Brandon Nsekpong is Growing Pickleball: Professional pickleball player Brandon Nsekpong is more than just a competitor—he’s an advocate for diversity, accessibility, and community within the sport. His journey into pickleball was unexpected, but his passion for growing the game, especially in underrepresented communities, has made him a key voice in its expansion.
A Journey Through Sports: From Table Tennis to Pickleball
Nsekpong’s introduction to sports was shaped by his father, who encouraged him to play in environments where he wasn’t typically represented.
“My dad wanted me to play a sport that typically people that look like me did not play. He wanted me to be in spaces where I wouldn’t normally be, so I could network and learn from different environments.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
This led him through table tennis, junior tennis, golf, and basketball before he eventually found pickleball.
A Reluctant Start Turns Into a Passion
Nsekpong first noticed pickleball while playing basketball at Lifetime Fitness. At the time, he dismissed it as a “retirement sport”, something for older players cooling down. But after repeated invitations from a woman at the gym, he finally agreed to play. His first match was humbling—he was outplayed by a man twice his age.
“I was lunging, running, sweating—and he wasn’t even breaking a sweat. I was like, ‘Why is this happening?!’” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
The next day, Nsekpong walked into work and realized that the man who had dominated him on the court was one of his corporate colleagues. That connection solidified his love for the game, and soon he found himself playing regularly and improving fast.
“That was it. We ended up playing together all the time, and they always wanted me on the court. From there, it just took off.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
Pickleball’s Unique Culture
Having played multiple sports, Nsekpong immediately noticed the inclusive culture of pickleball.
“The first thing I noticed was how inviting it was. Regardless of background, skill, height, or weight—people just want to share something they love. There’s an energy about it where people want you to be part of the game.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
Unlike basketball, where new players often have to earn their place, or tennis, which can feel exclusive, pickleball welcomed him from day one.
The Challenge of Representation
Despite its welcoming nature, Nsekpong acknowledges that pickleball still has a representation gap at the professional level.
“I don’t think there’s an adequate representation today. Look at where pickleball courts are being built—it’s mostly tennis courts being converted, and there wasn’t a huge presence of people who look like me in tennis either.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
He believes the key to expanding diversity in pickleball lies in direct outreach.
“You can’t just build courts and expect people to show up. You have to go into these communities and say, ‘Hey, come try this.’ The moment they do, they’ll love it.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
One of the biggest challenges, he explains, is simple awareness.
“If pickleball isn’t something you’ve been exposed to, you’re not going to naturally gravitate toward it.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
He advocates for pop-up events and community outreach, bringing paddles, nets, and introductory sessions into familiar spaces to remove barriers to entry.
“Showing up with paddles, setting up nets in familiar spaces, and making it easy for people to play – that’s how we grow the game.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
Building a Presence Beyond the Court
Understanding that visibility is key, Nsekpong has been intentional about building his brand in the pickleball space. While some players focus purely on results, he has expanded his reach through social media, content creation, and community engagement.
“Even when I wasn’t playing as many tournaments, I kept my name out there through social media, content, and being present in the community.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
His marketing approach is grassroots but effective:
“Every time I introduce someone to pickleball, I let my love for the game show. Then I scale it through social media, sharing what I’m doing and who I’m helping. That’s how you grow the sport.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
Balancing Family and Going Pro
After five years in pickleball, Nsekpong is making a full-time commitment to the sport. Previously, financial concerns made going pro too risky, especially when he was on the verge of being drafted to Major League Pickleball.
“Back then, it was risky financially. I was right on the cusp of going full-time pro and getting drafted to Major League Pickleball when I had my first child.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
Now, with two young children, he has made the decision to leave his corporate job and pursue pickleball professionally, balancing competition with teaching and community growth.
Advice for New Players
For those just starting in the sport, Nsekpong’s advice is simple:
- Enjoy it. Pickleball should be fun, not intimidating.
- Embrace the awkwardness. Everyone starts somewhere, and improvement takes time.
- Have fun. The best part of pickleball is the community and shared experience.
A Philosophy That Goes Beyond Pickleball
Nsekpong’s approach to the game reflects his broader philosophy on life:
“Who you become is greater than what you acquire.” – (Brandon Nsekpong)
For him, pickleball is about more than just personal success—it’s about creating opportunities, breaking barriers, and ensuring the next generation of players feels just as welcome as he did. And if his story is any indication, pickleball’s future is only just beginning.
News in Brief: Brandon Nsekpong is Growing Pickleball
Professional pickleball player Brandon Nsekpong is advocating for greater diversity and accessibility in the sport. His journey from table tennis and basketball to pickleball has shaped his mission to bring the game to underrepresented communities. Now a full-time pro, he is balancing competition, coaching, and outreach, ensuring that pickleball continues to grow inclusively.
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