PicklePod: What Happens When Pickleball Consumes Your Life | Kaitlyn Kerr

Kaitlyn, 'The Pickleball Chick' Kerr, began her pickleball journey in March 2021 and quickly turned her passion into something bigger.

After launching her @pickleball.chick brand in early 2022, she transitioned from a career in finance to immerse herself in Major League Pickleball (MLP), where she helped build a successful ownership group. Now, she's a prominent voice in both professional and recreational pickleball and continues to expand her influence. With her drive and dedication, her future in the sport looks brighter than ever.

Here's what to expect in this PicklePod (subscribe here) episode with The Pickleball Chick."

Kaitlyn’s New Focus: Building Her Personal Brand

Reflecting on her recent departure from the Vegas Night Owls ownership group, Kaitlyn opened up about the emotional toll it took after investing so much into the team.

Now, she's excited about the future, with plans to focus on her personal brand, including the launch of her new podcast Talk Pickle to Me, which will highlight the personal stories of pickleball pros.

The Challenges of Going Pro in New Jersey

Training as a pickleball player in New Jersey presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding high-level competition.

Kaitlyn shared the difficulties of improving her game in an area with fewer top players and pointed out how pros are relocating to places like Austin and Florida, where consistent competition is readily available.

The Blueprint for Assembling a Pickleball Ownership Group

Assembling an ownership group for an MLP team isn’t easy, but Kaitlyn managed to do it by tapping into her passion, knowledge, and network.

Although new to the business side of the sport, she likened the process to the early days of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), seeing potential in pickleball’s rapid growth and finding investors willing to take a chance on the sport.

Regarding Tom Brady’s involvement with the Vegas Night Owls, Kaitlyn remained reserved on details but acknowledged the power of celebrity backing. Brady’s influence as a figurehead helped elevate the team’s visibility, even if his direct role was more behind the scenes.

Taking Pickleball Global: Adventures in Dubai and Beyond

Traveling to Dubai for the World Pickleball Tour and India for the Monsoon Pickleball Championships, Kaitlyn has witnessed firsthand how the sport is gaining momentum internationally. She’s especially excited about the potential in Asia, noting that countries like China are poised to embrace pickleball in a big way.

Even as a non-professional player, Kaitlyn has found success in securing sponsorships.

She attributes this to her authenticity, passion, and consistent visibility in the sport. Her advice to aspiring influencers is simple: be yourself, stick with it, and don’t let initial criticism stop you—just like she did when she started @pickleball.chick.

A Day in the Life of an MLP GM: Behind the Scenes

As an MLP General Manager, Kaitlyn juggled numerous responsibilities, from drafting teams to organizing team bonding activities and managing logistics. Building team chemistry was a top priority for her, and she spent countless hours scouting talent to ensure the right fit.

In a league dominated by male leadership, Kaitlyn stood out as the only female GM among 22 teams. She emphasized the need for more opportunities for women in pickleball, advocating for greater female representation at both executive and managerial levels within the sport.

Scouting Talent: The Challenge of Drafting at the Challenger Level

Drafting players at the Challenger level comes with its own set of challenges. Unlike the Premier Level, where data is more accessible, Kaitlyn had to rely on intuition and a deep understanding of the game, often identifying hidden potential in lesser-known players like Zoe and Mo through hours of film study.

They then dissected the recent trades in MLP, including the highly debated swap of Paris Todd for Megan Fudge. They speculated on how these moves would shake up team dynamics and potentially alter performance in the upcoming season.

Anna Leigh Waters: Still 1 of 1 in Pickleball

At just 17 years old, Anna Leigh Waters continues to dominate women’s pickleball. Her relentless work ethic and unmatched intensity on the court set her apart, and Kaitlyn couldn’t help but admire Waters' ability to consistently give her all in every match.

Why Is There Less Female Representation in Pickleball Leadership?

The lack of female representation in pickleball leadership mirrors broader trends across sports and business. Kaitlyn believes that increasing opportunities and confidence-building for women will help create a more diverse leadership landscape, something the sport needs as it continues to grow.