Megan Fudge Pickleball Ambassador Tour: Megan Fudge, the world No. 1 women’s doubles pickleball player, visited Dill Dinkers pickleball club in Sarasota last weekend. She led clinics and practiced with local players, promoting the sport and challenging negative views about pickleball. Fudge highlighted its accessibility, athleticism, and growing popularity across the United States.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Once a four-time All-Big Ten honoree with Illinois women’s tennis, Megan Fudge left tennis to pursue pickleball at the tour level. “There’s always been that stigma, ‘Oh, I’m going to go join the dark side,’” Fudge said. “But I feel like we’ve kind of overcome that now… nowadays, it’s the cool thing to do.”
Fudge and her husband Ryler DeHeart — APP world No. 6 in men’s singles — now travel in an RV while raising their children Lily (10) and JR (8), competing at events across the country.
Demonstrating Skill and Athleticism
At Dill Dinkers, Fudge displayed world-class reflexes, footwork, and poise at the net. She handled fast volleys and body shots with ease, showing that pickleball requires both skill and athleticism. “It’s such a simple sport — easy to learn, hard to master,” Fudge said. “My son is 8, and we’ve played with a 90-year-old… What other sport is out there where you can step on the court with someone you’ve never met, that you might have nothing in common (with) besides a pickleball in your hand, and you’re just having joy?”
Fudge also coached players on positioning, timing, and strategy, emphasizing smart play over raw power.
Growing the Sport
Megan Fudge considers herself an ambassador for pickleball, sharing her passion both in the United States and internationally. She said, “I don’t just see myself as a pro pickleball player. I see myself as an ambassador for the sport… just sharing the joy of the sport and helping grow the sport.”
Despite some tennis traditionalists criticizing pickleball, Fudge and her family continue to promote it as a competitive, skillful, and inclusive sport.
Impact on the Community
Fudge’s visit inspired local players and helped challenge stereotypes about pickleball. Her performance and teaching demonstrated that the sport combines fun with athletic challenge. Events like these increase engagement, encourage families to play together, and highlight pickleball’s rise as a major sport in the United States.
News in Brief: Megan Fudge Pickleball Ambassador Tour
Megan Fudge, world No. 1 in women’s doubles pickleball, visited Dill Dinkers in Sarasota to coach and practice with local players. She promoted the sport’s accessibility and skill, challenged negative perceptions, and emphasized pickleball’s growing popularity. Fudge travels with her husband Ryler DeHeart and their two children while competing nationally.
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