FPO for a global announcement.
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BEHIND THE BRAND.
GET TO KNOW BLACK PICKLEBALL & CO.
We created Black Pickleball & Co. to provide a space where Black and minority folks can come together, learn the fastest-growing sport in the nation, and build meaningful connections.
MEET OUR
FOUNDER.
KAYLA BROOKS
Kayla is the founder of Black Pickleball & Co., a community-first 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to expanding access, increasing representation, and fostering genuine connection within the sport of pickleball. What began as a vision to create more inclusive spaces has grown into a movement centered on belonging and community.
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Her professional background is rooted in creating structure and clarity in technology. In addition to her work in tech, Kayla supports small businesses in optimizing their operations and reimagining their digital presence to more meaningfully connect with their audiences.
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At her core, Kayla is a storyteller. Through public speaking, creative writing, and curated experiences, she brings people together around shared lessons, faith, and growth. Her background in user experience (UX) shapes how she sees the world—through the lens of how people feel, engage, and move through every moment. Whether designing digital platforms or in-person events, she believes that meaningful experiences don’t happen by chance—they are designed.
HOW IT
STARTED.
Founded in 2023, Kayla started Black Pickleball as an Instagram page based on a revelation of being the only Black participants in a new pickleball facility in Charlotte, NC. In two years, that Instagram page grew into a movement and a 501(c)3 organization that has taught over 1,000 people how to play the game of pickleball.
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OUR WHY.
Over 36.5 million people play pickleball in the US, but only 7.3% identify as African-American/Black (SIFA 2022 Report).
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Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the US, valued for its accessibility and social benefits. However, its expansion has not significantly included the Black community, where underserved areas often lack resources for participation. This results in missed opportunities for physical activity, community engagement, and economic growth.
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Low social capital is linked to higher crime, poor health, and weaker governance. Harvard research highlights that cross-class connections are key to boosting economic mobility.
OUR MISSION.
Our mission at Black Pickleball is to provide opportunities for cross-class connections inherent in communal sports to improve the financial literacy and economic mobility of minority communities. We are dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive environments that empower individuals through education, community engagement, and accessible health & wellness programming.
OUR VISION.
Our vision is to impact the socioeconomic status of minority communities through communal sports across the globe. We aim to ensure accessibility and opportunities for minority communities through our comprehensive community development and educational programming.
OUR TEAM.
Jamie Lane
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Max Johnson
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Jesse Neimus
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Drew Carlyle
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