” she says. “After two years of isolation, we need more ways to get outside and just play with each other.”

Why Her Story Matters

In a space historically led by men, Catherine Baxter stands out as a creative force redefining what success looks like—not just for women in pickleball, but for entrepreneurs everywhere.

She’s built a brand that doesn’t just sell paddles—it sells the spirit of play. Next time you step onto the court and see one of Nettie’s bright, retro-inspired paddles, know it came from a place of passion, perseverance, and a belief that joy belongs in sport.

Meet the Female CEO Changing the Paddle Game: Catherine Baxter of Nettie