Motherhood is a journey filled with love, sacrifices, and countless moments of joy. But for these remarkable women, being a mom is just one facet of their identity. They also happen to be top-notch pickleball professionals who inspire us both on and off the court.
Let's take a closer look at six of the most inspirational pickleball pro moms who demonstrate that motherhood and athletic excellence can go hand in hand.
1. Leigh Waters
Leigh Waters is a powerhouse on the pickleball court, known for her power, aggressive playing style, and strategic gameplay. A former South Carolina tennis player and a lawyer by trade, Leigh rose on the pickleball scene alongside her daughter Anna Leigh Waters (who happens to be the #1 women’s pickleball player in the world). This mother-daughter duo have dominated the game and won many pickleball tournaments together. Her recent recovery from an ACL injury to win the U.S. Open with her daughter is the perfect example of resilience and determination. She sets a shining example for fans and fellow players alike with her pickleball IQ and devotion to both her sport and her family.
Follow Leigh Waters on IG here.
2. Callie Smith
Callie Smith is not only a fierce athletic competitor on the pro pickleball tour but also a loving mom who brings her dedication and passion to everything she does. Callie was a former D1 tennis player at University of Utah whose skill set, competitiveness, and athleticism translated quickly onto the pickleball court.
Despite the demands of motherhood of two young kids, Callie continues to excel on the court, demonstrating remarkable skill, athleticism, and sportsmanship with each match. Her intense training workouts on Instagram makes everyone else’s workouts seem like a warmup. Her ability to juggle the responsibilities of parenting with the rigors of professional pickleball is truly inspiring, proving that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible. She’s also a great pickleball coach and offers lessons and clinics around the country and tips on social media.
Follow Callie Smith on IG here.
3. Etta Wright
Etta Wright is a rising star in the world of pickleball, having won gold medals and a Major League Pickleball title with world #1 Ben Johns. She’s known for her powerful forehands, speed, agility, and dynamic playing style on the court. Etta grew up playing many sports from netball, touch rugby, basketball, soccer, field hockey & tennis and played on the varsity tennis team at Brigham Young University in Hawaii. Etta was a natural at pickleball when she first picked it up in 2018.
Off the court, she brings the same level of intensity and focus as a mom. Etta's ability to balance the demands of motherhood with her competitive aspirations is a testament to her strength and resilience, inspiring women everywhere to pursue their passions and dreams, no matter what obstacles they may face. We hope that her daughter will follow in her footsteps one day on the pickleball court!
Follow Etta Wright on IG here.
4. Allyce Jones
Allyce Jones is a seasoned veteran of the pickleball circuit, with numerous titles and accolades to her name. Allyce Jones has always loved sports. In high school, she played softball, won two tennis state championships and a volleyball state championship, and was awarded the Utah Volleyball MVP.
Known on the pickleball courts for her scrappy defense from her elite volleyball background, she is never one to shy away from diving to get a ball back or digging her way out of trouble. But perhaps her proudest achievement is her role as a mother of three, where she leads by example with her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and love. Allyce's ability to find joy and fulfillment in both her family life and her athletic pursuits is truly inspiring, reminding us that motherhood is not a limitation but rather a source of strength and motivation. You can catch Allyce coaching and cheering her daughter on to be the future star of pickleball.
Follow Allyce Jones on IG here.
5. Simone Jardim
Simone Jardim is a pioneer and household name in the world of pickleball, renowned for her dominance on the court and her unmatched competitive spirit. The original GOAT, Simone has won numerous titles and has helped mentor and coach many of the rising stars in pickleball including Catherine Pareanteau. Off the court, she’s a mother of two and constantly juggles her family and professional career with grace (and according to her, at least 5 cups of coffee per day). Simone's ability to excel in both her personal and professional life serves as a powerful reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of grit, you can still stay on top of your game and compete at the highest level.
Follow Simone Jardim on IG here.
6. Lindsey Newman
Lindsey Newman is one of the OGs in the professional pickleball circuit, having started playing pickleball professionally since 2017. She is a brick wall on the court and a defensive force to be reckoned with. More impressively, Lindsey won Nationals in 2021 while 6 months pregnant with her youngest daughter!
Pickleball runs in the family for her where she often plays mixed alongside her brother and fellow pro-pickleball player, Riley Newman. But in her free time, Lindsey loves traveling, being outside, shopping, and most importantly, hanging out with her husband and two young daughters and friends. We hope to see Lindsey’s daughters pick up the game of pickleball from their amazing mom!
Follow Lindsey Newman on IG here.
These inspirational pickleball pro moms are living proof that motherhood is not a barrier to success but rather a source of strength and inspiration. Their ability to excel on the court while also nurturing their families is a testament to their resilience and determination. And we've got a collection of heartwarming pickleball greeting cards to showcase just that sentiment.
As we celebrate these remarkable women, let us be reminded of the power of perseverance, the importance of balance, and the endless possibilities that come with following our dreams and having gratitude for our families who support us on this journey.
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