Toni Benn’s Pickleball Diversity Initiative: Toni Benn, a 28-year-old from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has started a group called Sistas Who Pickleball to help more Black and African-American women get involved in the fast-growing sport of pickleball. By hosting fun and friendly events, she’s creating a space where women can connect, learn the game, and feel supported in their community.
Creating Space for Connection and Confidence
After playing at many pickleball courts in Pittsburgh, Toni Benn realized something was missing—players who looked like her.
“I just didn’t see a lot of people who looked like me,” said Toni Benn, in a May 6 story by writer Justin Stewart in the Pittsburgh City Paper. “My initial thought was that we need to get something going, there needs to be a community built around this.”
That thought led her to create Sistas Who Pickleball. The group meets at The Pickleball Warehouse, where Benn helps new and returning players focus on the basics. Her goal is to make beginners feel comfortable and welcomed, especially those who might feel unsure trying a new sport.
“I found it very challenging to go in spaces where I could go as a novice, where I could go be vulnerable, be nervous, be anxious.” – (Benn)
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Open to All, Focused on Support
The group’s website makes it clear that everyone is welcome, no matter their experience level.
“Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned player, come meet new friends from around the Pittsburgh area and get active while sharpening your skills. Let’s sweat it out together and have some fun on and off the court.” – (Sistas Who Pickleball website)
While Sistas Who Pickleball is designed for women who identify as Black or African-American, it is not an exclusive group. Anyone can join as long as they support and respect the safe space being created.
“Although Sistas Who Pickleball is intended for women who identify as Black/African-American, this is not an exclusive group. There is always room for others to join as long as they respect the safe space being created for Black/African-American women.” – (Sistas Who Pickleball website)
So far, women from their mid-20s through their 60s have joined, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It’s the excitement and joy that people walk away with at the end of the session. As working adults, when you leave the university space, it’s very hard to find a community. It’s hard to make friends and meet people with similar interests.” – (benn)
Looking Ahead: More Than Just Pickleball
Toni Benn hopes to grow Sistas Who Pickleball into a larger network where members can lead events and form friendships beyond the court.
“I would love for it to be different tiers of people that can easily go into the group, organize, and they go. It would be great if people could also find friends to hang out with outside of just pickleball. It’s really great building those communities.” – (benn)
As the group grows, it could play a big role in making pickleball more inclusive. Benn’s vision is helping bring people together, one game at a time.
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News in Brief: Toni Benn’s Pickleball Diversity Initiative
Toni Benn launched Sistas Who Pickleball in Pittsburgh to welcome more Black and African-American women into the sport. Open to all skill levels, the group helps build friendships, boost confidence, and create lasting community connections on and off the court.
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