Kristen Clemmer: The Pickleball Pioneer & Positioning Prodigy

Blazing Trails in Athletic Wellness—From Nutrition to Net Play. 

When Kristen Clemmer first picked up a pickleball paddle, she wasn’t just looking for a new hobby—she was unknowingly stepping into the next chapter of her life. 

A powerhouse on the court and an innovator off of it, Kristen was among the first women in the Northeast to carve out a career in the pickleball industry. As the owner of Tristen Pickleball, a high-level training service for players from beginner to advanced, she has seamlessly merged her expertise in health and wellness with her love for the sport, creating a business that has inspired countless players to step up their game. With a background as a Registered Dietitian and a passion for athletic performance, Kristen is dedicated to helping players improve not only their skills but also their overall well-being.

Kristen’s impact extends beyond just skill development. As a coach and competitor, she’s seen firsthand how pickleball transforms people—not just physically, but mentally and socially. She’s a firm believer in the power of fundamentals, the importance of footwork, and the magic of pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. From teaching newcomers to refining the games of seasoned players, she brings an analytical yet approachable style to instruction, making her one of the most sought-after coaches in the region.

But her most defining moment? Not a championship win or a viral highlight reel—it was meeting her husband on the courts, proving that pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a community, a movement, and for some, a love story.

Ask any of her peers or competitors—she’s a force to be reckoned with. She wins with grace, determination, and a smile. Get to know her in this exclusive interview.

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Titles/Roles

Owner of Tristen Pickleball and Registered Dietitian

Location

Marlton, NJ

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

“I noticed courts popping up on Long Beach Island and saw people playing. We got my dad paddles for Father's Day as a motivation to give it a try, and from there, I was hooked.”

What have been the biggest challenges and rewards of turning your passion for pickleball into a full-time career?

“The biggest challenge I face is staying healthy and injury-free with so many hours on the court teaching. Finding the time and motivation to still work on my own game.

The rewards are plenty. I’m passionate about enhancing my understanding of the fundamentals of pickleball to become the best possible instructor for players of all skill levels. As an athlete, many aspects of pickleball came naturally to me, giving me a different starting point than the average beginner. However, in my work with numerous beginners—some of whom have never played a sport—I’ve had to break the game down to its most basic elements. 

Over time, my teaching approach has evolved, and the most rewarding part is watching someone who never identified as an athlete experience success in a sport. With over 12 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian, where I helped individuals improve their health through better eating habits, I now find myself helping people achieve health and wellness through a different avenue. While healthy eating can often feel restrictive, like dieting, pickleball brings a sense of joy and fulfillment to those who engage with it.”

Give one piece of advice to players looking to level up their game.

“Try to play with as many different players as you can. Many players tend to focus on getting in games with those who are better than them, but playing with individuals at a lower skill level can be incredibly beneficial. It’s a great way to build confidence and maintain your aggressive play style, which might be stifled when facing stronger opponents."  

As a coach, what’s the most common mistake you see players make, and how do you help them fix it?

“The most common mistake I see is poor positioning—either not covering the right areas of the court or failing to understand your partner's role. When your positioning is on point, it feels like the ball naturally comes to you more, which leads to better execution and quicker reaction times.”

What do you think separates a 4.0 player from a 5.0+ player?

“FOOTWORK.  Nearly every 5.0 player I play moves their feet significantly more than 4.0 players. Many people assume that with a smaller court, less movement is necessary. However, at the highest levels of play, footwork is crucial—it directly impacts shot quality, execution, and overall hand speed.”  

If you could go back and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your pro journey, what would it be?

“I got into this later in life, balancing a full-time job and other responsibilities, so being a full-time pro was never on my radar. My goal has always been to be one of the top local players, pushing myself by occasionally competing in pro divisions. 

My parents have always encouraged me to approach sports—and life in general—with the mindset of becoming the best version of myself and seeing where that journey takes me. To truly find your best self, you need to challenge yourself. Start by entering every local tournament you can, especially if you have bigger aspirations. Don’t wait until you reach a certain level to compete—stepping up at any level is what will bring out your personal best.”

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

“The most defining moment of my pickleball journey was meeting my husband on the pickleball courts. Bet you were expecting some amazing comeback story or epic win, but my best moment was meeting my dream guy.”

What do you think makes the Northeast pickleball scene unique?

“New Jersey stands out for its unique position at the crossroads of several states, making it an ideal location for local tournaments that attract players from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, and New York. Additionally, the Northeast offers a shift between outdoor and indoor play. Indoor pickleball is notably faster, with more controlled conditions, which can help players refine their skills. Adapting to different playing environments ultimately contributes to becoming a more well-rounded and skilled player.”

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

“If you're new to racket sports, I highly recommend taking a lesson. It will give you a solid foundation and boost your confidence right from the start. Try connecting with other women who are just getting into the game, and set up some fun girls' games or mixed matches to help improve your skills!"

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

“For tournaments, it’s crucial to have referees assigned to as many courts as possible to ensure the integrity of the game. Without referees, it simply becomes recreational play.

When it comes to open play, I feel things have gotten a bit out of hand with the way ratings are applied. Playing with others of similar skill levels definitely enhances the experience, but a strict rating system can sometimes make it difficult for friends or couples to enjoy open play together. This sport was originally built on a sense of community and camaraderie, and perhaps it’s time to revisit those roots. Once you reach that advanced level a great solution is to put together your own private groups.” 

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

“It is not mini tennis! There are certain aspects of tennis that are similar but I think there's a lot of skills you can draw upon from other sports that will help your pickleball game.”

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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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