Behind every great pickleball shot is paddle innovation—and few people know this better than Chuck Vietmeier. As Senior Product Manager at United Pickleball Paddles, he’s helped shape the evolution of ProXR, PaddleTek, and Boundless paddles. From cores and dwell time to grip design, Chuck shares insights on what makes a paddle truly great and where technology is heading next.

From Kentucky to Oregon, small towns are converting vacant spaces into pickleball hubs—boosting community connection, local business, and a whole new sense of belonging.

The first-ever Special Olympics Georgia Pickleball Invitational is coming to Suwanee on November 16. Led by Coach Karla Blaginin and The Happy Hitters, the event blends competition, community, and inclusion — proving that pickleball is as much about heart as it is about skill.

Kim Prough didn’t plan on leading a pickleball movement in South Hadley, MA. She just wanted to play. Now she’s organizing clinics, driving petitions, winning grants, and making sure new players have an easier time getting on court.

At National Junior Pickleball (NJP), competition meets community. For the Randazzo and Collazo families, their first NJP tournament wasn’t just about medals—it was about confidence, connection, and discovering a place where kids can truly grow in the sport.

Catherine Baxter, founder of Nettie, is redefining pickleball paddles with color, creativity, and inclusivity. Learn how this female CEO is changing the game for women and players everywhere.

Brad Boutilier is turning Saskatchewan into a pickleball hotspot. Through Triple Black Pickleball, he’s coaching beginners, building community, and spreading the fun—proving that growing the sport is as much about connection as skill.

Meet Sarah Carpenter, Lead Data Scientist at DUPR and one of the brightest minds shaping how pickleball measures skill. From co-founding UNC’s collegiate team to refining the DUPR algorithm, Sarah bridges math and match play to make ratings more accurate, fair, and accessible for every player.

When Kris Barrett moved to Luxembourg with her husband, U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrett, she carried more than luggage—she brought her pickleball paddle. From winning tournaments to building a 70-player group, she put a global twist on the pickleball ambassador role.

Melissa McCurley has shaped pickleball event management from the ground up—running record-breaking tournaments, building PickleballTournaments.com, and earning a spot in the Pickleball Hall of Fame. She shares the lessons, strategies, and pitfalls every organizer should know to create tournaments that players and fans actually love.

Professional pickleball player Lindsey Newman proves doubles success doesn’t need constant chatter or risky shots—just trust, patience, and one more ball back.

National Junior Pickleball is creating more than tournaments—it’s building a nationwide community where kids find competition, friendship, and leadership.

Premier Pickleball in Knoxville combines family ownership, pro coaching, and wellness partnerships to deliver a true sport and social hub.

Diane Unetich has called thousands of matches, trained new referees across the Mid-Atlantic, and earned respect as one of pickleball’s most trusted officials. Here’s what she’s learned from the chair — and why referees matter more than you think.

Pickleball Hall of Famer Jennifer Lucore has been part of nearly every “first” in the sport — but she’ll be the first to tell you it’s not about the medals. From historic titles to global ambassadorship, Jennifer’s story is rooted in friendship, connection, and FUN.

Pickleball after 50 doesn’t have to mean slowing down. With the right fuel, fitness habits, and recovery, senior players can keep their game strong, prevent injuries, and enjoy every point. Instructor Bob Savar shares smart strategies for staying safe, social, and competitive on the court.

Actress Carol Ann DeMarco went from Broadway dreams to discovering pickleball during the pandemic. What started as backyard games in Cape May turned into a thriving community, a hit pilot, and a brand-new stage for her comeback story.

National Junior Pickleball is set to host its largest tournament ever at the 2025 JOOLA Celebration, bringing over 200 players from across the U.S., Ecuador, and South Korean for four days of competition, connect, and high-level play.

Milwaukee’s Pam Lahmann plays pickleball five days a week, organizes women’s clinics, and mentors players of all ages—proving the sport is as much about community as competition.

What starts as a casual match can quickly become the highlight of your week. Here's how rec pickleball quietly builds community, boosts mental health, and gives players something to look forward to—again and again.