The Vossberg Gainor team is growing. Welcome, Nick!

The Vossberg Gainor team is growing. Welcome, Nick!

Vossberg Gainor is excited to welcome experienced communications and PR professional Nick Liberati to the Vossberg Gainor and Pickleball in the Sun team as a consultant!

Nearly 40 million people hit the pickleball courts last year, adding to the game’s already exploding popularity as America’s fastest-growing sport and the influx of big name celebrities, athletes, and TV networks that just keep on coming. Pickleball shows no signs of slowing down, nor do the business opportunities for brands looking to get in on the action and connect with pickleball’s diverse, passionate community.

Since its launch in 2019, Vossberg Gainor has been guiding brands, organizations, and individuals who wish to do just that, while also helping people across the country find and experience unique travel destinations centered around pickleball through its sister company, Pickleball in the Sun. With a rapidly growing client-base and exciting new partnership opportunities on the horizon (more to come on that soon!), demand for both services has quickly taken off.

“I am thrilled to have Nick join the team as PR and Communications Consultant,” said Laura Gainor, founder of Vossberg Gainor and Pickleball in the Sun. “Nick’s background, experience, and passion for pickleball will help shape and further strengthen the communications and media relationships capabilities we provide, as both companies continue to grow and evolve within America’s fastest-growing sport. Please join me in welcoming Nick and learning a little more about him, his background, and love for the sport of pickleball!”

About Nick

  • Nick has over 10 years experience leading all aspects of communications and public relations, from new product launches and demand generation programs to major partnership announcements and acquisitions.

  • Nick helped the team at PKL Boston open the city’s first pickleball bar and restaurant last year by landing several feature stories, including national coverage on CBS Saturday Morning!

  • He currently runs communications for a cleantech company that helps people learn about and comparison-shop quotes for energy products like solar panels, batteries, and heat pumps.
  • He grew up in New York and now lives in Boston with his wife Rebecca and their two-year old son, Leo.

Why he loves pickleball

  • Nick was first introduced to pickleball over 17 years ago in high school gym class and has been playing ever since! 

  • Like so many others during the pandemic, Nick found himself playing more and more. As pickleball evolved from a niche sport into a booming business, he decided to make some connections with folks working in the industry to combine his passion for the game with his professional expertise. The opportunity to work alongside Laura and the team allows him to do just that!

Pickleball Marketing News: Major League Pickleball, Pickleball for Business Networking and Anna Leigh’s Sweet 16

Pickleball Marketing News: Major League Pickleball, Pickleball for Business Networking and Anna Leigh’s Sweet 16

Subscribe to our weekly “Pickleball Marketing Newsletter,” published each Friday on LinkedIn. 

The first event for Major League Pickleball by Margaritaville is here! Live from Mesa, Arizona, both Premier and Challenger teams will compete for the Championship Trophy.

For a full list of the team rosters and to watch live all weekend, visit MajorLeaguePickleball.net.

Congrats to Ponte Vedra’s own, and Pickleball in the Sun’s, Olivia McMillan on making it to Championship Sunday with Rob Cassidy, Michelle Esquivel and Spencer Smith of the Utah Black Diamonds!

Be sure to watch them compete against the Bay Area Breakers on Sunday, January 29th.

Pickleball is not only America’s fastest-growing sport, it is also one of the best tools to use for business networking. Due to the social nature of the game, how easy it is to learn how to play, and the fact you can jump in on a game with strangers at your nearest courts, it can quickly grow your business networking circle and create a sense of community for your employees. 

We were recently contacted to setup a virtual event to create a fun and engaging workshop for their team members. This is an incredible way to build a sense of community, introduce your team to the sport, the history and how to get started playing, including learning about Pickleball in the Sun’s recommended pickleball destinations to plan your next vacay or company outing!

Check out our 3 Ways to use Pickleball for Business Networking and feel free to contact me for details on setting up a Virtual Pickleball Event for your company.

ESPN Takes Swing at Pickleball with New TV Rights Pact

By Variety’s Brian Steinberg – ESPN wants to dip its paddle into the world of pickleball.

