Kelly Strobel’s Pickleball Journey: Kelly Stroble’s journey into professional pickleball began unexpectedly at a holiday dinner five years ago in Sarasota, where a friend introduced her to the burgeoning sport.
Joann DeMartini, the host, unveiled a pickleball court in her backyard and initiated Stroble into the game. Within a month, Stroble was competing in tournaments, quickly accumulating victories in mixed doubles.
“So after that, you become addicted,” Stroble recalled of those early wins alongside Gavin Thomas. Stroble, a 54-year-old resident of Bradenton, is currently in her debut season with the National Pickleball League (NPL), America’s premier professional association for players aged 50 and above in this increasingly popular sport. She proudly represents the Oklahoma City Punishers, one of the league’s twelve esteemed teams.
Athletic Roots
Raised in California’s Huntington Beach and Westminster area, Stroble’s early athletic passion centered around softball. She earned the opportunity to compete on the United States national team in softball before it became an Olympic sport, and later continued her athletic journey playing college softball at Florida State University.
“I needed something, So I picked up tennis.” Stroble reflected, reminiscing on her athletic journey from softball to tennis and now to pickleball. Despite a hiatus due to family commitments, her passion for sports reignited when she rediscovered pickleball through DeMartini’s backyard court.
Choosing Pickleball
As Stroble’s enthusiasm for pickleball grew, so did her competitive spirit, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Practice sessions on DeMartini’s court during the pandemic paved the way for Stroble’s ascent in the sport. Now sponsored by Engage Pickleball, Centerline Athletics, and Civile Apparel, she embraces her rookie season in the National Pickleball League (NPL).
“I just have that competitive nature and I still feel I have more room to improve,” Stroble remarked, reflecting on her journey to professional status under the guidance of mentors like DeMartini, Gavin Thomas, and Eric Kennedy. Her dedication caught the attention of NPL co-founder Rick Witsken, who invited her to join the Oklahoma City Punishers.
Amidst personal challenges, including caring for her sick mother, Stroble found solace and opportunity in the NPL, culminating in her draft by the OKC Punishers ahead of this year’s U.S. Open. The NPL, founded in 2022 by Beth Bellamy, Michael Chen, and Rick Witsken, offers Stroble a new arena for her competitive spirit, bridging her background in team sports with the individual intensity of pickleball.
“There is nothing out there like the NPL for seniors, It’s just amazing. To me, coming from softball and that being a team sport, this is right up my alley” Stroble remarked, expressing her enthusiasm for the league’s unique platform. With monthly events leading up to October’s finale and the next tournament scheduled in Cincinnati from July 19-21, Stroble continues to push her limits in a sport that has rekindled her love for competition.
News in Brief: Kelly Strobel’s Pickleball Journey
Kelly Strobel’s entry into professional pickleball began unexpectedly five years ago at a holiday dinner in Sarasota. Introduced to the sport by Joann DeMartini, Strobel quickly rose through the ranks, making her professional debut this season with the National Pickleball League (NPL). At 54, she competes for the Oklahoma City Punishers, having transitioned from a softball career with the U.S. national team to tennis before finding her passion in pickleball. Despite challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and personal commitments, Strobel’s dedication and competitive spirit have earned her sponsorships and a notable spot in the NPL.
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