How can pickleball help us feel like we belong, teach us to encourage others more openly, and remind us that kindness matters just as much as competition?

In this episode, Sarah Moore shares her thoughtful and heartfelt pickleball journey, from growing up in tiny Hayward, Wisconsin to building a life in the Pacific Northwest filled with family, work, and a growing love for the game. Sarah talks about her background in retail, her eye for style, her years of raising three children, and the life experiences that shaped her long before pickleball entered the picture. She reflects on how a friend encouraged her to try the sport in 2023, and how what began as a simple class quickly became a joyful new chapter filled with movement, friendship, challenge, and connection. 

Sarah also opens up about the difficult season when she lost both of her parents within a short span of time, and how those life experiences deepened her appreciation for community, compassion, and showing up for one another. Along the way, she shares what stands out most to her about pickleball: the supportiveness of the pickleball community, the way players of all levels can feel like they have something meaningful to contribute, and how the sport creates space for growth, resilience, and belonging. She also reflects on the importance of sportsmanship, gratitude, and being the kind of player who makes others want to come back and play again. 

This is a warm and meaningful conversation about pickleball, community, grief, encouragement, sportsmanship, kindness, confidence, belonging, family, friendship, resilience, and the life lessons that remind us to support each other, speak appreciation out loud, and never underestimate the power of making someone feel welcome on and off the court. 

📘 Our book Life Lessons from Pickleball™ is now available on Amazon

Order the book here: https://a.co/d/0bHPFYve

A collection of short, true stories from players around the world about community, resilience, and joy through the game of pickleball.

A portion of proceeds supports Operation PaddleLift, through the Global Pickleball Federation, distributing paddles, balls and nets to underserved communities around the world.

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Music gifted to us by Ian Pedersen: @ianpedersen 

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