As International Women’s Day approaches, we’re spotlighting some of the women helping to shape pickleball across all areas of the sport, from the DUPR College Pickleball Tour and The Dink Minor League Pickleball to DUPR Coaches and professional players competing on the largest stages.

Today, we feature Lydia Hirt, a community builder growing pickleball in New York City and beyond. Since discovering the sport in 2021, she has made it her personal mission to expand access, connect players, foster community, and support women in the game.

From a Winter Escape to a New Obsession

Lydia first discovered pickleball during a family trip to Florida in 2021, where her cousin introduced her to the game at a local community court. At the time, she picked up a paddle with no expectations and little idea of how much the sport would come to mean to her.

When she returned to New York City, she noticed the pickleball scene was much different from Florida, and nothing like it is today. There were no dedicated clubs, limited information about where to play, and few organized opportunities for pickleball tournaments. Finding games required effort, but there was a strong sense of community among those who showed up to play.

“I made it my personal goal to help grow pickleball access in NYC. I truly believe this game can change the world, and no better place to prove it than the greatest city on earth,” she mentioned.

Since then, the sport has continued to grow across the city. Beginning in 2023, more dedicated facilities added permanent courts in Manhattan, creating more opportunities for players to get involved. Despite this growth, the grassroots spirit remains. Paddle stacks still line park fences, and open play continues to bring together players of all levels, from beginners learning the rules to competitors refining their strategy and tracking their pickleball ratings.

Pickleball as a Lifestyle

Pickleball is more than a sport to Lydia; it’s a lifestyle that includes fitness, fashion, travel, and storytelling. Her content reflects how she experiences the game as a natural part of her daily life.

“It was never just a sport I played. It was a place I dressed for, socialized around, traveled to, and even built a career inside of,” she explained.

For her, the game is inherently social and opens doors to travel, friendships, and new experiences.

“Pickleball gave me the world. The least I could do was show all of it,” she says, capturing how the sport inspires not just play, but connection, creativity, and community.

A Cultural Shift for Women in Pickleball

Lydia has also observed a broader shift in how women are participating in sports and gaining visibility across the industry.

In pickleball, moments like Anna Leigh Waters signing with Nike signal how quickly the sport is evolving and how much opportunity exists for women in the game.

“Anna Leigh Waters becoming the first Nike-sponsored pickleball athlete isn't a footnote, it's a signal. Nike doesn't make those calls casually. That partnership says: this woman, this sport, this audience matters,” she said.

For Lydia, the momentum extends beyond professional competition. Women are increasingly shaping the future of the sport in many roles across the ecosystem. They are organizing pickleball tournaments, coaching players, leading business strategy, building media platforms, and helping create the pathways that guide how players compete, improve, and track their progress through pickleball ratings and competitive events.

Making the Path Clear

Looking ahead, Lydia is focused on making the path into pickleball easier and more accessible for new players.

“I want the next woman who falls in love with this game to find her people faster than I did.”

When Lydia first started playing in 2021, there was no clear roadmap. Finding courts, learning the game, and meeting other players often required persistence. Today, the sport offers more structure. Players can join organized leagues, enter pickleball tournaments, and track their progress through DUPR. These tools help players understand where they stand and how they can continue improving.

Lydia hopes the sport continues to see women competing at every level of the game. That includes elite professionals on the biggest stages, the 3.5 player signing up for her first pickleball tournament, and the beginner learning pickleball rules for the first time. 

‍

‍

Keep up with Lydia’s journey here