The Disney sports giant said Monday that it struck a wide-scale rights deal with the Association of Pickleball Professionals that will have ESPN2 broadcast eight, one-hour event recap shows and ESPN+ stream more than 200 hours of live coverage of eight events from the APP’s annual tour. Read more…

The pickleball revolution: how a game for all ages became one of the world’s fastest-growing sports

The Guardian’s Sam Wollaston is recruited to play pickleball and talks about the growth of the sport in England, where Pickleball England is aiming for 25,000 members by 2025. I think they can shoot for a higher goal! What do you think? Read more…

Pickleball in the Sun: Mexico Style

Take a trip down the pristine Pacific Coast with Pickleball in the Sun as we travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico to take in the undeniable beauty of Tres Palapas, the premiere Baja Pickleball Resort. Read more on PickleballintheSun.com …

Pickleball Magazine’s January/February 2023 Issue

The latest issue of Pickleball Magazine has arrived! Pickleball meets Sonoma County winey country, behind the scenes with Senior Pro Julie Johnson, and our Premier Pickleball Destination feature on Tres Palapas Baja Pickleball Resort. Read the full issue…

Carvana Gifts Anna Leigh Waters a New Car for 16th Birthday!

When you’re the #1 pickleball player in the world, and Carvana comes in as the title sponsor of the The Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour, you get the surprise of a lifetime and gifted a Range Rover for your “Sweet 16”! Check out Anna Leigh Water’s Instagram video of the exciting surprise with her parents, Leigh and Stephen Waters.

Happy 16th Birthday Anna Leigh! You have an incredible year ahead…

Major League Pickleball’s Steve Kuhn Talks to TMZ about Lebron Bringing Billions of Eyes to Pickleball

Basketball’s King apparently has the Midas Touch when it comes to pickleball too … ’cause Major League Pickleball founder Steve Kuhn tells TMZ Sports LeBron James’ recent investment in the league brought BILLIONS of eyeballs to the sport!!! Read more…

Pickleball in the Sun to Benefit The Villages of Hope

Follow @PickleballintheSun this weekend as Action News Jax’s Mike Buresh and Marithza Ross compete in The Hope Cup to benefit The Villages of Hope, supporting women survivors of human trafficking. Mike and Marithza will be playing on Sunday at 11am at The Pickle Garden at The Yards in Ponte Vedra, Florida.

The weekend’s Pickleball forecast from Action News Jax: 

For more information about becoming a featured pickleball brand of the week, pelase email [email protected]

Vossberg Gainor & Pickleball in the Sun’s Top 15 Pickleball Highlights from 2022

Vossberg Gainor & Pickleball in the Sun’s Top 15 Pickleball Highlights from 2022

Happy 2023 from Vossberg Gainor and Pickleball in the Sun! A message from me as a thank you for an incredible year and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come in 2023:

OUR TOP 15 PICKLEBALL HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2022

In no particular order, below are my top 15 pickleball highlights from 2022 where I either had the opportunity to coordinate an incredible media feature to bring America’s fastest growing sport into the spotlight, or I was personally able to play the game we all love and enjoy the Pickleball in the Sun lifestyle.

1. NBC NIGHTLY NEWS WITH LESTER HOLT: KIDS EDITION

When the producers for NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids Edition called I was ecstatic to be able to bring together more than 30 kids from our local Nocatee community to play pickleball and showcase why this sport is such an incredible opportunity for kids to get healthy exercise and socialize with their friends. A special thank you to my Nocatee friends who participated in this and brought their kids to the courts.

2. GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Just a day after NBC called, ABC’s Good Morning America producers called with an interest in having their on-air crew play pickleball for a live feature. Thankfully, the Nocatee community rallied together again and immediately came to the courts to play for the GMA camera crew to create another incredible feature for the sport. Eva Pilgrim and Will Ganss did a live shot from the Brooklyn Bridge Park courts as USA Pickleball ambassadors, Paul Curiale and Amote Sias, gave them a lesson in how to play the game.

3. MAREN MORRIS PICKLEBALL MAGAZINE COVER STORY ON JIMMY KIMMEL

When Maren Morris posted a tweet this past summer of her and her crew playing pickleball next to her tour bus, I took a shot and messaged her team through her website to see if they would be interested in doing a cover story for Pickleball Magazine about her love for the sport. They immediately got back to me and I had the incredible honor of getting on a call with Maren to talk pickleball and her creating a court on each stop of her tour.

