Big Moves on the Court (and Off!)

From our new branding to court-ready tips and exciting community updates, here’s what’s happening in the world of Empower Pickleball.

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Empower Pickleball
October 09, 2025

If you’re following us on social, you may have noticed that Empower Pickleball has a fresh new look. Over the past year—wow, it’s literally been a year!—our community has grown substantially, and with that growth comes evolution. Our mission hasn’t changed: we’re still a place where every player belongs, and we’re excited to step into this next phase together.

It wouldn’t be the women’s newsletter if we didn’t shine a light on an incredible weekend of pickleball. The 2025 APP Women’s Open in Columbus, Ohio, brought together amazing players like Megan Fudge and Lee Whitwell, while raising funds for the APP Women’s Cancer Fund. The energy, skill, and sense of community were unforgettable.

Events like this remind me why I love this sport: the competition, the camaraderie, and the way pickleball brings people together for something bigger than the game itself.

TIPS & TRICKS

The Stacking Drills Every Woman Needs

Stacking in doubles can feel tricky at first, but it’s a game-changer for court positioning, teamwork, and confidence. The concept is simple: line up on the same side so each player stays in their preferred spot—forehands in the middle, backhands on the outside—while following serving and returning rules.

Try these practical drills to make stacking second nature:

  • Shadow Rotations: Practice moving into your stacked positions without a ball until footwork feels automatic.

  • Serve + Slide & Return + Recover: Combine serving or returning with sliding into your target zones, refining timing and positioning.

  • Game Simulation: Play short games using full stacking; reset when mistakes happen to reinforce patterns.


💡 Why It Matters: Proper stacking gives women’s doubles teams better communication, smarter strategy, and more control on the court—plus, it makes the game way more fun.

PICKLEBALL GEAR

Court-Ready Shoes Every Woman Will Love

Your feet do a lot on the court—quick pivots, side-to-side sprints, lunges—and the right shoes make all the difference. Women’s feet need narrower heels, higher arches, and wider forefeet, so proper fit, stability, and cushioning are key for comfort and performance.

Look for shoes that offer: stability for fast moves, cushioning for joints, and a fit that’s snug at the heel but roomy in the toes. Some top picks this year include the Winners Edge P-38 Lightning, K-Swiss Express Light, Acacia Dinkshot II, and SQAIRZ XRZ™—all designed with women in mind.


💡 Why It Matters: Shoes built for your feet mean fewer injuries, better balance, and more confidence in every match.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The Data Scientist Making Pickleball Smarter

Sarah with DUPR CEO, Tito Machado

Behind pickleball’s most influential rating system is Sarah Carpenter—a national champion turned data scientist who’s shaping how fairness and competition are measured. After co-founding the UNC Pickleball Club and helping her team win the first DUPR Collegiate National Championship, she joined DUPR to merge math with meaning.

Now, Sarah’s work focuses on balancing precision with player experiences—refining the algorithm to reflect a player’s typical performance, not just a hot streak. She’s also one of the few women leading data science in a major sports company, using her position to encourage others to bring their talents to the game.


💡 Why It Matters: DUPR is changing how players connect, compete, and understand their place in the sport.

  • Life-Saving Serve 💓 A newly installed AED saved a player’s life after he collapsed mid-game. Thanks to quick CPR from his partner and the AED, he’s recovering and will soon get a defibrillator.

  • Smarter Warm-Up ⚡We unboxed the new C2 Performance Training System, a portable, durable setup designed to help you warm up faster, move sharper, and keep those nagging aches from slowing you down.

  • Jamie Lee Curtis Hits the Court 🎬 In a newly released deleted scene from Freakier Friday, Curtis gears up for pickleball in full protective gear—channeling her inner Power Ranger in one of the movie’s funniest moments.

  • Pickleball for Good Launches 🌍 October 10th marks the official nonprofit launch, bringing accessibility, social impact, and sustainability to underrepresented communities worldwide.

A Pickleball Shoe Built for Pickleball

Running shoes? Tennis shoes? Forget it. The Winners Edge P-38 Lightning was designed only for pickleball—tested by pros, vetted by a podiatrist, and already making its way onto podiums.

Players who’ve switched say the grip feels unreal, the stability has saved them from ankle rolls, and the cushioning keeps knees and joints happier. At $150, it’s a premium shoe, but one made to keep you confident and comfortable every time you step on the court.

Use code EMPOWER at check out for 15% off.

This Week on Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil

In this week’s episode of Keeping It Real with Gina and Neil, they’re diving into the mental side of pickleball—from quirky habits and nervous tics to how we motivate ourselves (and our partners) when the games get tricky.

We’ve all been there: losing a few points in a row, feeling the pressure creep in, or trying to get your partner back on track without making it worse. Neil calls it “the game of runs,” and he’s spot on. There’s always another rally, another reset, another chance to get it together.

📺 Watch it on YouTube
🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

THRIVE-ing on the Courts

We just spotted a recent partnership between Le-Vel and USA Pickleball—they’re showing up at tournaments and bringing THRIVE to players nationwide.

I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m all about performing at my best. Their supplement line is a full wellness experience designed to fuel energy, focus, and recovery. From the 3-Step Experience to wearable nutrition tech, Le-Vel is all about premium ingredients, smarter delivery, and results that actually show up in your game. Think better hydration, more energy, and joints that don’t quit halfway through a match—basically a court-side upgrade for your body.