International Women’s Day 2026: Five Grassroots Leaders Who Matter Most in Pickleball
By Karen Mitchell
When the latest “most influential” lists in pickleball were published earlier this year, I’ll admit I felt disappointed. So many of the names reflected the big money, major deals, and headline-makers of the sport. Important? Yes.
But representative of the pickleball most of us know and love? Not quite.
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For most players around the world, pickleball isn’t about corporate deals or investment rounds. It’s about laughter on a local court. It’s about community. It’s about exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise. It’s about connection.
This International Women’s Day (8th March 2026), I want to celebrate five remarkable women who are helping pickleball grow where it truly counts — at grassroots level, across communities, and often on a volunteer basis.
In no particular order…
Bonnie Coffey – Connecting Women Across the Globe
Bonnie Coffey is a force of nature.
As the creator of the International Pickleball Women Facebook group, Bonnie has built a powerful global network connecting women who love the sport. Through her blogs, she documents her pickleball travels with her husband Ky — house-sitting around the world, seeking out courts, creating makeshift ones where none exist, and introducing the game to new players everywhere she goes.
She doesn’t just play pickleball — she carries it with her across continents.
Bonnie is indefatigable. A connector. A community builder and a drone pilot too!
Her impact isn’t measured in sponsorship deals, but in friendships formed, women encouraged, and communities sparked into action.
Elaine Shallcross BEM – Building Structure for Sustainable Growth
There are many incredible women growing pickleball across the UK — including outstanding leaders like Louise Stephens; Mhairi Adam, Chair of Pickleball Scotland; Kath Knowles – co-founder of Pickleball Wales but I could only pick one. So for her transformational impact through leadership education I have chosen Elaine Shallcross BEM.
Elaine first learned pickleball in Thailand — where she spends part of each year — and made the bold decision to introduce it to the North West of England and was having some early success. In 2019 she became Regional Director for Pickleball England and she continued to help create places to play and fostered regional growth and the hosting of events in the North West. She also serves as Co-Tournament Director of the Thai Open in Hua Hin.
But perhaps her most enduring contribution is the Pickleball Leaders Workshop.
In 2020, Elaine developed and piloted the original workshop to ensure consistency in how pickleball is introduced and taught across England. Since then, more than 3,000 people have participated with the workshops being led by a dozen tutors. She also donated the IP of the accompanying booklet for distribution internationally via the World Pickleball Federation and the European Pickleball Federation, helping other countries strengthen their foundations.
For her services to pickleball, Elaine was awarded the British Empire Medal.
Kim Wagner – Youth Development Through Sport
Among the three remarkable women serving as Board Directors on the World Pickleball Federation, I have chosen to spotlight Kim Wagner.
Kim has developed and delivered youth engagement programs in under-resourced communities in South Africa, using sport as a tool for development, inclusion, and mentorship.
Her work extends far beyond the court. She has:
- Advocated for national pickleball development
- Led coach training initiatives
- Built school partnerships
- Helped secure equipment and apparel sponsorships so young players can access gear they might otherwise never afford
This is pickleball changing lives.
It’s about opportunity. Representation. Access. And a belief that sport can empower the next generation.
Melissa McCurley – Championing Inclusive Competition
Melissa McCurley, EVP of Competition for the APP, has helped shape competitive pickleball at the highest levels.
Ken Herrmann once described Melissa as one of the forefront leaders in the industry, significantly shaping the sport’s growth and resources over the past decade. When launching the APP in 2019, he relied on her as a trusted advisor to help establish a long-term vision centred around enhancing player experience.
Melissa’s leadership demonstrates that growth at the elite level and inclusivity are not mutually exclusive. She has consistently championed opportunities for both professional and recreational players — helping ensure the sport expands without losing its welcoming spirit. Melissa was also the source of some good advice when I was working on the first English OPEN, my first tournament for which I will always be grateful.
Lee Whitwell – Authenticity, Resilience & The Psychology of Pickleball
Lee Whitwell has been a vibrant presence at the English Open for the past four years — competitive, entertaining, and always engaging.
More recently, she has added something even more powerful to her public presence: vulnerability.
Lee has openly shared her journey navigating menopause while living with Trigeminal Neuralgia, a chronic pain disorder. Despite daily challenges, she continues to train, compete, and inspire players worldwide.
“Menopause and chronic pain don’t mean the end of competing or thriving,” she says.
Her reflections — including a beautifully written piece on the Psychology of Pickleball that felt like a love letter to the sport — have shown a different dimension of leadership. One rooted in honesty, resilience, and humanity.
A Celebration Beyond Five Names
These are five extraordinary women I’ve been grateful to connect with over the 11 years I’ve been playing and helping grow pickleball.
But they are not the only ones.
Across courts worldwide — in schools, village halls, community centres, and parks — women are organising sessions, teaching beginners, mentoring juniors, volunteering at tournaments, leading federations, and building welcoming spaces for others.
They may never appear on a “Power 50” list.
But they are instrumental in the growth of the sport.
This International Women’s Day 2026, we celebrate you all.
If this story resonates with you, share it with a woman in pickleball who inspires you — and let her know she is seen.
Read more: Keep up with global pickleball news, explore tournaments, and browse Rankings & Players.
Chris Beaumont is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of World Pickleball Magazine. Chris follows the global game closely, reporting on the latest news, developments, stories and tournaments from all five continents. He also hosts the World Pickleball Podcast, interviewing people at all levels of pickleball. Chris is also an avid player, currently struggling to make the breakthrough from 4.0 to 4.5.