Shortly after the story was published, we then got a call from the Jimmy Kimmel Show wanting a copy of the issue to feature on air as they interviewed Maren. Thanks to some friends, a courier got an issue in their hands and not only did they show it on air, they talked about the story for more than 3 minutes and Maren gave me a shoutout, knowing I was freaking out as they zoomed in on my article.

4. Pickleball Marketing Feature with Marketing Brew

“Pickleball took off during the pandemic, thanks in part to marketing efforts from brands and the sport’s governing body, which was recently given a facelift.”

I got the opportunity to talk with the Marketing Brew about the work Vossberg Gainor did to help USA Pickleball with their brand relaunch in 2020 and marketing tactics we used to help get the sport into the spotlight.

5. ADAGE FEATURES PICKLEBALL AS TOP MARKETERS OF THE YEAR

As I feel privileged every day to have started the world’s first ever pickleball marketing agency, being contacted by AdAge to talk about marketing the sport as they featured pickleball as #9 on their “Marketers of the Year 2022” list was an incredible honor.

“Pickleball mania has been on a steady climb since 2020, when people increasingly turned to the quirky racket sport as a pandemic-era social activity. But 2022 marked a major turning point in pickleball’s growth, with an influx of brands beginning to incorporate the up-and-coming sport into their marketing strategies. “

6. SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL FEATURES PICKLEBALL AS A SMASH HIT COVER STORY

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many talented photographers to showcase the sport, and one of those is the talented Steve Taylor. His incredible shot of Jay Devilliers was featured on the cover of the Sports Business Journal for their “Smash Hit” story on America’s hottest sport as we worked with their writer, Chris Smith, on a story featuring the various leagues in the sport.

7. PICKLEBALL MAGAZINE FEATURES PICKLEBALL IN THE SUN

For the last 3 years I have had the honor of contributing to Pickleball Magazine with various cover stories, articles featuring players across the country, and sharing premier pickleball destinations. When Julie Talerico, editor of Pickleball Magazine, asked if she could have a writer do a story on my Pickleball in the Sun brand, I was completely honored. Jennifer Brozak told my story better than I could and when I first saw Julie had created a 2-page spread with the feature, I was speechless. Thank you, Julie.

8. VISITING THE ORIGINAL PICKLEBALL COURT ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND

The sport may feel new to some, but it originated in 1965 on a court in Bainbridge Island where 3 dads started the game to entertain their kids. I couldn’t have been more excited to have had the opportunity to visit the original court as Governor Inslee signed a bill to make pickleball the Official State Sport of Washington. 

It was an honor to stand on the original court and take a photo with family members of the founders of pickleball. Thank you to the Bainbridge Island Pickleball Club members for being so welcoming. 

8 months later, another incredible honor to run into, Barb, one of the original family members at the airport bar while at the National Championships and have the privilege to talk with her about the early days of the sport.

9. PICKLEBALL IN THE SUN TRIPS WITH FRIENDS COMPETING IN TOURNAMENTS

Since moving to Nocatee I have been so fortunate to meet most of my friends while on the pickleball court. What inspired the Pickleball in the Sun brand was a group of us regularly planning weekend getaways at unique pickleball destinations to play in tournaments. So many laughs, lots of pickleball playing, visiting new places and meeting new friends along the way to invite along future Pickleball in the Sun trips.

Highlight: Signing up for some pickleball blind dates in mixed doubles and meeting these great new friends!

Special shoutout to my partner Mia Azotea who I am thankful to have met shortly after moving to Nocatee, and since then we have trained at our local pickleball courts and won lots of medals together. More Pickleball in the Sun trips to come with this group!

10. PICKLEBALL IN THE SUN SHOP FEATURED IN FORBES

When I wanted to create Pickleball in the Sun products to include in a Holiday Gift Guide, I reached out to friend and local Nocatee artist, Melissa Rinaldi of Go Coastal, to hire her to bring the brand to life with one of her unique paintings. The outcome perfectly visually represented the Pickleball in the Sun brand and featured on beach towels, blankets, drinkware and apparel.

Shortly after launching the shop, Lois Alter Mark featured the Pickleball in the Sun beach towel in her Forbes Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Apparel and Accessories for a Pickleball Vacation!

11. INSIDE THE PICKLEBALL BOOM: THE WOMEN BEHIND THE FASTEST-GROWING SPORT IN THE COUNTRY

The women behind some of the leading brands in pickleball never get enough credit! One of our top features Emma Masur and I got the chance to work on together was “Inside the Pickleball Boom. Meet some of the women behind the fastest-growing sport in the country.” 

