Did those luxurious pickleball resorts last week have you daydreaming? Most of you had the right idea - nothing beats a tropical beach. Hard to argue with that, especially after another cold front rolling through. At this point, we’d rather be somewhere warm, hitting dinks with a piña colada nearby.

February also means Black History Month, and for the rest of the month, we’re celebrating the Black athletes shaping the sport. Their impact is undeniable, and their stories deserve the spotlight.

In this issue:

• Tips & Tricks 🚩 Some partnerships just aren’t meant to last…

• Health & Wellness ❤️ Turns out, your heart really loves pickleball.

• Community Spotlight 🏆 A familiar face, a big career pivot, and a rise to the top

Wherever you’re playing this week — freezing in layers or living that topical dream vacay — at least pickleball keeps us moving.

Tips & Tricks

Is It Time for a Teammate Breakup?

A good doubles partner makes the game fun. A bad one? Well, that’s when things get messy. If your teammate treats every rec game like a gold medal match, texts you more than your bestie, or acts like they’re auditioning for a reality show with their mid-match tantrums, it might be time to rethink the duo.

🚩 Red flags that scream RUN:

• Thinks unsolicited coaching is their love language

• Turns every minor rule debate into a Supreme Court hearing

• Reacts to mistakes like they just lost a million-dollar deal

✅ Green flags of a partner worth keeping:

• Knows when to dial it up — and when to chill

• Plays hard but doesn’t treat every point like sudden death

• Shakes off mistakes instead of giving you the silent treatment

Not sure if you’re dealing with a few quirks or a full-blown partner problem? There are a few key signs that might make the decision easier.

Meet the CRBN TruFoam Genesis—your new go-to on the court.

With a 100% foam core and 4th Gen technology, this paddle is built for power, precision, and control. It’s built for players who want to play smarter, strike cleaner, and feel confident in every shot.

💥 Take 10% off with code EMPOWER10 at checkout—because the right paddle makes all the difference.

Health & Wellness

A Workout You’ll Actually Want to Stick With

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death for women, but let’s be honest — most workouts feel like a chore. Treadmill drudgery? No thanks. Boot camps that leave you sore for a week? Hard pass.

That’s where pickleball comes in. More than just a fun way to stay active, it’s a science-backed workout for heart health, endurance, and longevity. We teamed up with Dr. Erik Korem, a performance scientist and Founder of AIM7, to break down exactly how pickleball strengthens your heart, lowers your blood pressure, and improves cholesterol.

Turns out, a few games a week might just be one of the best things you can do for your heart. The science behind it makes a strong case.

Community

Jessie Irvine Didn’t Choose Pickleball… Pickleball Chose Her

Jessie Irvine was destined for a career in tennis — until her life had other plans. Years of training, tournaments, and sacrifices came to a screeching halt when chronic injuries forced her off the court. Just like that, the dream she had worked for since childhood was gone.

But Jessie doesn’t do quitting.

In 2018, she picked up a pickleball paddle on a whim. By 2019, she was storming the pro circuit, turning heads with her precision, power, and signature Space Buns. Now ranked among the sport’s best, she’s not just here to win — she’s here to make an impact. From helping with youth programs to running clinics, Jessie is proving that success isn’t just about trophies — it’s about the mark you leave behind.

Her motto? Too blessed to be stressed. Her legacy? Just getting started.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

• Play, Relax, & Compete in Paradise at this Women’s Pickleball Retreat 🏝️

• Pickleball is Helping Cancer Survivors Reclaim Strength & Community 💪

• As Padel Slows Down, Pickleball’s Popularity Keeps Climbing 📈