APP Women’s Open: This past weekend at Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio, the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) hosted its first-ever pickleball tournament exclusively for women. The 2024 APP Women’s Open Presented by The James was not just about competition; it was a celebration of women and their impact on the sport, all while highlighting the importance of breast cancer awareness. The James Cancer Hospital, part of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and the third-largest cancer hospital in the U.S., proudly served as the presenting partner for this landmark event.
A Day of Inspiration
The pickleball event also featured the Dream Big Summit, a speaker’s panel sponsored by Victoria’s Secret & Co., which aimed to inspire over 100 high school and college-age women from the local community.
The spirit of the occasion resonated in every pink accessory worn, each heartfelt hug shared, and the sheer joy that filled the air. This weekend’s gathering allowed women to unite and play pickleball with a purpose, creating a powerful HERstory.
Voices of Empowerment
Hamm emphasizes the journey of female athletes, reminding them to honor their beginnings and the passion that drove them to pursue sports.
“Somewhere behind the athlete you’ve become and the hours of practice and the coaches who have pushed you is a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back…play for her.” – (Mia Hamm)
Barr highlights the camaraderie among participants, showing that competition can co-exist with mutual support and encouragement.
“It’s so much fun to see all these women out here. Everybody’s honestly in a pretty good mood. We’re all competitive. We want to win. I see a lot of the women just really supporting each other, which is super awesome.” – (Susannah Barr)
Braverman’s words reflect the emotional depth of the event, showing how personal challenges can motivate athletes to excel.
“I want to dedicate this [win] to my mother-in-law who is currently going through chemo. She is such an inspiration, and I was thinking about her this whole match.” – (Jill Braverman)
Hodges acknowledges the importance of female solidarity, reinforcing that success is often built upon the support of other women.
“Behind every great woman … is another great woman.” – (Kate Hodges)
Winfrey encourages women to embrace failure as a necessary part of growth and self-improvement.
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another stepping stone to greatness.” – (Oprah Winfrey)
A Cause Greater Than Competition
As participants rallied for their loved ones, the day transcended mere competition. Courter’s dedication shows the tournament’s purpose, emphasizing how sports can honor loved ones and build community.
“We’re playing for a great cause. I lost my mother-in-law to cancer years ago, so she’s in my heart today with my husband. And I do have a dear friend that is a cancer survivor, Sherry, you know who you are. You’re a beast. So I’m out here playing for you. And it’s great to be around the women; it’s important.” – (Sheri Courter)
Ulrich’s quote serves as a reminder that boldness and defiance are often necessary for women to make significant contributions to history.
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” – (Laurel Thatcher Ulrich)
Williams speaks to the power of women lifting each other up, highlighting the collective strength found in support and encouragement.
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” – (Serena Williams)
Embracing Strength
The impact of such events extends beyond the courts, fostering a community of resilience and empowerment. French Gates asserts that having a voice is crucial for women to express their strength and influence change.
“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman.” – (Melinda French Gates)
Stanton emphasizes the importance of courage as a fundamental quality that empowers women in all aspects of life.
“The best protector any woman can have, one that will serve her at all times and in all places, is courage.” – (Elizabeth Cady Stanton)
Angelou highlights the interconnectedness of women’s struggles and victories, suggesting that individual empowerment contributes to the broader fight for women’s rights.
“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” – (Maya Angelou)
Chanel’s words reinforce the idea that women have historically been resilient and influential forces in society.
“Women have always been the strong ones of the world.” – (Coco Chanel)
Lifting Each Other Up
Whitwell stresses the importance of mutual support among women, urging a shift from competition to celebration of each other’s achievements.
“We’re living in a world right now where we do a very good job of cutting each other down at the knees, and finding a partner who wants to lift you up and celebrate your wins… Being here this weekend and The James hosting this is a phenomenal event, and I can’t wait to come back next year.” – (Lee Whitwell)
O’Connor emphasizes that visibility of women’s accomplishments will inspire future generations to pursue their goals.
“As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.” – (Sandra Day O’Connor)
A Lasting Impact
Lorde reflects on the unique bond among women, rooted in shared experiences and mutual support that has been vital for their survival.
“The love expressed between women is particular and powerful because we have had to love in order to live; love has been our survival.” – (Audre Lorde)
Roosevelt uses a metaphor to convey that true strength often emerges in challenging situations.
“A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” – (Eleanor Roosevelt)
Spielman points out the therapeutic benefits of engaging in activities like pickleball, especially during difficult times.
“You need something, you need an outlet when you’re going through a diagnosis, whether that’s a hobby or people, and I think this is a true testament to what a great outlet that pickleball can be for people.” – (Maddie Spielman)
Ginsburg shares her mother’s wisdom, demanding independence and self-identity among women.
“My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent.” – (Ruth Bader Ginsburg)
Dan urges continued support for cancer initiatives, highlighting the long-term significance of the event.
“It’s been a remarkable few days here in Columbus, but it doesn’t end here. Please keep supporting The James and the Stefanie Spielman Fund. This is an event that we hope continues for decades and has a lasting impact every year.” – (Shannon Dan)
News in Brief: APP Women’s Open
The first-ever APP Women’s Open took place at Pickle & Chill in Columbus, Ohio, celebrating women and promoting breast cancer awareness. The pickleball event, presented by The James Cancer Hospital, featured the Dream Big Summit, inspiring over 100 local young women.
With heartfelt tributes from players dedicating their performances to loved ones affected by cancer, the tournament highlighted the power of community and support.
Quotes from notable figures like Mia Hamm and Oprah Winfrey emphasized the strength and resilience of women, making this inaugural tournament a significant step forward for women in pickleball.
ALSO READ: Shannon Pretorius Wins Historic APP Gold Medal at the APP Women’s Open
