Sonia Burda’s Transition from Musician to NPL CFO: Sonia Burda, a Lehigh Valley native, has transformed her life in remarkable ways, all thanks to the sport of pickleball. Known for her musical talents during her time at Emmaus High School, Burda was not a sports enthusiast in her younger years. Yet, as she navigated through life’s personal challenges, including the responsibility of caring for her ailing mother, Burda discovered the potential of pickleball to serve as both a physical outlet and a catalyst for career change.
From Music to Sports: A Path Less Traveled
Sonia Burda’s early years were defined by her involvement in music, not sports. As a 1986 graduate of Emmaus High School, she earned accolades in music, winning “best in music” and later becoming president of the musical ensemble at Saint Joseph’s University. Despite this musical focus, Burda always made an effort to stay in shape through running marathons and cycling through Lehigh Parkway, activities that kept her active throughout her adult life.
However, like millions across the U.S., Burda’s connection to pickleball began in an unexpected way. She had moved to Brentwood, Los Angeles, years ago, but returned home to the Lehigh Valley during the pandemic to care for her mother, Agnes, who faced serious respiratory and cardiac issues. As the pandemic wreaked havoc on elderly populations, Sonia Burda found herself immersed in a difficult caregiving routine.
A Personal Escape That Turned Into a Career
During the tough days of caregiving, Burda reflected on how to re-engage with life after her mother’s passing in 2022. Pickleball, a sport gaining traction across the country, caught her attention. A friend in Los Angeles introduced her to the game, sparking a new passion.
“I saw a friend enjoying pickleball in sunny LA, and I thought, ‘This could be a healing step forward.’ Pickleball could give me a way to be active, build relationships, and start fresh,” Burda recalled.
Her involvement in the sport grew quickly, leading her to a significant professional opportunity. Burda now serves as the Chief Financial Officer for the National Pickleball League (NPL), a 12-team professional pickleball league catering to players aged 50 and above. With the league’s upcoming expansion to include a team in Princeton, New Jersey, and potentially Philadelphia, Burda’s transition from spectator to major industry player is a testament to the power of reinvention.
Mentorship and Networking: A Path to Success
A crucial part of Sonia Burda’s pickleball journey was the mentorship she received from Dottie (Fischl) Kelly, a former U.S. national racquetball player and a respected pickleball instructor in the Lehigh Valley. Kelly was a pivotal figure in helping Burda develop her game, turning her into a competitive player.
Burda, always eager to learn, sought out Kelly’s expertise to sharpen her skills. “I really threw myself into pickleball, going to Dottie’s clinics when I was in town,” Burda explained. “She’s the go-to coach in the Lehigh Valley.” Burda also took lessons from Kyle Lewis, a top professional in Los Angeles, further honing her skills on both coasts.
A Career in Hollywood to CFO of NPL
As Burda immersed herself in the pickleball community, she leveraged her extensive network from her years working in Hollywood’s entertainment industry. Having served as an agent for International Creative Management (ICM), Burda’s ability to broker sponsorship deals and content partnerships helped her build a bridge to NPL.
“Pickleball was a platform for change in my life,” Burda said, reflecting on how the sport allowed her to pivot both personally and professionally. Her background in sales, business, and merchandising has complemented her new role at NPL, where she helps shape the future of the sport for older players.
While Burda’s career in entertainment gave her invaluable experience, it’s the sense of community she’s found in pickleball that has brought her the most fulfillment. “It was a good way to distract from the loss of a loved one and to be engaged post-pandemic with other people outside of my professional geographical area,” Burda noted.
Pickleball as a Force for Unity
Through her involvement with the NPL, Burda sees pickleball as much more than just a game—it’s a way to unite people. She explained that in an increasingly polarized world, pickleball offers a rare space where people can come together, regardless of age, race, or political affiliation.
“In Lehigh Valley, where we’re a swing state and a swing county, pickleball is a place to disengage,” she explained. “It’s a place where nobody is talking about politics or their jobs or their problems. They’re there to play the game and compete and have fun.”
A Lehigh Valley Foundation: From Local Roots to National Reach
Despite her growing success, Sonia Burda has never forgotten her Lehigh Valley roots. She remains grateful for the foundation her childhood provided and the relationships she’s cultivated in the region. Through pickleball, she has not only revitalized her own life but also built new friendships within the community.
“I am so grateful that I was brought up here,” Burda said. “I loved my childhood in the Lehigh Valley. It’s been foundational to my success.”
As Sonia Burda continues to split her time between the coasts, her connection to Lehigh Valley remains strong, and her passion for pickleball continues to propel her forward in both her personal and professional life.
News in Brief; Sonia Burda’s Transition from Musician to NPL CFO
Sonia Burda, a Lehigh Valley native and former music enthusiast, reinvented herself through pickleball after returning home to care for her ailing mother during the pandemic. She now serves as the CFO of the National Pickleball League (NPL), a professional pickleball league for players aged 50 and above. Her journey, supported by mentorship from Dottie Kelly and her networking skills in Hollywood, has led her to a fulfilling new career in the world of pickleball. Sonia Burda is a strong advocate for pickleball as a unifying force, offering a space for people to disconnect from daily stresses and connect through sport.
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