Too Hot to Play? Not If You’re Wearing This.

Women are coaching, mentoring, and building rec play from the ground up. Plus: summer gear recs, smarter serves, and a stacked giveaway you’ll actually want.

Author

Empower Pickleball
July 03, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

This Fourth of July, we’re not just talking fireworks—we’re talking about the women who keep their pickleball communities lit. The ones organizing rec play, welcoming new faces, and somehow remember everyone’s paddle brand and drink order. You don’t always see them on a podium, but you feel their impact every single week.

So this one’s for the captains, the coaches, the quiet connectors.

🔥 Oh, and our biggest giveaway yet just launched. It’s loaded. Scroll down for the deets.

But, before you scroll: we’ve got a quick poll below. Thursdays have always been women-focused… should we keep it that way, or open it up to everyone? Your vote helps us decide.

How should we shape our Thursday newsletter?

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TIPS & TRICKS

Stop Overpowering Your Serve—Start Outsmarting Them

Too many players burn energy blasting serves, only to get burned on the return. This guide breaks down three low-effort tweaks that help you serve with purpose, not just power. Think: smarter placement, slight variety, and setups that play to your strengths.

What you’ll learn:

  • Why “just get it in” is a losing mindset

  • How to make your opponent uncomfortable (in a good way)

  • Simple ways to use your serve as a setup, not a Hail Mary


💡 Why It Matters: Because power fades, but strategy wins you points all day.

GEAR

What to Wear When It’s Too Damn Hot

You can’t focus on your drop shot if your shirt’s soaked, your shorts are riding up, and your socks feel like sponges. We dug into what actually works for sweaty summer play, and what to look for so your gear doesn’t hold you back when the sun’s beating down.

Here’s what matters in the heat:

  • Moisture-wicking fabrics (poly, modal—never cotton)

  • Mesh ventilation in high-sweat zones

  • UPF-rated material for sun protection without greasy sunscreen

  • 4-way stretch that moves with you, not against you

  • Cushioned, breathable socks to avoid swamp foot and blisters

We also break it down by climate—what to wear in dry heat vs. humidity—and why certain gear actually keeps you cooler than going minimal.


💡 Why It Matters: Because nothing should be chafing before the second game.

COMMUNITY

The Women Coaching Pickleball, and Doing It Their Way

Coaching isn’t just about drills and ratings. It’s about showing up, building people up, and making the game better for everyone. This feature spotlights three women who are reshaping what leadership looks like in pickleball. None of them fit the traditional mold, and that’s exactly the point.

  • Erica Love, a cancer survivor and mom, uses joy and encouragement to help players heal and reconnect

  • Sarah Saari built her own league when local options didn’t work—now she’s running one of the most inclusive programs around

  • Mindy Yoder blends travel, coaching, and community to create full-on experiences for players of all levels


💡 Why It Matters: Because the sport doesn’t grow without people like them.

We teamed up with Centerline, CRBN, Sqairz, and The Gist to give three players a stacked summer prize pack, including a new paddle, fresh apparel, court-ready shoes, and a few extras we think you’ll love.

🗓 Ends July 14 · 📍 U.S. & Canada · 🎯 Winners announced July 18

  • Equal Pay, No Apologies 💰 Professional pickleball is quietly leading the way on gender pay equity, with female pros now earning more than their WNBA counterparts. No legacy baggage. Just equal pay, from day one.

  • Pickleball vs. Peace and Quiet 🔊 Court construction is booming—but so are noise complaints. Residents are pushing back, cities are scrambling for solutions, and the lawsuits are piling up.

  • Newbies Are Driving the Boom 📈 A new survey shows 70% of U.S. adults are either learning or eager to try pickleball. Translation? The sport’s future hinges on welcoming first-timers, and holiday gifting might be the next major growth lever.

Your New Go-To on the Court

The CRBN TruFoam Genesis is here, and it’s bringing power, precision, and control with it. Built with a 100% foam core and 4th Gen technology, this paddle is designed for players who want cleaner shots, smarter plays, and full confidence in their game.

Snag 10% off with code EMPOWER10 at checkout, because the right paddle actually makes a difference.

This Week on Keeping It Real with Gina & Neil

In this episode of Keeping It Real with Gina and Neil, things get personal (and slightly painful). From rolled ankles and ACL tears to the rise of HOKAs on the court (don’t do it), they cover what’s really behind the surge in pickleball injuries, and how to avoid being that player limping off mid-match. Footwear mistakes, bad habits, and the stretches that actually help all make an appearance.

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

Stretch Goals 🧘‍♀️

I’ve been using the Bend app morning and night, and I’m hooked. It’s guided stretching without the toxic wellness fluff—just quick routines that actually help, especially after sitting at a desk all day or playing back-to-back matches.

You just pick a routine (morning, sleep, hips, whatever hurts), press play, and it walks you through with timers and simple instructions. I do it in the morning before I start working and at night if I’m feeling stiff or sore. There’s a free version that works great, but I paid $39.99 for the year and have zero regrets. If you’ve been meaning to stretch more but never know where to start, this is your sign.