Simone Jardim

Simone Jardim

Simone Jardim stands as one of the most decorated and influential figures in professional pickleball. With a career spanning over a decade, she has not only amassed an extraordinary collection of titles but also shaped the trajectory of the sport through mentorship, coaching, and advocacy. Widely regarded as a pioneer, Jardim’s legacy is one of both dominance on the court and dedication off of it.

Early Life

Born on November 7, 1979, in Santa Maria, Brazil, Simone Jardim discovered her passion for racket sports early in life. Her exceptional tennis talent led her to the United States, where she earned All-American honors while playing collegiate tennis at Fresno State University.

Her leadership skills flourished in her post-collegiate years, culminating in a successful tenure as head coach of the women’s tennis team at Michigan State University (2009–2016)—a role that would later inform her transition to coaching in pickleball.

Family Life

Simone currently resides in Naples, Florida, with her husband Chad Edwards and their two children. Together, they run the Peak Performance Pickleball Academy in Bonita Springs, Florida, a premier training center where they mentor aspiring athletes. The family’s involvement in the sport underscores Simone’s holistic commitment to growing the pickleball community.

Career Highlights

Simone made her professional pickleball debut in 2015 and transitioned to full-time competition in 2016—a move that would quickly pay off. She won her first U.S. Open Pickleball Championship in women’s singles that same year and went on to dominate the sport over the next several years.

Major Achievements

  • 12 U.S. Open Gold Medals

    • Including two triple crowns (singles, doubles, and mixed doubles in a single tournament)

  • 9 USA Pickleball National Championships Gold Medals

    • One triple crown achievement

  • 6 Tournament of Champions Gold Medals

  • 88 total gold medals across major professional tournaments

  • World No. 1 female pickleball player from 2016 to 2020

In 2023, she captured another U.S. Open doubles title and was named Female Pro Doubles Player of the Year by the Association of Pickleball Players (APP).

Simone’s skill, consistency, and mental toughness set the standard for excellence in pickleball, while her sportsmanship earned admiration across the pickleball world.

Coaching and Legacy

Simone’s contributions go far beyond her playing record. She co-founded the Peak Performance Pickleball Academy with her husband, where she trains the next generation of players.

She also established the Simone Jardim Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth development in pickleball, especially through mentorship and access to training resources.

In 2023, she signed a multi-year contract with Major League Pickleball (MLP), further reinforcing her role as an ambassador for the sport.

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