March 8th is International Women's Day! And as we celebrate women's achievements, I'm feeling incredibly grateful for the amazing community of women I get to play pickleball with every day. We're constantly meeting new players, and it's that ever-growing network that makes this sport so special.

I'm also especially thankful for the extraordinary women whose expertise and passion I'm fortunate to collaborate with on Pickleball in the Sun projects. Their contributions are essential to the success and growth of our brand, and I deeply value our partnerships. And, I am constantly inspired by the incredible women pro pickleball players on the PPA Tour. I love having their matches on in the background of my office while I work; their passion and excitement don't just fuel the sport, they inspire so many other women in the game.

Collaborating with Exceptional Talent:

First, there's Courtney Clark, our certified pro, emcee, and events manager. I was thrilled to bring Courtney's expertise into our Smirnoff SMASH pickleball experiences last year. Her dynamic presence and professional skill were pivotal to those events' success, allowing us to build momentum and establish her as a key collaborator on Pickleball in the Sun projects. Together, we've crafted unique and memorable pickleball experiences for our clients.

Then there's Nancy Reynolds, our Chief Revenue Officer. Nancy's passion for pickleball and her strategic vision led her to connect with me, exploring how we could collaborate to drive growth. Pickleball is all about connection, and Nancy excels at bringing her extensive professional network to our projects, expanding the reach of the Pickleball in the Sun experience.

I've been incredibly fortunate to connect with some truly talented and energetic women who bring so much to our projects. I first met Mary Budwick at the RacquetX conference last year, and her infectious personality and talent for capturing the joy of pickleball were immediately apparent. Similarly, working with Kate Mohns has always been a blast. Both Mary and Kate have this knack for infusing our content with authentic fun, and I always love any opportunity I can bring both of these women into projects.

And a recent, wonderful addition to our collaborative network is Daniela DiLeo. Our connection, like so many in pickleball, began with a chance meeting and a conversation about pickleball and PR. Daniela's expertise and collaborative spirit have already made a significant impact on our client projects and PR initiatives, and I'm excited to see her continue to contribute to Pickleball in the Sun's growth.

Additionally, I'm super lucky to collaborate with Casey Brown. We met playing pickleball in our community and it has turned into a fun collaboration of brainstorming on brand partner content, capturing authentic content, lots of laughs and I am thankful for her brainstorms and inspiration. It’s passionate players like Casey that continually help the sport of pickleball to grow at the grassroots level, bringing more players onto the courts.

I'm passionate about bringing together talented women with diverse skills and expertise on a project basis. These collaborations strengthen our brand and allow us to deliver exceptional experiences, while also supporting the growth of their independent careers.

The Broader Impact:

Beyond my team, I'm constantly cheering for and rallying behind the women who are shaping the dynamic world of pickleball. From the electrifying energy of pro players to the strategic vision of business leaders, women are driving the sport's explosive growth as it has achieved the reign of America’s Fastest-growing sport for four consecutive years.

Behind the Scenes, Driving Innovation:

My work allows me to collaborate with some truly remarkable women. Stephanie Lee of OS1st is a prime example. As a client and partner, she's always open to exploring new and exciting ways to integrate the OS1st brand into the pickleball world. From sponsoring major tours to supporting pros and engaging recreational players, OS1st's commitment to the sport is evident. Stephanie and her team's willingness to bounce ideas and try new things has been a highlight of my pickleball career.

Another incredible partner is Julie Talerico, editor of Pickleball Magazine. I've had the pleasure of working with Julie for nearly the entire 5+ years I've been involved in pickleball, and our weekly conversations are a constant source of inspiration as we keep each other up-to-date on everything happening in the sport. It's exciting to see Julie's dedication to highlighting the stories, people, and brands that are driving pickleball's growth.

It has been an absolute honor this year to partner with Andrea Akers, Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing for PickleRoll. Andrea is a powerhouse, leading the charge in bringing more courts to the world. As our Official Pop-Up pickleball court surface partner, PickleRoll is enabling us to fuel unique pickleball activations with Pickleball in the Sun, and I'm thrilled to be working with Andrea and her team.

The Powerhouse Players:

And let's not forget the incredible roster of pro players on the PPA Tour who are pushing the boundaries of the sport. I'm constantly amazed by the talent and athleticism of women like Anna Leigh Waters, Catherine Parenteau, Brooke Buckner, Anna Bright, Rachel Rohrabacher, Mary Brascia, Maggie Brascia, Lacy Schneemann, Jackie Kawamoto, Jade Kawamoto, Jessie Irvine, Tina Pisnik, Kate Fahey, Mari Humberg, Meghan Dizon, Vivienne David, Allyce Jones, Jorja Johnson, Parris Todd, Callie Jo Smith, Lucy Kovalova, Etta Tuionetoa, Alix Truong, Tammy Emmrich, and so many more. These women are not only incredible athletes, but they are also pioneers, paving the way for future generations of female pickleball players. I'm convinced that the women's game is often more exciting to watch than the men's!

Be sure to watch these women this weekend at the PPA Tour's Veolia Cape Coral Open:

Looking Ahead:

The future of pickleball is bright, and it's being shaped by the incredible women who are driving its growth. My mission is to continue to support these women, collaborate with them, and celebrate their achievements. This sport is about evolving, growing, and doing it together, and I'm honored to be a part of this journey.

Happy International Women's Day to all the remarkable women in the pickleball community! Your passion, dedication, and leadership are truly inspiring.

Connect with me: laura@pickleballinthesun.com

SUBSCRIBE ON LINKEDIN

Celebrating the Women Powering Pickleball: A Force of Growth and Inspiration