A chance to feature the following women who have helped make pickleball the fastest growing sport across the country: Melissa McCurley, Stacie Townsend, Blake Renaud, Hannah Johns, Rachel Simon, Aubri Steele, M.A., Catherine Baxter, Jillian Braverman, lori g manzer & Mimi Kuchman, Elise Ivy, Kim Bastien, Jodi Wujkowski and Lori Bosch. 

One of those women, Rachel Simon, launching a book this year about the sport, “Pickleball for All,” where she interviewed players across the country to share their stories. I was honored to connect her with many of these influential players and for her to share my personal story as well.

Keep an eye on these women as they continue to bring so much value to the sport. 



12. PLAYED IN THE 2022 US OPEN AND VACATIONED IN NAPLES WITH MY FAMILY

The Margaritaville US Open Pickleball Championships is one of the largest tournaments and pickleball parties of the year. The whole Gainor family headed to Naples for an amazing vacation and loved having them there to support Hope Tolley and I as we competed in the tournament for the first time. Such a must-see event each year with more than 2,000 players and vacationers enjoying the “Pickleball in the Sun” atmosphere.

Thank you to Bruce Yeung and Kerry Pittenger for frequently being my personal photographer on tournament trips 🙂

13. 2022 MARGARITAVILLE USA PICKLEBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

One of the top highlights each year is getting the chance to visit the Indian Wells Tennis Garden to attend the “Pickleball in Paradise” event that is the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships. An incredible week seeing some of the leading brands in the game and the leaders behind them, connecting with professional players that are growing the spectator interest as they show the athleticism needed to win the gold medals, and meeting amateur players across the country who are loving being competitive athletes and having a lot of fun doing so.

This year I had the opportunity to be a part of the media for my Pickleball in the Sun brand and be on Championship court with Bruce Yeung as the top player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, earned her National Championship Triple Crown.

14. WISCONSIN’S AFTERNOON NEWS INTERVIEW: THE GROWTH OF PICKLEBALL

As Major League Pickleball hit the headlines this year with the announcements of celebrity investment after celebrity investment, I was a guest on Wisconsin’s Afternoon News to talk with host and friend, Greg Matzek, to talk about the growth of pickleball. 

15. SHAPE MAGAZINE: WHY PICKLEBALL SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT HOBBY

It’s no secret that pickleball is a great way to stay healthy and active. I spoke with Zara Hanawalt for Shape Magazine about why pickleball should be your next hobby and top players in the world, Leigh and Anna Leigh Waters shared how they have been building a booming career in the sport, while living healthy and enjoying the sport as a famous mother-daughter duo.

THANK YOU 

2022 was one of the most incredible years in my career thanks to my clients, new media relationships, friends met across the country while traveling for Pickleball in the Sun, and my friends and family for supporting this entrepreneurial journey.

Be sure to follow @VossbergGainor & @PickleballintheSun on social media as we have another fun year in store, and see you on the courts in 2023.

Pickleball Marketing News: 5 Highlights from the Major League Pickleball Draft, the first Ad Age-Worthy Pickleball Ad

Pickleball Marketing News: 5 Highlights from the Major League Pickleball Draft, the first Ad Age-Worthy Pickleball Ad

Happy Friday! We are getting closer to 2023 and all that is in store for pickleball as we wrap up the biggest year in pickleball yet.

Last night Major League Pickleball hosted their 2023 draft show and I share 5 Highlights for me from the draft:

ONE: 15-year-old Anna Leigh Waters the #1 draft pick joining Gary Vaynerchuk and Ryan Harwood‘s MLP team – The 5s. Anna Leigh recently shared a photo of her from her first day playing pickleball to showing just one of the triple crowns she’s won this year. So much more to come for Anna Leigh as we all watch in awe this year. PHOTO

TWO: Camryn Irwin showing America how she’s the best pickleball commentator in the game! As she’s been a seasoned on-air commentator for a long time, this MLP draft will be just the beginning of her successful career utilizing her pickleball expertise and professionalism to add more color to the sport. Be sure to follow Camryn Irwin!

