First-Ever Special Olympics Georgia Pickleball Invitational
Suwanee, GA—Get ready for serves, smiles, and serious heart. On November 16, Certified Pickleball Coach and USA Pickleball Ambassador Karla Blaginin, alongside her inspiring crew known as The Happy Hitters, will host the first-ever Special Olympics Georgia Pickleball Invitational at Planet Pickle—a brand-new indoor pickleball facility already buzzing with excitement.
This inaugural event will welcome up to 20 Unified Teams, blending beginner and intermediate athletes for a day filled with rallies, laughter, and celebration. The showcase exhibition match will feature Happy Hitters stars Anthony Le and Mimi Ngo—proving that pickleball is about passion and precision alike.
Karla and the Happy Hitters of North Atlanta
From YMCA Courts to a Statewide Movement
Karla’s pickleball story is what dreams are made of. In 2019, she wandered onto a court at her local YMCA—and never looked back. “I was instantly hooked,” she says. That first paddle swing became a turning point. Over two years, Karla shed 40 pounds, found a new community, and discovered a personal mission: to share the joy of pickleball with everyone.
Since then, Karla has stacked up certifications like trophies: Certified Pickleball Coach, Breath Coach, Deep Stretch Instructor, and Zumba Instructor. “Anything to improve my game!” she laughs. But her biggest win isn’t measured in certificates. It’s in building an inclusive, empowering community where every player thrives.
A Coach Who Sees Beyond the Paddle
As a lifelong academic, Karla knows that learning happens best when people feel seen. Her Asian and Latina heritage, paired with her years of bridging gaps between schools and communities, fuels a coaching philosophy that’s both heart-centered and science-backed.
Her approach emphasizes energy distribution and intentional play—working smarter, not harder. “If you attack everything that comes your way, you’ll soon be exhausted,” she explains. “Pickleball is about patience and precision. When you play with intention, you conserve energy and reduce injury—and that’s what keeps you in the game.”
Her athletes love it—because her court is a space where joy, discipline, and self-belief rally together.
The Happy Hitters: Where Every Shot Counts
The Happy Hitters aren’t just an ordinary pickleball team. As a Special Olympics Georgia Agency, they’ve become a vibrant symbol of inclusive sports. Through programs that blend skill development, teamwork, and fun, Karla and her crew have built a culture of belonging, one dink at a time.
The upcoming Invitational at Planet Pickle isn’t just another tournament—it’s a celebration of community, courage, and connection. “This event is a significant step for our athletes,” Karla says. “They deserve a space like this—a modern facility where they can shine, compete, and feel supported by the entire pickleball community.”
A Call for Sponsors: Let’s Rally Together
Now, Karla and The Happy Hitters are asking the community to join them—not on the court, but in spirit. They’re seeking sponsorships to help cover event costs, athlete support, and equipment. Every contribution makes a difference in creating an unforgettable experience for these remarkable players.
“Pickleball has changed my life,” Karla says. “Now it’s helping our athletes find purpose, confidence, and joy. That’s what this event is all about.”
To learn more—or to become a sponsor for the Special Olympics Georgia Pickleball Invitational—reach out to Karla Blaginin at karla@planetpickle.com or kblagin@gmail.com.
At Empower Pickleball, we’re cheering for Karla, The Happy Hitters, and everyone proving that when inclusion leads the way, the game gets stronger.
