Janie Mershon, Esq: Litigator of the Line Calls

She rules the courtroom, now she calls the shots on the pickleball court—literally.

Some people find pickleball. Others are dragged onto the court against their will.

That was Janie Mershon, Esq. in 2019—Five “no’s” later, her friend finally refused to take no for an answer and physically picked her up, took her to an open play session, and unknowingly changed the trajectory of Janie’s life.

“The first game, my whole brain lit up,” she recalls. It was love at first dink. Nine months later, she was so hooked that she seriously considered buying a pickleball facility. Now, she’s one of the biggest champions of the sport in the Northeast, serving as the District Manager of the Mid-Atlantic Region of USA Pickleball Ambassadors and an up-and-coming certified referee.

Her journey isn’t just about playing—it’s about mastering every aspect of the game. From officiating pro-level matches to appearing on QVC as a pickleball ambassador, she’s on a mission to spread the sport far and wide. But don’t let the title fool you—she’s as fierce about enforcing the rules as she is about welcoming newcomers. And if you think you’re sneaking in an illegal serve? Think again.

In this exclusive interview, Janie shares how her legal mind helps her on the court, the challenge of refereeing at the pro level, and the time she had to shush tennis legend Ivan Lendl during a match.

---

Titles/Roles

District Manager of the Mid-Atlantic Region of USA Pickleball Ambassadors and lawyer

Location

Chester County, PA

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

“In 2019, I had a friend that kept begging me to play pickleball. I said ‘no’ repeatedly. She played in her driveway, and it sounded ridiculous. Then one day, she just showed up and said, ‘I’m picking you up. Let’s go.’ We went to a $5 open play session, and my entire brain lit up during that first game. I was hooked. Later, I even bought her a gold paddle necklace to thank her for dragging me there. I was so grateful, I can't believe I had to be forced to do this. It was so nuts, after 9 months I wanted to buy a facility. I love pickleball.” 

Beyond playing, what else do you do in the sport?

“I’m the District Manager of the Mid-Atlantic Region of USA Pickleball Ambassadors covering all of Pennsylvania. The role led to so many unexpected opportunities—I was even on QVC promoting pickleball gear! I also did a photoshoot for USA Pickleball Magazine, which involved pretending to laugh for an hour (harder than it sounds!).

I’m currently a Level 2 referee working toward certification. Pro level is very nuanced and requires split second decisions. There’s a 66-page rule book, and to become certified, you have to pass four tests with 100% accuracy—oral, written, and physical—before a higher-up shadows you at a live tournament. Then every year, the rules change!” 

What inspired you to pursue officiating?

“I want to open my own indoor pickleball facility or a gym, so I figured the best way to prepare was to immerse myself in every aspect of the game. Refereeing forces you to understand the game at the highest level, and I’m all in. I throw my hat in every ring I can. Do what you love, and things start to happen.”

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

“There are rules! People serve illegally all the time, and it drives me crazy.”   

What advice would you give to women looking to get more involved in pickleball, whether as players, officials, or organizers?

“You have to push through the beginner phase. The first six months of anything new—whether it’s a job or a sport—are rough. There’s self-doubt, frustration, feeling like you should already know everything. In pickleball, people are super supportive when you’re brand new. But once you’re in that beginner-intermediate phase, things get competitive—you don’t know the rules, people get frustrated. If you stick it out, though, you break through that 3.5/4.0 level, and suddenly, it’s all about sportsmanship.”  

Can you share a memorable moment from officiating—maybe a controversial call, a high-stakes match, or a funny interaction on the court?

“Oh, plenty. I ref for Pickleball is Life tournaments and last year in Delray Beach, FL, I got to officiate a match featuring tennis legend Ivan Lendl. His strokes could put chills on your arms.

That same tournament, I played doubles with my daughter, and we were watching another mother-daughter duo battle it out in front of us. You could trace their trajectory, it felt like 100 dinks in a row. It was Anna Leigh and Leigh Waters. We just sat there, counting their dinks, knowing we were witnessing something special.” 

What do you think makes the Northeast pickleball scene unique?

“Pickleball is the same everywhere—it’s the community that makes it special. I can take my paddle to Boston, Cape Cod, anywhere, and immediately feel at home. That’s the magic of this sport.”  

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

Ain’t No Stopping Us Now - McFadden & Whitehead 

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

“High-protein breakfast is my ritual”

---

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. 

Looking to amplify your brand with strategic storytelling? Let’s connect.