The Hall of Famer who still plays for fun

Four stories every player will want to click into this week.

Author

Empower Pickleball
August 28, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 10 minutes

Well, darn — the LA Mad Drops just sold for a record $13 million and the Columbus Sliders walked away as MLP champs! What a season.

I spent my weekend in Cleveland and stumbled on something hilarious: pickleball gear tucked between the fishing boats, camo, and crossbows at Bass Pro… and then again at Sierra (yes, apparently TJX has a store for outdoorsy stuff). Do I spend more time talking about products than actually playing? Probably. But I’ll own it.

The real highlight, though? Sitting down with someone I’d call a true pickleball QUEEN. Her accomplishments, her energy, her dedication… you’ll see why she’s unforgettable below.

TIPS & TRICKS

Why Your Pickleball Progress Feels Slow (And Why That’s Normal)

Feeling like you’re stuck while everyone else gets better? Welcome to the plateau — the awkward, necessary stage where growth feels invisible but is still happening. Here’s what matters most:

  • Patience: short-term frustration builds long-term skill

  • Practice: quality reps > chasing easy wins

  • Trust: small wins add up when you zoom out

Breaking through takes time, but every rep is moving forward.


💡 Why It Matters: Knowing how to handle plateaus is what keeps you progressing instead of stalling out.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Mental Game Tools Pickleball Players Actually Swear By (No Apps Required)

Turns out you don’t need another app (or a sports psychologist on speed dial) to get your head right. Players are sticking with low-tech tools that actually work:

  • The notebook trick that doubles as a coach

  • Routines that keep your head steady before and after play

  • Recovery habits that do more than just help your body

  • Digital “cheats” you probably already use

  • Confidence builders hiding in plain sight

Simple, no-download fixes that help you stay steady when the game gets tense.


💡 Why It Matters: Building your mental toolbox makes it easier to handle the pressure during play.

The Pickleball Bag That Finally Gets It

Okto’s pickleball backpack isn’t about bells and whistles—it’s about solving every little headache players deal with on court. Sixteen smart pockets, a built-in scoring station, a vented shoe chamber, and even an insulated lunch box mean your gear actually works with you instead of against you.

And here’s the kicker: every purchase helps save coral reefs. Okto partners with DiverMojo Foundation to fund hands-on conservation trips around the world, including coral regrowth projects inspired by their brand muse, the octopus. A bag that organizes your game and gives back? That’s rare.

NEWS

USA Pickleball’s New Memberships: What Players Actually Get

USA Pickleball has 63,400 members and counting, and they’re shaking up how it serves the community. The new membership model comes with fresh tiers, new perks, and promises — but not everyone will need the same level.

Think free access for casuals, added perks for competitors, and a “Champion” tier for the die-hards. The updates are designed to open more doors to sanctioned play, training, and future growth. The only question: which tier actually makes sense for you?


💡 Why It Matters: Because knowing what’s behind each tier helps you decide if joining is worth it.

COMMUNITY

Jennifer Lucore’s Secret? Winning Was Never the Point

Dynamic Duo, Alex Hamner & Jennifer Lucore

Seventeen national titles, a Hall of Fame induction, and a co-authored history book — Jennifer Lucore has done it all. But ask her what matters most, and she won’t say medals. For her, it’s always been about the friendships, the road trips, and the simple joy of sharing pickleball around the world.

From building an iconic partnership with Alex Hamner to introducing the game in places like Spain and Singapore, Jennifer has shaped pickleball’s past while still protecting its roots. Her story proves that even at the top, it’s connection — not competition — that lasts.


💡 Why It Matters: Because her journey is a reminder of why most of us fell in love with pickleball in the first place.

  • DUPR’s Algorithm Gets a Shake-Up 🔢 The rating system just updated how scores move — sparking plenty of debate and a rare deep-dive Q&A with its CEO and data scientist.

  • Anna Leigh Waters on Pickleball at 60 🌟 The world #1 joined CNN from NYC fresh off the courts — talking about her journey from 12-year-old pro to leading face of the sport.

  • Pickleball With a Purpose 💜 A Huntington, WV tournament raised funds to support 17-year-old Adrien Owens, who’s awaiting a kidney transplant — and happens to love the game.

This Week on Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil

Ever wonder what comes after open play at your local rec center? In this week’s episode of Keeping it Real with Gina and Neil, they’re mapping out the pathway of a pickleball player — from that first sign-up at a local tournament to testing yourself in regional leagues and beyond.

They share their own stories along the way, plus what role APP and PPA play as you climb the ladder. Whether you’re just starting out or dreaming of bigger stages, this episode shows what the journey can really look like.

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

Game-Day Vision, No Squinting Required

If you’ve ever fogged up, lost the ball in bad lighting, or fought with slipping frames, Brioti has you covered. Their FOCOS glasses are built for pickleball — with impact-rated protection, no-slip grip, and lenses tuned for sun, shade, and even tricky indoor LEDs.

The 4D Boost and 4D Shade options are made for real play, so you can actually see the ball (and stop second-guessing line calls). Your eyes deserve better — especially on game day.

The Secret to a Paddle That Plays Like New

Did you know dirty paddles can actually mess with your shots? At PickleCon last year, I tried Bear Naked’s cleaning spray on my carbon fiber paddle, and the difference was wild. The grooves went from gunked up to grippy again, and suddenly the ball was biting like it should.

It’s safe for all paddle types, made in the USA, and doesn’t smell like a science lab. Basically: one quick spritz keeps your gear looking sharp and playing sharper.