According to research published by PNAS, nearly 60% of modern couples meet online. Dating apps have become the default.

That wasn’t the case for David Bieger and Lauralei Singsank.

Their story didn’t start with a swipe or a DM. It started on a pickleball court during practices, team travel, and long tournament weekends with the University of Virginia Club Pickleball team.

Pickleball was there from the beginning.
Romance took a little longer.

They were teammates first, competitors second, and something else entirely before either of them realized it. What followed wasn’t instant chemistry; it was growth, patience, early mornings, and eventually, a national championship.

And now, a wedding.

This is a college pickleball love story that didn’t follow the usual script and that’s exactly what makes it worth telling.

The first ask… and the long game

At the 2022 College National Championship, David took his shot off the court and asked Lauralei out. She said no.

Instead of pushing, David focused on the one thing he could control: getting better at pickleball. He trained, competed, improved his DUPR rating and closed the gap. When he asked again later, the answer changed.

Not long after, they were playing mixed doubles together, and winning. In 2023, David and Lauralei captured the College National Championship, a moment that still stands as their favorite memory on the court.

When pickleball became something they shared

David met Lauralei less than a month after he started playing pickleball. At the time, she was clearly the stronger player, but she saw potential in him. She encouraged him to play local tournaments, travel, and experience the broader pickleball community.

Those road trips mattered.

“Traveling and playing together opened my eyes to what pickleball really is,” David says. “She coached me then, and she still coaches me now, even as a 6.0.”

Pickleball stopped being something they both did separately and became something they built together.

The 5 a.m. test

There was a moment when things shifted from casual to committed.

After the DUPR College Nationals in 2022, Lauralei wanted David to play more non-college tournaments. He wasn’t convinced. So she signed them up anyway, two hours away, with an 8 a.m. start time.

Pickup was at 5 a.m.
Coffee helped.

They went 4–1 that day. More importantly, they learned how to be partners outside the lines, talking through nerves, fatigue, and expectations in the car. From there, the relationship moved quickly and naturally.

Communication, wins, and smoothies

On the court, communication is strong, especially when they’re winning. When they’re not, they’re honest about the work still needed.

Off the court, they’ve found their rhythm. After tough losses or disagreements, they keep it simple: Drink a Smoothie. 

“It’s hard to stay upset while you’re both drinking a smoothie,” David admits.

Check out this guide and learn how to communicate with your doubles partner. 

Life as a college pickleball couple

Traveling, competing, and representing UVA together are some of their favorite memories. They’re quick to credit DUPR for building the college tour that made those experiences possible.

“We truly wouldn’t be together without DUPR” Laurelai said.

Their training today is a mix. Lauralei is David’s primary drill partner in Richmond, while David also works singles and men’s sessions. Lauralei focuses mainly on women’s practice with Natalie Kim, another UVA pickleball alum.

Pickleball, long-term

In August 2025, David left his day job to pursue professional pickleball full-time. He now coaches academies at Performance Pickleball RVA, travels for tournaments, and commentates select college events, often alongside Lauralei.

Together, they also coach through Breakout Pickleball, teaching the sport they grew up in and staying connected to the community that shaped them.

Advice for couples who play together

David keeps it grounded:

“Remember why you play. You started because it was fun and because you wanted to share the court with someone special. Be grateful you get to play this sport with the most important person in your life.”

Why pickleball brings people together

For Lauralei, pickleball’s power is in its overlap.

“One of the best things about pickleball is its ability to give you a cross-section of the communities around you. It brings people from every background together on an equal playing field. David’s a 6.0 in singles and has never beat our friend Youssef Bouzidi, a 50 year old senior pro, in any singles tournament. They’ve also played many men's doubles tournaments together - not split age! - and won. Stories like these are one of the best parts of the sport. “

One rally at a time

David and Lauralei’s story isn’t about pickleball being romantic. It’s about pickleball being present through improvement, setbacks, long drives, and shared goals.

They didn’t plan to build a life through the sport.
They just kept showing up to the same court.

Everything else followed.