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.

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.

When Sierra Leone’s pickleball team received an invite to the All African Games, they had no money—but they had heart. What followed was a journey across four countries, fueled by sacrifice, support, and grit.

Deaf youth from 16 schools and programs across the U.S. gathered at Gallaudet University for a groundbreaking junior pickleball tournament — and the energy on the court was unforgettable.

Pickleball is stepping up in the fight against cancer—helping survivors regain strength, fostering community, and raising much-needed funds. From research-backed wellness programs to nationwide fundraising events, the sport is making a real impact.

Your pickleball bag says a lot about how you play. From first-time tournament players to seasoned pros, we break down the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and the unexpected items that show up at every level of the game.

Pickleball’s future is in good hands with National Junior Pickleball (NJP). With tournaments designed specifically for young athletes, NJP is creating a space for kids to compete, connect, and grow their love for the game.

Aisha Stith is on a mission to bring more people into pickleball, especially in Black communities. As the founder of PLC Pickleballin Lifestyle Club, she’s introduced thousands to the game, proving that pickleball is about more than just competition—it’s about connection, culture, and creating space for everyone.

Grammy-winning musician Darius Christian has played on some of the biggest stages in the world. But offstage, he’s making a name for himself in an unexpected arena: the pickleball court. From his first paddle swing to training for competitive play, his journey into the sport is anything but ordinary.

Jessie Irvine didn’t plan on becoming a professional pickleball player, but the sport gave her something she thought she lost—a way to compete, connect, and thrive.

Brandon Nsekpong has spent five years making his mark in pickleball, from building community to expanding the sport’s reach. Now, as he transitions to full-time pro while raising two young children, he’s proving that success in pickleball goes beyond medals.

When Elissa Brown picked up a paddle for the first time, she noticed something missing—Black women on the courts. That’s why she created Black Girls Pickle, Too—a space where more women can play, connect, and feel at home in the game.