Lisa Lee-Bruns Pickleball Comeback Story: Lisa Lee-Bruns, a 53-year-old auditor from Louisville, Kentucky, has qualified for the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships. After facing a major health crisis, she turned her life around through pickleball. She competed at a Golden Ticket tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina, and won medals in both singles and doubles.
A Life-Changing Sport
A few years ago, Lisa Lee-Bruns couldn’t walk and was bedridden due to a serious illness. Her health struggles left her in a dark place, both mentally and physically. That changed when a friend introduced her to pickleball.
“Pickleball saved my life, honestly,” said Lisa Lee-Bruns. “I met my significant other playing pickleball. I met a great friend group playing pickleball.”
Since she began playing the sport at age 50, Lisa Lee-Bruns has made incredible progress. It helped her heal, find a community, and fall in love again.
Winning in Greensboro
In May, Lisa Lee-Bruns traveled seven hours from Louisville to Greensboro to compete at the USA Pickleball Golden Ticket tournament. She and her doubles partner, Alex Shearer, won all three of their matches to earn a medal.
Lisa Lee-Bruns also joined the women’s singles division. Even though she had already qualified for Nationals at a Cincinnati tournament on May 10, she competed in Greensboro and won gold again in her division.
“My life has changed so much,” she said. “Going from a traumatic experience to such a dramatic change, it’s just been a blessing.”
A Long Road to Recovery
Lisa Lee-Bruns played tennis in her 30s but had to stop when her illness took over. For around 10 years, she dealt with pain and was unable to walk. Doctors struggled to find clear answers.
“The doctors really couldn’t put it all together,” said Lisa Lee-Bruns. “They found this and that, but regardless, I was in a situation that I was unhappy (in).”
She began a strict diet and worked hard to improve her condition. Once she regained her strength, she thought about returning to tennis. But a friend mentioned pickleball—and it changed her life.
“I was going through a life change, and I hadn’t played tennis in almost 20 years,” she said. “I thought, ‘Well, I’ll pick it back up.’ And a friend of mine mentioned pickleball. I asked her, ‘What’s that?’ And the rest is history.”
Finding Love on the Court
Lisa Lee-Bruns said pickleball has become her lifestyle. That’s where she met her significant other, Greg. Like her, Greg was a former tennis player who later started playing pickleball.
“I liked the way he played and wanted him to show me how to play better, and then here we are,” she said.
Eyes on Nationals
Lisa Lee-Bruns competed in the 2024 Nationals in Mesa, Arizona. Even though it didn’t go exactly as planned, she was happy just to be there.
“I learned a lot by playing last year, and this year I truly hope I’m going to do better,” she said. “I’ve come a long way in my life, and I’m hoping I do better every time I step out (onto the court).”
Her story is a powerful reminder of how sports can uplift people, heal pain, and create strong communities.
News in Brief: Lisa Lee-Bruns Pickleball Comeback Story
Lisa Lee-Bruns, once bedridden from illness, has used pickleball to recover her health and spirit. The Louisville native earned medals at the Greensboro Golden Ticket tournament and is now set to play in her second USA Pickleball National Championships. The sport has reshaped her life, friendships, and future.
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