In the days leading up to International Women’s Day, we’re spotlighting the women helping shape pickleball across every part of the sport, from players on the DUPR College Pickleball Tour and The Dink Minor League Pickleball to coaches and professionals competing on the game’s largest stages. 

Today, we’re highlighting Van Nguyen, a leader shaping the sport as a top coach. Van is the first, and currently only, woman in DUPR Coach Vanguard, an elite collective of the most dedicated and impactful DUPR Coaches worldwide.

Van is focused on building structure, fostering community, and driving long-term growth through coaching and leadership.

Leading with Purpose

Being part of the DUPR Coach Vanguard is an honor, as the program brings together coaches who uphold the highest standards of quality, integrity, and innovation. Members foster community engagement, run events, mentor new coaches, provide strategic guidance, and contribute across areas such as coach development, player engagement, social media, innovation, beta testing, AI training, and strategic partnerships. As the only woman currently in the group, she is proud to represent women in this endeavor and hopes to inspire more female leaders to get involved.

“It’s not about being the only one. It’s about visibility and responsibility. When women are visible in leadership, it becomes easier for others to see themselves there,” she shared.

For Van, leadership means creating space and taking initiative rather than waiting for opportunities to appear. This mindset led her to build the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective, a community designed to provide structure, support, and connection for women in the sport.

Through her work, she supports players at every level, from beginners learning pickleball rules to competitive athletes tracking their pickleball ratings through DUPR.

Coaching That Builds Community

Through her leadership, Van helps DUPR Coaches develop their skills, refines technique, and teaches strategy, while engaging players and supporting the global growth of pickleball, which also elevates coaching standards across the community.

“Competition is personal, but coaching is collective. When you invest in people, they begin investing in others,” she explained.

Beyond her work with DUPR Coaches, Van brings the same approach to her club, the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective. With nearly 400 players holding official pickleball ratings, the focus goes beyond match results. Van prioritizes creating a stable and supportive environment where athletes are encouraged, respected, and empowered to grow. Combined with clear development pathways, a solid understanding of pickleball rules, and consistent tracking through DUPR ratings, this structure and sense of community help players build confidence and develop their pickleball skills.

Advice for Women Considering Leadership in Pickleball

For women thinking about becoming coaches, organizers, or leaders in the pickleball community, Van offers good advice:

“You need curiosity, consistency, and care. Study the game, build relationships, support others, and be open to support in return.”

Understanding pickleball rules, learning how pickleball ratings work, and staying engaged in the community are all part of that growth. Leadership does not follow one formula; it can be collaborative, steady, and creative.

Building the Future of Pickleball

From local leagues to competitive pickleball tournaments, the sport continues to grow through structured development, coaching, and a strong understanding of pickleball ratings. Leaders like Van are helping create a player base that is confident, prepared, and ready to take their game to the next level.

She aims to see more representation for women in pickleball leadership, decision-making, and long-term direction. Her focus is not just on participation, but on creating opportunities for ownership and meaningful influence within the sport. By creating supportive spaces, fostering growth, and encouraging women to step into visible roles, she is helping build a stronger and more sustainable pickleball community.

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The DUPR Coach Program offers exclusive tools to transform your coaching business. For more information, click here. You can also learn more about Van’s work with the NYC Women’s Pickleball Collective, a movement for women who want to play, grow, and lead together.