Kaitlyn Kerr: The Global Voice of Pickleball

From Wall Street to The Pickleball Chick: How Kaitlyn Kerr Became the Voice of Pickleball.

The first time Kaitlyn Kerr played the game of pickleball in 2021, she had an unshakable feeling: This sport is going to change the world. At the time, she was a former All-American soccer player turned Wall Street financial advisor, missing the fire of competition and camaraderie that sports had always brought her. But her first experience on the court ignited something inside her.

Fast forward a few years, and Kaitlyn is no longer just a spectator. She’s The Pickleball Chick, a major content creator, podcaster, and co-owner of Major League Pickleball’s Las Vegas Night Owls. She’s built a brand from scratch, pushing through skepticism and self-doubt, emerging as one of the sport’s most recognizable voices. Through her Talk Pickle to Me Podcast, brand partnerships, and advocacy for growing the game at every level, she’s shaping the sport’s future while taking on the role of a global ambassador for pickleball.

In this exclusive Q&A, Kaitlyn shares her journey from finance to the court, what it takes to build a brand in pickleball, and her vision for the sport’s next big leap.

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Titles/Roles

The Pickleball Chick, Major League Team Pickleball Owner, Host of Talk Pickle to Me Podcast

Location

NYC/PA

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

“I’ve been an athlete my whole life—I was an All-American soccer player at Duke, on track to go pro before a career-ending knee injury. After that, I transitioned into finance, working in NYC and later at JP Morgan in Philly. But I was missing sports, competition, and movement. In March 2021, I randomly came across a group playing pickleball, and something clicked. I just knew this sport was special and had a massive future, and I needed to figure out a way to be involved.”

What inspired your shift from being a pickleball player to building a career in the industry?

“In early 2022, I took a leap and created The Pickleball Chick to share the joy of the sport. At the time, I knew no one in the space, and people thought I was crazy, ‘what are you doing with your life, you're in finance, you’re a financial advisor, why are you creating pickleball videos.’ But I stuck with it, and slowly, doors started opening. The world started working in my favor. 

I played in my first big tournament, the APP NYC. While there, I met Steve Kuhn, founder of DUPR, Major League Pickleball (MLP), and a critical figure in the early growth of the professional game in the United States. I thanked him for what he’s doing for the sport. We kept in touch and then when the MLP build out was happening in 2022, I reached out and asked to build a team. That led me to becoming co-owner of the Las Vegas Night Owls MLP team.” 

What's your proudest moment?

“My proudest moment is building The Pickleball Chick into what it is today. I face a lot of doubt and criticism, and I had to move myself beyond the fear. The Pickleball Chick is a testament to my strength. I didn’t give up, and look at me now! I’ve been all over the world and the country playing and talking about pickleball. When you’re in alignment with things you love - the universe shows up for you in big ways.”

You’re at the intersection of pickleball, media, and professional sports ownership—how do you see the sport evolving in the next five years?

“The trend of players being younger and younger will continue. When I first started it was considered a sport for the elderly, but now Gen Z is picking it up, and it's cool to play pickleball. College club teams are growing, junior programs are expanding and I think we’ll see a push to make it an NCAA sport.”

What role do you want to play in shaping the future of the sport?

"My mission is to share the joy of the sport with as many people as possible. I want to be a trusted voice in the community.  

I started from 3.0 and worked my way up, been through the stages and know what it takes and what players need. I’m involved with the non-profit Pickleball Cares, serving the underserved youth and giving them access to the sport. I represent a lot of brands and will start a global ambassadorship for Dill Dinkers this year.” 

Pickleball has seen explosive growth, but what do you think still needs to happen for the sport to reach its full potential?

“First, the U.S. needs a single, unified governing body leading the charge that everyone looks towards—especially for paddle technology and Olympic inclusion.

Second, global expansion. We need more courts overseas to get paddles into players’ hands. The U.S. solved its court shortage—now it’s time for other countries to do the same. I’m very interested to see how court expansion happens overseas. Just like tennis courts are being converted, Badminton courts may see the same transition as they are the same size as pickleball courts.”

You wear many hats—influencer, podcaster, team owner, speaker. How do you balance it all?

“I don't have ‘balance’ in a traditional sense. But when you’re working on something you’re passionate about, it doesn’t feel like work. I have to say that pickleball is my obsession and passion. Alongside my health and family, it’s my priority.”

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

“Take the next best first step—just start. Whatever your heart is telling you to do, start, don't wait for the ‘perfect moment.’ The first step is always the hardest.”

Who is your dream women's doubles partner?

“Anna Leigh Waters—she is the best in her sport. Our backgrounds are very similar. Our parents had similar mindsets in our upbringing to develop the athlete first. Both of our parents gave up everything to allow us to pursue our drives. She sees the court exceptionally well, I attribute some of that to her former soccer days and being a former center midfielder, it allows you to see beyond the field or the court. Being a multisport athlete helps with pickleball strategy. She is extremely competitive with a girly side. She is a true athlete and so fun to watch.  She is so young and is riding this journey with such grace.”

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

“PB&J, trail mix, and a banana—fuel for the win.”

Farthest place you’ve traveled to play pickleball?

“India or Dubai”

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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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