Buffalo Blizzards Professional Pickleball Debut: Western New York now has its first professional pickleball team, the Buffalo Blizzards. The team is owned by Cristen Kessler, a math teacher at Maple West Elementary in the Williamsville School District. Their first tournament begins on September 19 in Indianapolis.
A Female-Owned First
Cristen Kessler of East Amherst is the first woman to own a professional pickleball team in Western New York. She also has seven senior pro medals in pickleball.
“People don’t know that there’s just a ton of great pickleball players here, really young and old, and I feel really blessed to be in this community,” said Kessler.
Team Structure and Players
Kessler explained that the team follows strict age group rules. “The age group is 50 plus, and with that, we have to have at least two 60-plus ladies and two 60-plus men. We also have to have at least two 55-plus ladies and two 55-plus men, and then the rest can be 50-plus, whatever age,” she said.
The Buffalo Blizzards include three local players, with the rest coming from across the country.
Upcoming Competitions
“Our first tournament — to be played in Indianapolis. We have one in Baltimore, Maryland. We have one in New Jersey,” Kessler noted.
When asked about competing with the Buffalo Bills schedule, she admitted, “Aah, we are a little bit. There is one tournament, unfortunately, that I have to say might conflict. That’s a challenge.”
“Yeah, I’m so excited!” she added when asked about putting Buffalo on the pickleball map.
Why Pickleball?
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity across the United States. Kessler shared why: “It’s fantastic. It’s really for any age and for any level. You can be a fantastic high-level pickleball player, or you can have absolutely zero pickleball.”
She added that racket sport experience helps, but the smaller court makes it easier for beginners. “Also, we have a lot of people who are good at ping pong,” she said.
Kessler’s Journey in the Sport
Kessler began playing pickleball more than three years ago, encouraged by her son. “I stopped playing tennis. I’ve been all in for pickleball,” she said.
She later tried out for the national team, was drafted to the Austin Ignite, and built her professional career from there.
Bringing Pickleball Home
The Buffalo Blizzards will host a local event at Pickleball Island in Grand Island on September 28. The event will include a drill clinic and a chance for fans to meet the team.
During a practice session, Kessler even gave a quick lesson on serving. “Alright, I’m going to show you the basic serve. You’re going to drop the ball, step, brush up, swing low to high, just like that,” she demonstrated. “You did it. Great job.”
Looking Ahead
The Buffalo Blizzards mark a new chapter for Western New York sports. With tournaments scheduled into January, the team hopes to inspire more local interest in pickleball and create a stronger presence for the game in Buffalo.
News in Brief: Buffalo Blizzards Professional Pickleball Debut
Western New York now has its first professional pickleball team, the Buffalo Blizzards. Owned by Cristen Kessler, a Maple West Elementary math teacher, the team will debut September 19 in Indianapolis. The Blizzards will host a local event September 28 at Pickleball Island in Grand Island.
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