Peg Varani: The Contract Net Negotiator

The Unsung Hero of Pickleball: How Peg Varani Keeps the Courts Packed and the Players Coming Back.

Pickleball thrives on community. And behind every thriving pickleball community, there’s a leader or two keeping people connected, the wheels turning, the courts full, and the energy electric. In the Northeast, that hero is Peg Varani. Peg is a force of nature whose behind-the-scenes efforts make year-round competitive play possible for countless players.

Peg is the mastermind behind multiple meticulously organized contract pickleball groups, ensuring year-round competitive play at facilities across the region. She finds the players, organizes the sessions, keeps the matches fair and fun, and makes sure everyone gets high-quality games in an atmosphere that’s as welcoming as it is competitive. What could easily be a full-time job, she does purely out of love for the sport and the community it has created.

Her journey started like many others—with a mix of curiosity, a touch of overconfidence, and an unexpected education at the hands of a wily veteran player. But where others simply find a love for playing, Peg found a calling: to build, organize, and grow the game for everyone around her.

Her dedication to curating competitive play, fostering player development, and creating a pathway to higher-level competition has made her a pivotal figure in Northeast pickleball. Whether players realize it or not, if they’ve played in one of her groups, they’ve already taken a step toward raising their game.

I connected with Peg to talk about her journey, the evolution of pickleball in the Northeast, and what fuels her passion for keeping players connected.

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Location

Royersford, PA

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

“In 2019, during my lunchtime swims at the YMCA, I'd often pause by the gym, captivated by a game that seemed to attract players of all ages—though mostly seniors. The rhythmic pop of plastic balls against paddles and the laughter echoing through the gym piqued my curiosity.

One day, I finally approached two women to ask about this mysterious game. The older player, nearly 80 years old, asked with a knowing smile, 'Have you ever played tennis?' When I answered no, she suggested I watch YouTube videos and take a lesson. The competitive athlete in me thought…take lessons for a game seniors played? Surely, I could pick it up on my own!’

The next day, I showed up at the courts with a friend who knew the game and had an extra paddle to lend me. I strutted onto the court, confident and ready to play—until we got to the scoring system. Wait, what? 'YouTube would've helped after all,' I thought with a chuckle.

And there she was—(Alberta)—on the opposite side of the net. Ball one came at me, sailing perfectly over my head into the back corner for a textbook lob shot. I lunged, missed, and turned to see her calm, knowing expression. Eight points later, despite my increasingly desperate attempts, she remained the smoothest player on the court, clearly enjoying teaching me a lesson without saying a word.

I’ve come a long way from that first match and made a great friend too. The game has taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and learning from each experience.  Every challenge on the court is an opportunity to continue growing. And growth isn’t just about winning, but about enjoying the process and the connections it brings.”

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

“The most defining moment for me was realizing that winning every point doesn’t require hitting a winner on every shot. It’s about disrupting your opponents' rhythm and using a variety of shots to control the pace of the game. This shift in mindset made the entire playing experience so much more enjoyable.”

What do you think makes the Northeast pickleball scene unique?

“When I first started, there weren’t any official pickleball clubs in the area. We’d play on taped gym floors indoors or use chalk to mark outdoor tennis courts, and sometimes we even used lowered tennis nets (definitely no ATPS with that!).

The first organized play outside of my community was when we started traveling to different counties in the summer to find other players. We decided to gather players from these different counties that played in tournaments to meet on Sundays. We fostered a community where players could easily find partners and events.

Fast forward to today, and the Northeast pickleball scene has exploded in popularity. We now have brand-new facilities with dozens of dedicated courts and a variety of programs that help players of all levels—whether it’s learning the game, working with a pro, or honing specific skills. The addition of in-house leagues and social events has truly made this community even more vibrant than before.

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

“Inclusion of adaptive pickleball—Develop and promote programs that allow individuals with disabilities to participate in pickleball.”

Who inspires you in the sport—past or present?

“I would have to say you, Lindsey Allumbaugh, you’re a huge inspiration to me. You stand out as one of the most positive and encouraging players on the court. Whether I’m playing with you or against you, your support and enthusiasm shine through on every point. Your energy is truly contagious and motivates everyone around you to be their best.”

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

“Join a community and find local groups where you can meet other women who are starting out too. Then practice regularly. Work on the fundamentals like your stroke and your footwork. The more you practice, the better you'll become. Make time for regular play to develop your skills.

Above all - Stay positive!!! Embrace the learning curve. Celebrate the small wins. HAVE FUN!”

If you had to describe pickleball to an alien in one sentence, what would you say?

“It’s a terrestrial game that rewires the human brain, creating an addictive experience from the very first exposure, causing players to abandon their responsibilities and happily lose themselves in a world they never want to return from.”

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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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