Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and while some of us may be heading out to dinner with our significant others, others might be hitting the court. If you're in the latter group, we've got some tips to keep things fun (and avoid the silent car ride home).

We're also kicking off our Black History Month mini-series highlighting Black athletes in pickleball. Representation is growing, but there’s still work to be done. These athletes are sharing their stories and where they see diversity going in the sport.

In this issue:

• Tips & Tricks 👩‍❤️‍👨 Playing pickleball with your partner without testing your relationship.

• Travel 🏝 A few pickleball-friendly vacations we’d book in a heartbeat.

• Community Spotlight 👧🏾 How Elissa Brown is bringing more Black women into pickleball

And while it’s still cold in these parts (thanks a lot, Punxsutawney—six more weeks of winter?!), Spring is technically around the corner. In the meantime, we’re daydreaming about a few pickleball getaways… Some are totally doable, others? Let’s just say they’re on the someday list.

Tips & Tricks

Can Pickleball Strengthen Your Relationship? (Or Just Test It?)

Playing pickleball with your spouse? Risky. One bad shot and date night might take a turn. But don’t worry—there’s a way to keep the love alive and avoid a mid-game meltdown.

• Laugh off the mishits (instead of glaring).

• Use actual words, not just sighs and eyes rolls.

• Play smart — your partner is on your team, remember?

• And whatever you do, don’t let a bad game ruin dessert.

Keep it fun, keep it friendly, and keep the competition in check. Here’s how.

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.

Travel

Dreamy Pickleball Getaways (Some More in Budget Than Others)

Luxury resorts, scenic courts, and just the right amount of adventure—sign me up. Some of these spots are perfectly reasonable, and others… well, they’re staying on my vision board for now.

• Private beaches and five-star spas 🏖️

• Vineyard-side rallies with built-in wine tastings🍷

• Mountain escapes with top-tier courts ⛰️

• Pickleball-first resorts where the game takes center stage 🌍

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing pickleball in a French chateau or steps from the ocean, this list is for you. Couples, friends, or solo adventures — where are we booking first?

Community

How One Woman is Creating Space for More Playing In Pickleball

When Elissa Brown stepped onto a pickleball court for the first time, she was instantly hooked. But as she looked around, she realized something was missing — more players who looked like her. Instead of waiting for change, she decided to make it happen.

Through Black Girls Pickle, Too, Elissa is building a welcoming space for Black women to learn, play and connect through pickleball. Her mission is simple: make the sport more inclusive, one game at a time.

Pickleball is growing, but representation still lags behind. Elissa is changing that — one rally, one match, and one new player at a time. Read her story.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

• A New Foundation is Growing the Game for Women in Pickleball 🌟

• Why Two Tennis Legends are Loving Pickleball Together ❤️

• Celebrities & Athletes are Bringing Pickleball to the Big Stage 🎭