As we honor Veterans Day and the service of those who have worn the uniform, it’s important to recognize the spaces where veterans continue to find purpose, connection, and community. Pickleball isn’t just the fastest-growing sport in America;  it’s becoming a powerful home for veterans. Across the country, former service members are discovering new camaraderie, competition, and joy through the game we all love, proving that service, resilience, and teamwork don’t end when military service does.

From the Battlefield to the Backline 

Pickleball is a blend of strategy, movement, and adaptability, making it accessible for veterans of all ages and abilities, including those adjusting to life after service-related injuries.Through the simple act of playing, veterans rediscover the healing power of movement, community, and friendly competition.

Across the United States, pickleball clubs and organizations are creating programs specifically designed for veterans, helping them reconnect, heal, and compete. These groups, such as Veterans Play Pickleball, use the sport as a form of physical and emotional therapy, supporting veterans living with PTSD, TBI, SCI, amputation, low self-esteem, and other challenges. 

Veteran Stories: Courage, Community, and the Court

William “Will” Biringer (U.S. Navy, Ret.) 

Will’s journey from active duty to adaptive athlete is a powerful story of never giving up. From Midlothian, Virginia, Will enlisted in the Navy in September 2018, and after an accident in July 2021, he became paralyzed from the waist down.

Rather than stepping away from competition, Will entered a new stage which is wheelchair pickleball. At DUPR tournaments such as those hosted by Performance Pickleball, he has competed in adaptive divisions and earned multiple medals.

“I wouldn’t be where I am without a sport. Pickleball is a good way to get out and do stuff, and it’s competitive. It pushes you to be better,” Will said. 

Will has a 5.0 DUPR Rating, and tracks it on a consistent basis, showing his competitive commitment and measurable progress in the sport.

“Knowing my match results count in my DUPR rating makes every rally matter. It’s not just fun; it’s progress.”

Brooke Revuelta (Military Family)

Professional pickleball player Brooke Revuelta comes from a military family, and that background fueled her mission to share pickleball with service members across the globe.

“Pickleball gives veterans that same sense of teamwork and purpose they had in the military but in a super positive, low-pressure way. It’s active, social, and full of community. I’ve seen firsthand how healing it can be,” Brooke said. 

After competing in the World Pickleball League, Brooke was invited to join an Armed Forces Entertainment pro pickleball goodwill military tour across Europe to teach and play with troops and their families, a life-changing and eye-opening experience for her.

“On that military tour, I saw service members and their families laughing, smiling, and having fun on the court — some for the first time ever or in a long time. You could literally feel the stress lift off them,” Brooke explained. “That’s when I realized pickleball isn’t just a sport;  it’s joy, therapy, and connection all in one.”

This month, Brooke is heading on another military tour to eight countries across the Middle East and Africa to continue her mission.

“Pickleball keeps me grounded and energized. It challenges me physically every single day but also gives me a mental reset. It’s my happy place whether I’m competing, training, or traveling to coach. It reminds me why I started and keeps me focused on the endless opportunities that are possible.”

Jose Gonzalez, Brooke’s StepDad (U.S. Army, Ret)

As Brooke travels the world sharing pickleball with military communities, her stepdad José Gonzalez, a U.S. Army veteran, sees her mission through a different lens — one shaped by years of service and the values that come with it. From his perspective, pickleball mirrors many of the principles veterans carry with them long after active duty.

“Serving in the military teaches discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The same values that shine on the pickleball court. When I’m cheering for Brooke, I see how those qualities build stronger players and tighter communities. Pickleball is a perfect way for veterans to reconnect with camaraderie, fitness, and fun. There’s always a mission worth getting up for, and we’re proud to see Brooke spreading that spirit around the world.”

Together, Brooke and José embody the heart of this story which is service, family, and a sport that unites people. Their journey shows how pickleball continues to inspire purpose for veterans and their families, both at home and abroad.

Gabe George (U.S. Navy, Ret)

After a motorcycle accident left retired Navy corpsman Gabe George without his right arm, he searched for a new purpose, and found it through adaptive sports. That journey led him to MACS, where pickleball quickly became both his passion and his platform to help others.

"Everybody can play pickleball. You don't have to be a pro. I've taught kids, older folks, people who can barely walk, knee replacements, and people with visual impairments who can hear the different sounds and different balls. It’s very adaptive."

Gabe started playing at a local church in Jacksonville. Through MACS, Gabe discovered he also loved teaching. He now travels the country coaching veterans of all abilities.

