KaSandra Gehrke’s Amazing Pickleball Move: In recent years, pickleball has surged in popularity, captivating players of all ages with its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. As this fast-growing sport continues to evolve, women like KaSandra Gehrke are not just participants but pioneers, empowering others while carving out their paths in the pickleball world. From her journey as a physical education teacher to becoming a professional pickleball player and coach, Gehrke shows the spirit of perseverance and passion that drives the pickleball community.
KaSandra Gehrke’s Journey to Professional Pickleball
KaSandra Gehrke’s story begins with a solid foundation in physical education. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, she began her career teaching physical education and coaching volleyball and basketball in Mazomanie, Wisconsin. It was during this time that Gehrke discovered pickleball, a sport she would soon fall in love with.
“I became obsessed with it, just like everybody else does,” Gehrke recalls, highlighting the initial thrill that many players experience. Her dedication quickly paid off when she won her first-ever pickleball tournament at the local YMCA, igniting her passion further.
In 2018, Gehrke made the bold decision to leave her teaching career behind to pursue pickleball full-time. While this path was unconventional at the time, her determination and love for the sport led her to teach clinics nationwide and compete in professional tournaments, including a bronze medal win at the US Open in 2019.
The Birth of Empowher Pickleball
In 2022, Gehrke faced personal challenges that prompted her to seek greater fulfillment within the sport.
“I was down in the dumps and I’m like ‘I need to do something different. What can I do in this pickleball space that is going to make me happier?’” – (Gehrke)
This introspection led to the creation of Empowher Pickleball in January 2023, a women’s-only pickleball brand aimed at fostering community and empowerment.
Empowher offers an impressive calendar of pickleball retreats, camps, and clinics tailored exclusively for women. Gehrke manages a team of 10 to ensure these transformative events cater to players of all levels.
“We have two-day camps that we do and then we also do week-long retreats. We have eight retreats next year and probably about 30 camps.” – (Gehrke)
With eight retreats and around 30 camps planned for the upcoming year, Empowher serves as a sanctuary where women can connect, learn, and thrive.
“It just goes by, the minutes, because you know how it goes when you’re hanging out with your girlfriends, it’s a blast and it’s awesome. It’s a different vibe and I had no idea how much I truly needed it. So funny enough, here I am, let me empower women, and they’re actually doing that for me as well.” – (Gehrke)
Impact of Empowher Events on Participants
One of the hallmarks of Empowher is the emphasis on the holistic experience. Gehrke prides herself on creating an environment where women can feel safe, share their vulnerabilities, and form lasting friendships. “It’s making women better on and off the court,” she asserts. This focus on community not only enhances participants’ skills but also fosters emotional support and camaraderie among attendees.
During these events, women engage in skill-building exercises, enjoy recreational play, and take part in activities designed to strengthen connections. The unique vibe of these retreats allows participants to immerse themselves fully, creating memorable experiences that transcend the sport itself.
The APP Women’s Open and Its Significance
Gehrke’s commitment to promoting women in pickleball reached new heights with the APP Women’s Open Presented by The James, a groundbreaking event focused on advancing women’s participation in the sport and supporting breast cancer awareness.
“Just combining a space where these women are going to be able to come in and have this type of experience… I think it’s going to be very inspiring for anyone that shows up.” – (Gehrke)
Her involvement as an official ambassador for the APP Women’s Open further shows her dedication to uplifting women in the sport. Collaborating with the APP on social messaging and event promotion, Gehrke is excited to bring her team to Columbus, Ohio, for this unprecedented occasion. The split-age format of the tournament allows players to partner across age groups, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration.
Building Community and Connections through Pickleball
At the heart of Gehrke’s mission is the desire to cultivate a strong sense of community within pickleball. Participants at Empowher events often express how the experiences have helped them build friendships and networks that extend beyond the court. This supportive atmosphere is particularly meaningful, especially in a sport that is continually growing and evolving.
Gehrke’s relationship with her mother, Wendy Mattie, shows this connection. Wendy, who took up pickleball to spend more time with her daughter, competes alongside Gehrke at the APP Women’s Open. Their bond shows the unique opportunities pickleball creates for families and friends to connect through shared experiences.
As the Empowher team wraps up their time in Columbus, part of the group will head to Turks and Caicos for their next retreats, continuing to share their passion for pickleball and empowering women through the sport.
“The main thing that I like to portray with Empowher is to just be you, whatever that looks like.” – (Gehrke)
KaSandra Gehrke’s journey reflects the dynamic landscape of pickleball and the growing influence of women within the sport. Through her work with Empowher Pickleball and her participation in events like the APP Women’s Open, she is not only making strides in her professional career but also empowering others to embrace their passions and foster community.
Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks because at the end of the day no one else’s opinion matters more than your own, so if you like what you’ve got goin on, spread that love everywhere.” – (Gehrke)
News in Brief: KaSandra Gehrke’s Amazing Pickleball Move
KaSandra Gehrke, a former physical education teacher, has transformed her passion for pickleball into a full-time career, launching Empowher Pickleball in 2023. The brand focuses on empowering women through retreats, camps, and clinics designed to enhance skills and community bonds.
Gehrke is also an ambassador for the inaugural APP Women’s Open, aimed at promoting women’s participation and supporting breast cancer awareness. With events that emphasize personal growth and connection, Gehrke emphasizes the importance of being authentic, inspiring participants to embrace their individuality on and off the court.
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