ABOUT THE FOUNDATION
Why the World Pickleball Foundation Exists
Founded by Melvin, a coach with 20 years of experience — 10 in pickleball — and Jessie, a People & Operations leader with 14 years of HR experience. We are a husband and wife team who built WPF because we knew the court could do more than teach a sport. It could build leaders.
Our Story
"Every player who ever showed up early, stayed late, and pushed themselves when no one was watching — they were not just becoming better players. They were becoming better people." — Melvin
Founded by Melvin and Jessie — a husband and wife who love pickleball, believe in people, and built World Pickleball Foundation because we knew the court could do more than teach a sport. It could build leaders.
Melvin brings 20 years of coaching experience, with the last 10 dedicated to pickleball. On the court, he saw the same pattern again and again: the players who showed up fully were the ones who led fully. The ones who reset after mistakes, drilled on their own, and played with intention — those were the leaders. The court was building character in real time.
Jessie brings 14 years of HR and People leadership experience — the systems, structures, and people strategy that turn a vision into an organization. She has spent her career building cultures where people grow, and brings that same belief to WPF.
Together, we built WPF for everyone who deserves access to the court and the leadership it builds — regardless of age, background, or circumstance. All means all.
OUR VISION
A World Where the Court Belongs to Everyone
A world where every person — regardless of age, background, or circumstance — has access to the court and the leadership skills that come with it. Pickleball is our vehicle. Building leaders on and off the court is our purpose.
01
Global Access
Free court access and coaching in underserved communities around the world.
02
Youth Development
Every youth session builds sport fundamentals AND leadership skills simultaneously
03
Corporate Leadership
Helping organizations develop leaders through the Play to Lead corporate program.
04
Equipment Access
Donating paddles, balls, and court equipment to communities that need it most.