Jewell Loyd, a celebrated three-time WNBA Champion, is making waves in the world of pickleball with her recent meet-and-greet event in Bethesda, Maryland. But here's where it gets interesting—this basketball star is passionately embracing a sport that's rapidly gaining popularity across the United States, and she’s inviting fans to join her on the court.
In her off-season, Loyd took time out of her busy schedule to connect with fans and promote pickleball, a sport she only discovered three years ago but has since fallen in love with. She shared that her initial experience was quite humbling—she vividly remembers stepping onto a pickleball court and getting thoroughly beaten by senior citizen players. Her words paint a picture of the friendly yet competitive spirit of pickleball, which she admits initially felt intimidating but ultimately hooked her.
"I was getting crushed by these older women, and we all felt pretty embarrassed at first," Loyd explained to 7News. "But that motivated us to practice more and get better. I became addicted pretty quickly."
Originally from Illinois, Loyd made a name for herself as a standout collegiate basketball player at Notre Dame. Her professional journey began with the Seattle Storm, a team she played for in her early WNBA years, before she transferred to the Las Vegas Aces in 2025. With the Aces, she secured her third WNBA Championship this past October, adding to her impressive resume. Though her career on the court is stellar, Loyd finds that pickleball offers a different kind of relaxation and fun.
"Having multiple outlets is crucial for me," she said. "You need to step away from the grind sometimes, challenge yourself in new ways, and just enjoy being outdoors. Getting outside my comfort zone helps me relax and reset."
On December 13, 2025, Loyd hosted a lively pickleball meet-and-greet at Joola, a sporting goods shop in Bethesda. Fans had the chance to meet her, see her sign autographs, and discuss the sport—and she explained how her interest in pickleball extends beyond just having fun. For Loyd, it’s also about learning and growing by interacting with different people.
"Some may think, ‘Oh, it’s just a hobby, not real relaxation,’ but honestly, I find it challenging and rewarding," she added. "And I love that I can connect with a wide age range—from kids as young as six to seniors in their sixties—everyone can enjoy this sport."
Her enthusiasm for pickleball has also led her to collaborate with Joola, a company known for its pickleball and table tennis equipment. During her visit, she engaged with fans, signed autographs, and shared her insights on the sport, encouraging others to give it a try.
The popularity of pickleball continues to surge nationwide. According to the 2023 research by The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), an astonishing 48.3 million American adults, amounting to nearly 19% of the adult population, have played pickleball at least once in the past year. This rapid growth demonstrates how inclusive and accessible the sport truly is.
Loyd, affectionately nicknamed the "Gold Mamba" by the late Kobe Bryant, emphasizes that pickleball’s true charm lies in its inclusivity. "It’s one of the few sports where a six-year-old and a 60-year-old can play side by side, alongside someone new to the sport. That’s what makes it special," she said.
Her passion for the game has inspired her to partner with Joola, further promoting pickleball’s reach. Fans like Nate Kamara from Maryland have been inspired to explore the sport after meeting Loyd herself. Kamara, who had been curious about pickleball, shared that meeting Loyd and hearing her enthusiasm has motivated him to pick up a paddle and hit the courts himself.
In the end, Loyd’s journey into pickleball exemplifies how sports can transcend age and experience, uniting diverse groups in fun and fitness. Do you agree that sports like pickleball could be the next big inclusive movement? Or do you believe traditional sports hold unique value that other activities can’t match? Drop your thoughts and join the conversation!
