Adriana Falco: Fashionista of the Fast Game

The eCommerce Ace Bringing Pickleball Fashion to the Forefront.

When Adriana Falco first stepped onto a pickleball court in 2012, she had no idea that a wooden paddle and some taped-up gym floors in Phoenixville, PA, would shape her future. An athlete at heart, she was instantly hooked. A decade later, she’s not just playing the game—she’s changing its fashion landscape.

As the Founder and CEO of Pickle Diva Sportswear, Adriana turned her passion for the game into a thriving eCommerce brand, selling hundreds of pickleball-themed products online. From stylish apparel to functional accessories, her brand fuses fashion with performance, offering players a way to bring personality to the court. But getting here wasn’t easy. Her first attempt at launching a pickleball apparel line was shut down by an investor who claimed the market was too tough. Instead of giving up, she took a detour—gaining more experience, refining her vision, and waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

That moment came in 2023 when she rebranded, reimagined her designs, and officially launched Pickle Diva Sportswear. From bold colors to flattering fits, Adriana’s designs are as dynamic as the sport itself. She’s building a powerhouse eCommerce business, pushing the boundaries of pickleball athleisure, and creating pieces that move seamlessly from court to street.

But beyond the threads, she’s also a certified coach, growing the game from the ground up and inspiring women to step into the sport with confidence.

In this exclusive interview, Adriana shares her journey, what makes Northeast pickleball unique, and where she sees the future of pickleball fashion heading.

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Titles/Roles

Founder and CEO, Pickle Diva Sportswear, LLC and Certified Coach

Location

Philadelphia, PA

How did you get into pickleball, what drew you to the sport?

“It was back in 2012. I was scrolling through the Meetup app and saw a new group called, The Phoenixville Pickleball Group. I had never heard of pickleball before, but having played sports my entire life I naturally gravitate to any competitive sport. So, I decided to go check it out. I showed up at the old Phoenixville Civic Center having no idea what the sport was even about and was handed a wooden paddle. There were three pickleball courts set up in the gym with tape on the floor to mark the boundaries. One side of the courts backed up to a cinder block wall, the other bleachers, allowing only about two feet at best to move back into if a ball was returned deep. I was instantly hooked and haven’t stopped playing since.”

What inspired you to start your pickleball apparel brand, and how has your journey as a business owner in the sport evolved?

“A few years into playing pickleball, I came up with the idea of creating a pickleball apparel and accessory line. I am very inventive by nature and, since playing, noticed there was hardly anything existing for pickleball in forms of clothing, shoes, and bags. I came up with a brand name, different from what I use today, and developed concepts. Then I pitched my idea to a fellow pickleball player, who was also an investor, in an upstairs room overlooking the courts at the old Phoenixville Civic Center. He shot me down saying the apparel market was too tough of a business.Several years later, in February of 2023, I was competing in a pickleball tournament in Naples, Florida when I noticed an event vendor selling her women’s pickleball apparel line. Of course, I was intrigued and asked her several questions including when she started, which was a year after I pitched my pickleball apparel line. When I returned home, I rebranded my initial concepts, created new designs, and began working on making Pickle Diva Sportswear a reality.

The journey has been very exciting and rewarding, especially when seeing players wear my designs. I love building deeper connections within the pickleball community and evolving my business as the sport continues to evolve.”

How do you balance style and performance in your designs, and what trends do you see shaping the future of pickleball fashion?

“From the beginning, I wanted Pickle Diva Sportswear to be crossover athleisure, clothing that works just as well on the court as off while showing a little personality with designs reflecting the confidence, energy, and fun found in pickleball. That’s why I focus on bold colors, flattering fits, and details that make players feel as powerful as they play.

As for trends, there’s a big emphasis on sustainability with recycled materials and eco-conscious fabrics becoming more important. I expect more high-end brands to enter the market, pushing innovation in materials, fit, and function even further. The future of pickleball fashion will likely follow the trends seen in tennis and golf with more technical fabrics, built-in sun protection, and perhaps breathable winter wear.”

What’s been the most defining moment in your pickleball journey so far? 

“There are a few that stick out. One, being introduced to pickleball when very few people in the area had heard of it. Two, launching the Pickle Diva Sportswear brand. And three, earning my Professional PIckleball Registry (PPR) Level 1 Certification to teach and coach, which further illustrates my commitment to the sport.”

What do you think makes the Northeast pickleball scene unique?

“Having lived in the Northeast my entire life, I would say that the Northeast has a deep-rooted competitive sports culture, and that energy easily translates into pickleball. People who have never heard of it here or played pickleball before are now loving it and can’t get enough of it. There are more and more places to play pickleball by the day, indoor facilities and outdoors.  

One challenge for Northeast players is the weather and the change of seasons. When playing outdoors, you may play with sun glare, heat, bugs, winds, midst, light rain, and chilly weather. When winter hits, you either wait for warmer weather or switch to indoor play, which may limit playtime and cost more to play but, in the end, makes for a fresh playing experience and an opportunity to meet and make new friends with the changeup.”

What advice would you give to women looking to get into pickleball?

“Just go for it! Pickleball is one of the most welcoming sports for all ages and skill levels. My advice would be to find a local group, take a beginner clinic, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Women, in particular, tend to hesitate about jumping into competitive play, but I encourage them to embrace the challenge. It’s incredibly fun and empowering.”

Who inspires you in the sport—past or present? 

“There are several. Players like Leigh Waters and Anna Leigh Waters, who pioneered the mother-daughter doubles team, are inspiring because they highlight the sport’s accessibility across generations. I started following them years ago when pickleball wasn’t as popular. Imagine going pro before you’re even a teenager, Anna Leigh turned pro at 12 and is currently ranked number one in women’s pickleball. I also admire Ben Johns, of course, for his technical approach to the game and how he has elevated pickleball’s professional status. And there is Federico Staksrud, who is currently ranked number one in the world in both men’s singles and men’s doubles.”

What’s one thing you’d love to see change or improve in pickleball?

“More court availability, longer hours to play, and outdoor lights! Even though more courts are being built, they always fill up quickly with long waiting times to get on a court. In Florida, pickleball game time starts as early as 7am and you can play as late as 11pm thanks to outdoor lights.”

What’s a misconception about pickleball you wish more people understood? 

“That it’s only for ‘old people.' I have heard this for years, especially when I first started playing and would post on social media. While it’s true that pickleball is popular among retirees, it’s also incredibly fast-paced at higher levels and requires agility, strategy, and endurance. The younger generation is quickly discovering how dynamic and competitive the game can be. Just last week I saw a group of school-age boys playing, and they were quite good!”

If you had to describe your pickleball style in three words, what would they be? 

“Strategic, energetic, adaptable.”

If pickleball had walkout songs, what would your anthem be? 

"I Gotta Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas"

Top three things in your pickleball bag right now besides your paddle and/or shoes? 

“Electrolyte packets for hydration, Paydays, and hair ties.”

What’s your go-to pre-game snack or ritual? 

“A banana and peanut butter for energy. I learned that from my long distance running days.”

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The Female Pickleball Titans of the Northeast is a Lindsey Leigh Creative storytelling series celebrating the women who are shaping the future of the sport. 

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