August 8 is National Pickleball Day, a day dedicated to celebrating and promoting the popular pastime that is now the fastest growing sport in the U.S. In honor of the annual celebration, we asked Blue Yonder associates to share their experiences and what the sport means to them. Below is a sampling of their responses.
Rebecca Collins, General Counsel: Pickleball is more than just a hobby for me—it’s a highlight of my week and a reminder of what matters most.
My husband and I first started playing during the pandemic, when so many of our usual social activities were on pause. Like a lot of people, we were looking for safe ways to stay active and connected. Pickleball turned out to be the perfect answer—something we could do outdoors, with a close group of friends, that brought a sense of normalcy and joy at a time when we really needed it. It's also easy to learn and can be played at all skill levels!
What started as a way to fill the gap has become a ritual—part workout, part social hour, part friendly competition—and I genuinely look forward to it all week.
Andrew Laird, Senior Principal Software Engineer: I started playing pickleball with my father-in-law over 15 years ago, when the more experienced players taught me that hustle without skill just means you’re going to be both beaten and exhausted. Then a few years ago, after a long hiatus, I stood alone on a court surrounded by others playing and, luckily for me, found three others to play with me. Those players, who were by chance all professors at local colleges, became my friend group where we’d not only play pickleball but also pool (I have my own cue now), trivia (the professors dominated several subject areas), and complicated board games. Pickleball has enriched my life in numerous ways—I very much appreciate it.
Bethany LeClair, Early Career Recruiter/Intern Program Manager, Talent Acquisition: Pickleball rocks! I've been playing since 2022, when my husband, a few friends and I joined our city league. While some players get pretty intense, I’d call myself more of a casual competitor—I’m there for the friendly chats just as much as the games! It’s been such a fun way to get involved in our community and connect with friends during the week.
What I love most is how approachable the sport is—it’s low-impact and fun, which makes it easy to get anyone out on the court. The only downside? Keeping score! But once you get the hang of it, it’s not too bad.
Hardeep Kaur Nagi, Senior Data Science Consultant: Pickleball is my time to connect with my kids. We are a sports-loving family and really vibe well when we play together. The first time we ever played was when a brand new Pickleball facility opened near our house. I must say, this sport is really catching up in Bangalore, India, as it’s a sport for ALL! It’s a great way to de-stress and have fun as a family.
Erica Remshard, Director of Insider Threats, Security: I started playing pickleball about five years ago when my partner encouraged me to give it a try, and it quickly became a significant part of my life. I'm a competitive player and often travel for tournaments, where I've built an incredible community of friends across the country. It also motivates me to prioritize my physical health and overall well-being. Safe to say—my partner was right.