THREE: 7 out of the 12 first-round draft picks were women! One of those women being Vivienne David as she made an iconic speech to inspire other young up-and-coming female athletes as she was drafted by her tennis idol, Kim Clijsters, to join her MLP team. Many will look back at these humble beginnings and Vivienne’s dad shared what it meant to him.

FOUR: Zane Navratil‘s shirt. As the fiancé of the former Miss Wisconsin, we’ll all look back at this draft and remember the iconic shirt choice as 2-time MLP championship winner, Zane Navratil, previously on the BLQK team, was drafted by Clean Cause. See the Shirt!

FIVE: Last night was history-in-the-making! Major League Pickleball is paving the way for the sport by creating valuable partnerships and bringing in passionate investors into the game that will continue to make pickleball the fastest growing sport year after year. We will look back at this draft as just the beginning. Well done by the Major League Pickleball team and we’re excited for electrifying team events to happen this year! #40by30

I’m personally ready for 2023 and to share some Pickleball in the Sun with the world as we “paddle up” for MLP by Margaritaville

Selkirk Debuts the First Ad Age-Worthy Pickleball Ad

As noted below, 2022 was a big year for pickleball, including getting both more competitive on and off the court as brands fight for the attention of the 5 million players… and growing. 

One brand killing it in the ad game – Selkirk. Debuting last night during the Major League Pickleball draft, Selkirk featured the “biggest name in pickleball,” Tyson McGuffin,  showing what it takes to be a professional pickleball athlete in their ad “The Face of Pro Pickleball – Selkirk Pro Tyson McGuffin #WeArePickleball.” Which in my opinion, is the first Ad Age-worthy ad in pickleball so far. 

The ad is a first for the sport as brands like Selkirk lead the way in showcasing the grit and determination it takes to make your way to the top in professional pickleball, utilizing one of the players that is a role model for other up-and-coming pros. Tyson McGuffin has been named “the most electrifying man in sports” by Barstool Sports and he’s a case study in showing how to strengthen your personal brand in a sport that is just in the beginning of its growth. 

Check out the ad below and visit Selkirk.com if Tyson has convinced you to hit the gym and grow a mullet to become the next face of pro pickleball. 

The Ringer: The Year of the Dink. 2022 Was a Big Year for Pickleball.

2022 was a big year for pickleball. Parents ignored calls from their kids because they were pickling—then introduced those kids to the sport. Even LeBron James and Brené Brown got in on the action by buying professional teams. But is this just the beginning for the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.?

Read more

Ad Age: Margaritaville becomes Major League Pickleball’s First-Ever Title Sponsor

Margaritaville will serve as the title sponsor of Major League Pickleball throughout the professional league’s 2023 season, the hotel and resort chain announced today. 

This sponsorship will rebrand Major League Pickleball as “MLP by Margaritaville,” with Margaritaville set to “play a large part in the branding and strategy of on-site fan activations” at MLP’s upcoming events and pickleball matches, according to a press release. Margaritaville’s announcement comes on the heels of MLP’s release of a redesigned league format for its 2023 season that will triple its number of teams from eight to 24 and boost the overall championship prize money to $5 million. 

Read more

Holland America Line Named Exclusive Cruise Line Partner of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour)

Holland America Line has just been christened the Official Cruise Line of the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA).

By February 2023, every ship in the Holland America Line fleet will feature pickleball courts with top-deck views. By April 2023, every ship will offer complimentary beginner lessons from instructors who will teach the rules and basics of playing pickleball, including where the “kitchen” is and what it means to hit a “dink” shot.

In addition to live instruction, “How to Play Pickleball” tutorial videos will be featured on in-stateroom TV programming.

Read more from Forbes’

The November / December 2022 Issue of Pickleball Magazine

Check out the latest full issue of Pickleball Magazine featuring the USA Pickleball National Championships Triple Crown Winner, Anna Leigh Waters, on the cover!

Included in the issue is a full recap of the National Championships, product spotlights as you browse their ads, and enjoy a work of art on the Pickleball in the Sun page featuring our custom coastal design by local artist, Melissa Rinaldi.

Read the full issue.

The 2023 Major League Pickleball Teams

Congratulations to the 2023 MLP Draft Picks! These top-ranked players will be exciting to watch throughout the year both during the MLP events, as well as on the pro tour as the sport gets so much more competitive to come out on top.

