How Maddie Toren went from pandemic paddles to calling pro matches, launching a digital agency, and helping shape the next generation of pickleball players—before even turning 20.

After 16 surgeries and a lifetime of chronic pain, 72-year-old Judy Nielsen still shows up to the court six days a week—proving that passion and purpose don’t retire.

Dotti “Coach B” Berry isn’t just playing pickleball—she’s building a global community for women through retreats, coaching, and mindset-driven connection.

Three women are redefining what pickleball leadership looks like—building leagues, creating communities, and coaching with purpose. Their stories show how heart-led coaching is changing the game for everyone.

After a life-changing spinal cord injury, Army veteran Twila Adams found healing, purpose, and power through adaptive sports—and fell in love with pickleball along the way. Now she’s leading clinics, inspiring players of all abilities, and proving that the court truly is for everyone.

Pickleball Superstars is breaking down barriers for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), making the sport more accessible, one swing at a time.

From motocross to medals, Taylor Nichols is breaking barriers in adaptive pickleball—and bringing a whole community with him.

Junior girls aren’t waiting their turn. They’re already shaping the sport: on side courts, in pro brackets, and with the support of parents who are all-in. Here’s what’s driving their rise and why it matters.

Billy Mauldin is building more opportunities for Deaf pickleball players, from international retreats to fully accessible coaching. His work with Deaf Pickler is changing how the game reaches new communities.

Queer women are playing a leading role in shaping pickleball, from grassroots leagues to the pro tour. We talked to players and leaders helping build inclusive spaces where visibility, safety, and belonging aren’t just buzzwords, but part of the game itself.

Pickleball has a reputation for being welcoming, but for many LGBTQ+ players, inclusion isn’t guaranteed. This Pride Month, we’re sharing honest stories, real barriers, and ways we can all help build safer, more affirming courts.

The APP Tour’s Next Gen Series didn’t just launch a youth program; it helped reshape how pickleball supports young players. Here’s how it all started, why it still matters, and where junior development is headed next.

Griffin Toren launched Killa Dinks as a college sophomore with one big idea: make pickleball more fun, expressive, and accessible. From youth clinics to custom paddles for brands like Apple and Hard Rock, he’s turning heads, and changing the game for everyday players.

Smiley Riley turned heartbreak into purpose. Now she’s hosting unforgettable pickleball retreats in Croatia and coaching players across the country with heart and humor.

With 200+ instructional videos and a legacy of coaching excellence, Deb Harrison—aka PicklePong Deb—is helping players of all levels improve their game, build confidence, and find community through pickleball.

For director and mom of twins Daniella Eisman, pickleball started as a networking opportunity, but quickly turned into a parenting tool, a travel tradition, and a way to stay connected as a family.

From the U.S. to Ghana to Madagascar, Ron Ponder has quietly helped build pickleball communities around the world—one paddle, one player, and sometimes even one handmade house at a time.

Gina Cilento has played all over the country, built a loyal fanbase, and learned to travel with intention (and a white noise app). In this honest look at life on tour, she shares what it really takes to stay grounded—on and off the court.

From taped lines to pro-level courts, public parks are quickly becoming go-to pickleball destinations. Here’s how players are building community, and why you should pack your paddle for your next trip.

Megan Fudge and Ryler DeHeart traded airports and hotel rooms for life on the road with their two kids—and a whole lot of pickleball. From pro medals to RV repairs, here’s how they’re balancing family, travel, and the game they love.