Tyra Black’s Pickleball Journey: Embracing and Advancing Diversity

Discovering a New Passion: The Shift to Pickleball

Tyra Black’s introduction to pickleball came through a fortuitous online encounter with a tournament. “I realized that I wasn’t doing what I loved. I watched a pickleball tournament for the first time online, and I thought, ‘That is really what I want to do.’ I came back home, then I completely switched to pickleball,” she reveals.

This transition was more than just a career change; it was a shift to a sport that offered a sense of community and joy that tennis had failed to provide. Unlike the solitary nature of tennis, pickleball welcomed her with open arms and a friendly atmosphere. “I haven’t felt that being Black has been too much of an issue in pickleball like it was in tennis. I faced a lot of racism on the tennis tour and while traveling. But in pickleball, everyone has been super amazing and welcoming,” Black shares.

Overcoming Adversity: Racism and Resilience

The challenges Black faced in tennis were significant and painful. “I didn’t take it very well when I was younger. When those things happened, I’d be upset for weeks. I’ve heard some awful things and have been called names, which was tough,” she admits. The blatant racism and exclusion she encountered were compounded by the loneliness of being on the road and often being the only Black player at tournaments.

“It was intense, feeling singled out, especially when you’re on the road. Sometimes at a tournament, you’d be in the same place for a few weeks, and feeling isolated was common,” she explains. Despite these difficulties, Black’s experiences have only strengthened her resolve, teaching her the importance of resilience and self-belief.

Leading with Purpose: Advocating for Pickleball and Wellness

In her new role within pickleball, Black has become a leading figure, not just for her skill on the court but also for her advocacy and leadership. As co-captain of the Advil Pickleball team alongside Daniel Dae Kim, Black promotes both the sport and the wellness products she trusts. “I promote it as much as I can.

“I’ve used Advil for a long time and absolutely love it. I want to push people to use it if they need it,” she says. Her comprehensive wellness routine includes stretching, cooling down, and using targeted relief products to manage pain and enhance recovery. “After I play, I usually try to stretch and do a nice cool down, like a light jog, and then stretch. I use my Advil Targeted Relief for any pains,” she adds.

Inspiring the Next Generation: A Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Looking ahead, Black is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within pickleball. She envisions organizing clinics and community events to make the sport more accessible and welcoming. “I’d love to organize clinics and events. Some people have reached out about community tournaments, which would be amazing. I want to do inclusive things to show people they can be in the sport,” she says.

Tyra Black’s advice to young athletes, especially those from minority backgrounds, is to embrace confidence and resilience. “You just have to put yourself out there as much as you can. I was scared to be in the spotlight when I was younger. Have as much confidence in yourself as you can. Don’t be scared of anyone. Fight, have fire, and keep pushing and working hard,” she concludes. Her journey exemplifies the power of discovering new passions and the impact of leading with authenticity and purpose.