Black Pickleball Dallas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit born from the heart—committed to moving bodies, uplifting minds, and building authentic community through the power of play. We create inclusive teams for all skill levels and strive to make pickleball accessible by providing paddles, lessons, apparel, and mentoring to those in need. Together, we grow, compete, and connect—on and off the court—with pride, purpose, and passion.
My Personal Pickleball Story
It was a sunny and bright day on April 25, 2020. I had just completed my shopping at Costco, purchasing flowers that I felt would bring enchantment to my front and backyard. The flowers from Costco were of high quality, and their prices felt like a great value. The excitement was overwhelming and almost too good to be true. I knew I needed to clean out the beds in front of my house and eventually take care of the backyard as well.
That day, my life changed in a way I never could have imagined. What started as a simple day of yard work quickly turned into a nightmare. While handling a long roll of garden mesh, it hit a tree branch, knocking me off balance. I stumbled backward, landing hard on the flagstone surrounding the pool area. In a split second, I broke my leg and shattered my right ankle—both inside and outside—in multiple places. The pain was beyond anything I had ever felt before.
To make matters worse, I fell into the pool. At that moment, my survival instincts kicked in. My foot was twisted in a grotesque position, and I knew I had to get out of the water to avoid drowning. With every ounce of strength, I swam to the side of the pool, trying to ignore the blinding pain. Once I reached safety, I attempted to straighten my foot as best I could, though I knew I had suffered multiple fractures.
For what felt like an eternity, I yelled for help. My husband was inside on a conference call, unaware of the emergency unfolding outside. Thankfully, his coworker urged him to check on me, and when he did, he found me on the edge of the pool, barely able to move. Emergency services were called, and they carefully got me out of the pool and stabilized my leg. I was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed my worst fear—both sides of my right ankle were shattered. I needed immediate surgery.
The orthopedic surgeon on duty, Dr. McKellar, explained that the surgery would be complex, and there was a high chance I would never walk the same again or that I would walk with a limp. But I wasn’t ready to give up. I looked him in the eyes and begged him to operate on my leg and ankle as if I were his daughter or wife, to give me the best chance of walking normally again.
The surgery was a success, but the road to recovery was long. I spent nearly a week in the hospital before I was released and started physical therapy soon after. The process was grueling, made even harder by the COVID restrictions. Three to four times a week, I attended physical therapy sessions in a wheelchair. Slowly but surely, I transitioned from a wheelchair to crutches, and eventually, I began walking on my own.
My husband, my rock, was all in on helping me recover. He was always supportive and even hired a trainer to help me regain strength in my leg and ankles. We worked tirelessly. I started trampoline training to rebuild muscles and balance.
One day, while walking past a court in the building where my trampoline training was held, I noticed something curious that caught my eye. There were four people at the net playing a sport that looked like tennis but was much smaller. The ball was a neon yellow color, something I had never seen before. Most of all, they looked like they were having fun. That was my first encounter with what I now know as pickleball. At the time, I just shook my head and continued my walk to the back area for my trampoline session with the trainer.
Little did I know that small moment of curiosity would later change my life in ways I never expected.
As I continued my recovery, I became more intrigued by the game. Part of my recovery included visits to Lifetime Fitness, where my husband and I unexpectedly saw an old friend from nearly twenty-five years ago playing pickleball. My interest grew. One day, I watched people play and thought to myself, "I can do that." I didn't have full mobility or speed yet, but I knew in my heart that I could try. When I mentioned it to my husband, he seemed skeptical, but I couldn't shake the feeling.
Soon after, we reconnected with our old friends Gill and Deniece, who were avid pickleball players. They offered to teach us, and that was when my journey with pickleball truly began. My first game was a mix of excitement and nervousness. I didn’t know the rules or how to score, but the sheer joy of moving my legs and being active was exhilarating. Pickleball gave me something I hadn't felt in a long time—hope. It motivated me to keep going, to push through the pain and discomfort, and to continue improving my walking and running abilities.
There were many times when I would arrive to play and see people remove their paddles from the lineup when they saw mine. Sometimes, I played with advanced players who were gracious enough to let me join, but not often. I decided I had to challenge myself, not get discouraged, and keep pushing forward. And I did. I started showing up at the gym regularly, paddles in my bag, learning the rules, how to score, how to serve, how to perfect drop shots, and so much more. I played every day for over a year, working my way from a novice to a competitive player. I even entered a tournament and finished in second place. My skill level rose to about 3.8, and my goal is to reach 4.0 or better.
But pickleball has given me more than just physical recovery—it has given me a sense of community, resilience, and determination. The sport has connected me with people who, like me, find joy and camaraderie on the court. It’s more than a game; it's a reminder that life is beautiful, and even when you think you can’t, you can.
Now, I want to share this gift with others. I’m working on opening a pickleball club to spread the word about this incredible sport for fitness. Pickleball saved my life. It gave me a purpose and passion that I never expected, and for that, I am forever grateful.
About Us: Black Pickleball Dallas
Black Pickleball Dallas is more than just a sports community—it’s a movement dedicated to bringing people together through the game of pickleball. We are a health and fitness-driven club that creates a welcoming space for all individuals to connect, grow, and build lasting relationships on and off the court.
We are committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for all our members. Our Code of Ethics outlines the values and standards that guide our actions both on and off the pickleball court. As members of this community, we hold ourselves to the highest levels of integrity, sportsmanship, and responsibility, Space by adhering to this code, we create an enjoyable and welcoming space for everyone involved.
Mission Statement: Black Pickleball Dallas
Our mission is to foster a sense of belonging while promoting both mental and physical well-being. We believe that through meaningful relationships, friendly competition, and shared experiences, we can inspire a healthier lifestyle and a stronger community. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, Black Pickleball Dallas is a place where everyone can come together, have fun, and elevate their game—both in sport and in life.
Why Play With Us?
At Black Pickleball Dallas, we aim to:
Promote Health and Wellness: We encourage physical fitness, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyles through regular pickleball play and events.
Build Community
We provide a welcoming space for players of all ages and skill levels, fostering friendships, mentorships, and trust among members.
Empower Our Member
Through pickleball, we strive to build self-esteem, promote civic responsibility, and offer leadership opportunities within our community.
Create Fun and Laughter
We believe that joy and laughter are essential to a happy life. Our club is dedicated to ensuring that every game and event if filled with positivity and fun.