The first event takes place January 26-29 at Legacy Sports USA in Mesa, Arizona. Check out the 2023 calendar of events and visit the Major League Pickleball website as they release more details on each team and their owners.

The Pickleball Club Lakewood Ranch Newest Member

The Pickleball Club will soon opens its doors in Sarasota, Florida in the ever-growing Lakewood Ranch area and they are already rallying for members! One of those first members being none-other than Jerry Springer where they utilized this famous pickleballer in an ad to drive new members.

Check out the video on their LinkedIn Profile. 

Toss & Spin Hosts a Pickleball Tournament & Clinic at the United Center presented by Michelob Ultra on December 30th 

Join Toss & Spin as they host the first-ever Pickleball outing at the United Center on December 30, presented by Michelob ULTRA, prior to the Bulls vs. Pistons game later that night. 

Learn more from Toss & Spin as Chris Clark continues to grow the sport by hosting tournaments and clinics across the country.

Click here for more info.

Thank you to Brian Gainor, my family and friends for planning a surprise 40th Birthday Party!

What I love most about pickleball is the community and friendships that come with it. This past weekend my husband, Brian Gainor, surprised me by having my family and friends at the house for a 40th birthday celebration, pickleball-themed of course. Thanks to my mom, there was a custom pickleball cake, my kitchen was full of pickleball friends that I have been fortunate to gain as friends since moving to Florida, and two amazing friends from Chicago flew in to bring me to tears by walking through the door.

It was an incredible day and I’m grateful to everyone that supports this pickleball entrepreneur lifestyle and allowing me to constantly talk about the sport;)

For more information on being a featured brand, email [email protected].

Pickleball Marketing News: Jamie Foxx Wins for Best Pickleball Court Holiday Lights Display, Galentine’s Day Pickleball Hosted by Celebrity Gals

Pickleball Marketing News: Jamie Foxx Wins for Best Pickleball Court Holiday Lights Display, Galentine’s Day Pickleball Hosted by Celebrity Gals

Happy Friday! Welcome to this week’s edition of “Pickleball Marketing News,” brought to you by Vossberg Gainor and Pickleball in the Sun. Subscribe on LinkedIn and dive into this week’s issue: 

 

Right when you thought your holiday decorations were right up there with Clark Griswold’s, then Jamie Foxx, pickleball fanatic and founder of The Best Paddle, posts an Instagram video that shows something that no one on this earth has ever seen before. A 40-acre mountain view estate completely decorated with breathtaking, Christmas lights, and the grand finale of the lights display ending on the best part, his 3 pickleball courts that he calls “The Best Paddle Compound” lit up brighter than Margo’s shiny silver suit.

There wasn’t an official contest, per say, but we award Jamie with the Best Pickleball Court Holiday Lights Display. If you have one that can beat it, please send us the drone footage.

Watch Jamie’s drone footage on his Instagram Channel that shows off his incredible estate that is home to the The Best Paddle Compound, making us all jealous we don’t live at the foxxhole.

IN THIS WEEK’S PICKLEBALL MARKETING NEWS:

  • The Galentine’s Day Pickleball Tournament hosted by celebrity gals
  • Pints and Paddle bringing the taproom to the courts in Minnesota
  • Pickleball players banned from NYC park
  • Premier Pickleball Destination: Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection
  • Pickleball in the Sun Holiday Gift Guide to get your gifts in time for the holidays
  • National Pickleball League announces a team format tour for Pro Players 50+
  • Minto US Open Pickleball Championships Sweepstakes to win the perfect pickleball getaway
  • Nettie Pickleball Co. paddles now available at Dick’s Sporting Goods 

SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY: GALENTINE’S DAY PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT HOSTED BY CELEBRITY GALS

If you watched Stephen Colbert’s Pickled, you saw one of my favorite actresses, June Diane Raphael, making us all laugh as she competed for the Colbert Cup with her husband, Paul Scheer as her partner.

Well, get ready gals! June is now hosting the inaugural Galentine’s Day Pickleball Tournament in Los Angeles on February 12th with her fellow The Deep Dive podcast co-star, Jessica St. Clair, and friends Casey Wilson and Danielle Schneider, hosts of Bitch Sesh.

Right when I saw June and her gal pals promote this pickleball tournament, I reached out to June’s PR team to get more info on the sponsorship opportunities to get the details to share with you all. Not only do all of these gals have a combined 800K+ Instagram following, and more than 2 million lifetime downloads of their podcast, but the “Dream Team” celebrity list that will be playing at this event is amazing!

