Erica Wheeler Pickleball Tournament WNBA: Erica Wheeler, guard for the Seattle Storm, launched the WNBA All-Star weekend by hosting her second annual Erica Wheeler Pickleball Tournament in Indianapolis. The event drew over 80 players, including WNBA stars and NFL athletes, just hours after Wheeler helped her team win their final game before the break. The tournament brings fans and athletes together in a fun, competitive setting while honoring a personal cause.
A Celebration of Sport and Family
Before the All-Star break game against the Golden State Valkyries, Erica Wheeler surprised her Seattle Storm teammates and coaches with gifts of jewelry from GLD as a sign of team unity. “You do for family. Simple as that,” Wheeler said. She scored 11 of her 15 points in the third quarter, helping secure a 67-58 win.
Wheeler’s pickleball tournament isn’t just about competition. It honors her late mother, Melissa Cooper, who passed away from cervical cancer in 2012. Her charity, the Wheeler Kid Foundation, works with the Mississippi Breast and Cervical Cancer Program to raise awareness and funds for this cause. “Family is super important to me,” Wheeler said.
Pickleball’s Wide Appeal
Wheeler described pickleball as a sport for all ages and skill levels. “Pickleball is one of those universal sports. Everybody is into it,” she said. The tournament included WNBA players Rhyne Howard, Saniya Rivers, and Marina Mabrey, NFL players Kenny Moore II and Zaire Franklin, and Louisville Cardinals star Jayda Curry.
Wheeler also invited two professional pickleball players to compete, raising the level of play. She shared how her first game was humbling, playing against a 70-year-old who beat her. “That’s why I love it. It’s just a different dynamic.”
A Busy but Meaningful Weekend
Besides the pickleball tournament, Wheeler planned to compete in the WNBA Skills Challenge with teammates Skylar Diggins and others for a $50,000 prize. She will also support teammates during the All-Star Game at Gainbridge Arena.
Despite a packed schedule, Wheeler balances basketball, endorsements with Adidas and Google, and family life. “The pickleball tournament and the Skills Challenge are probably my busiest things,” she said. She values this time to connect with fans and enjoy the break. “People are going to have a good time in Indy. They love them some basketball there.”
News in Brief: Erica Wheeler Pickleball Tournament WNBA
Erica Wheeler hosted a sold-out pickleball tournament in Indianapolis to start WNBA All-Star weekend. The event included WNBA and NFL players and honored her mother’s memory. Wheeler will also compete in the Skills Challenge and support teammates during the All-Star Game, blending sports, charity, and community.
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