"I’ve had the honor of traveling all over the country teaching pickleball. I've taught hundreds and hundreds of veterans, able-bodied, and non-able-bodied people. It's my love. And when I'm not underwater diving or something, with my dog, or my daughter, I'm on the court somewhere."

Serving Those Who Served: Pickleball Clubs & Organizations Giving Back

Performance Pickleball: A DUPR Verified Home for Adaptive & Veteran Players

As a proud DUPR Verified Club, Performance Pickleball has become a leader in hosting adaptive pickleball programming and tournaments , creating a competitive, inclusive environment for athletes of all abilities, including many veterans.

Their adaptive DUPR events give players reliable, meaningful match play while ensuring every athlete is matched by skill through the DUPR rating system. This structure has opened the door for veterans and adaptive athletes to compete on equal footing and track their progress over time.

One of the standout competitors in their community is William “Will” Biringer (U.S. Navy, Ret.), whose journey from active duty to adaptive athlete is a powerful example of resilience and the impact of accessible pickleball.
You can watch Will’s interview here.

Through consistent programming, thoughtful court adaptations, and a commitment to competitive fairness, Performance Pickleball is helping veterans rediscover purpose, confidence, and connection, proving that the sport truly is for every body.

Veterans Play Pickleball: Compete. Connect. Heal.

Based in Upstate South Carolina, Veterans Play Pickleball is dedicated to serving retired, reserve, and active-duty military members and their families through the healing power of the sport. Their monthly free Pickleball Play Days offer veterans living with PTSD, TBI, SCI, amputations, low self-esteem, and other challenges a safe place to move, connect, and compete.

As an offshoot of Adaptive Pickleball, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit focuses on rebuilding confidence, improving well-being, and creating equal access to sport for all who have served. Beginners are always welcome, and every session is designed to remind participants that community, movement, and joy are all part of recovery.

Military Adaptive Court Sports (MACS): Healing Through Sport

Military Adaptive Court Sports (MACS) uses pickleball to help veterans and active-duty service members with visible and invisible injuries reconnect with movement, community, and purpose. Their turn-key 6-week adaptive instruction program supports participants from their first session through ongoing cycles, creating a continuous, peer-supported environment.

MACS partners with military bases, local clubs, parks & recreation centers, and YMCAs to ensure veterans have ongoing access to courts outside program hours. The organization also collaborates closely with VA hospitals, DAV and VFW chapters, CBOCs, HUD-VASH programs, and more to reach veterans across the country.

Their recent partnerships with Army Soldier Recovery Units, Navy Safe Harbor, Wounded Warrior Marine Corps Battalion East, AFW2, and AW2 highlight MACS’ growing impact on injured and recovering service members nationwide.

Veterans in Pickleball: Community, Connection, and Healing

Veterans in Pickleball is committed to teaching veterans the sport of pickleball while promoting physical health, mental wellness, and community connection. Offering both indoor and outdoor programs since 2022, the organization introduces the sport to veterans of all ages and abilities, emphasizing that pickleball is low-impact, accessible, and a powerful tool for improving overall well-being.

Their mission goes beyond gameplay. Veterans in Pickleball hosts community events, outreach initiatives, and group activities designed to help veterans stay active, prevent chronic disease, and build meaningful relationships. Their motto “Connect. Community. Compete. Healing & Health” reflects their belief that pickleball is not just a sport, but a pathway to a healthier, more connected life.

Why Pickleball Resonates with Veterans

Pickleball combines strategy, teamwork, and adaptability. These traits are ingrained in service members. It rewards patience and precision, qualities that veterans have honed for years.

Building Community Beyond the Court

For many veteran players, pickleball is more than just a game, it's a new mission.

• Reconnecting socially after service
• Improving physical and mental health through accessible exercise
• Competing again in a structured, uplifting environment

Local DUPR clubs and veteran groups now host annual Veterans Pickleball Days, bringing together hundreds of players across the country to celebrate both sport and service.

How to Support Veteran Pickleball Initiatives

If you’re looking to give back this Veterans Day  (or any day), here are a few meaningful ways to make an impact:

• Volunteer at pickleball events that support veterans.
• Donate gear, time, or resources to veteran-focused pickleball programs.
• Encourage your local club to host Veteran Appreciation Matches or clinics.
• Share veteran stories on social media to honor their service and amplify their impact.

Pickleball offers veterans more than recreation. It’s a place to lead, compete, and connect again.Next time you step on the court, take a moment to thank the veterans playing beside you and remember that behind every paddle, there’s a story.

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