As I’ve told Brian Gainor many times before, my dream is to live like Grace and Frankie in a beach house with my closest friends and now add that Pickleball in the Sun lifelstyle to it, this Galentine’s Day Pickleball Tournament is going to be the beginning of some beautiful things ahead, so I suggest you get in on sponsoring it.

My flight to Los Angeles will be booked soon, so reach out to me to discuss sponsorship opportunities and my suggestions to help make this an incredible event for these celebrity gals! – [email protected].

Ticket info for The Galentine’s Day Pickleball Tournament.

Coming Soon: Pints and Paddle in Maple Grove, Minnesota

Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine: Pickleball’s grip on the racket sports world rivals Taylor Swift’s Midnights domination. Though it’s not the first in the Twin Cities—or even the largest—Pints and Paddle is taking courtside carb-o-loading to the suburbs.

As a midwestern girl, I am excited to see this opening in Minnesota and to get back up to the Twin Cities to play pickleball indoors with my friends!

Read more…

Pickleball players banned from NYC park after turf war with kids

New York Post: The city has served up some bad news for pickleball lovers.

The fad racquet sport has been banned at a West Village playground, where parents complained for months that adult pickleball fans were hogging up all the blacktop space and making it impossible for kids to have fun.

Read more…

Mauna Lani on The Island of Hawai’i

Pickleball is making its way throughout all 50 states in the USA, and Hawaii is not one to be forgotten! An oceanfront hotel steeped in Hawaiian culture, Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection is a premiere pickleball destination that is truly an unforgettable experience you and your family will surely want to enjoy.

Visit PickleballintheSun.com for more details on this premier pickleballdestination.

Final Week to Browse Our Holiday Gift Guide to Have Gifts Shipped in Time!

PICKLEBALL IN THE SUN BEACH TOWEL

The Pickleball in the Sun beach towel is the perfect gift for the pickleball enthusiasts in your life that have sun and pickleball travel on their 2023 vision boards. Featuring the exclusive Pickleball in the Sun coastal illustration designed by Florida-based artist, Melissa Rinaldi of Go Coastal.

Now available in the Pickleball in the Sun shop for $45.

Visit PickleballintheSun.com to view our full Holiday Gift Guide with recommendations on paddles, apparel, accessories, destinations & more!

Skal Pickleball Paddles

Another new paddle is on the market! Thanks to Skal Pickleball, I got the chance to try out their paddle, designed and tested in Park City, Utah. With the honeycomb core and rough textured surface, it made for a great morning of playing and some wins. Plus, the fun design makes this a high quality and affordable paddle.

Visit SkalPickleball.com to purchase this paddle for $111.98.

From Court to Poolside. Skal Pickleball video. 

National Pickleball League Announces Team League for Players 50+

There is another team league that is making room for the top ranked professional players age 50+! The National Pickleball League (NPL) has announced the formation of a nationwide team competition for Champions Division (50+) professional pickleball players. Launching in mid-2023, team owners will select the city they represent, as well as building their team through a live player draft that will include the division’s biggest stars.

The league features #1 ranked players, Beth Bellamy and Rick Witsken. I personally have watched all of these top ranked champions players, and there is no lack of entertainment when watching these fierce players compete.

I had the chance to interview Beth and Rick following their win at the Newport Beach Tennis & Pickleball Club this past year, and I’m excited to watch what these two players do to continue to grow the sport:

Bloomberg Reports on The National Pickleball League.

Minto US Open Pickleball Championships Sweepstakes is Returning this January!

COMING SOON! The Minto US OPEN Sweepstakes is returning this January! Stay tuned for more details on how you can enter to win one of three amazing Grand Prize Packages plus some great weekly instant win prizes.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Nettie Pickleball Co. Paddles are Now Available at Dick’s Sporting Goods

One year ago at this time Nettie Pickleball Co.’s founder, Catherine Baxter stated she was sleepless boxing up her paddle sets and how this week her paddles and paddle sets are officially available in select stores and online at DICK’s Sporting Goods! 

Congratulations Catherine on this huge milestone and these paddle sets make excellent holiday gifts. Visit PlayNettie.com to purchase, or of course, shop at Dick’s!

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