Three-time WNBA Champion Jewell Loyd is making waves in the world of pickleball, showcasing her enthusiasm for this rapidly growing sport during a recent meet and greet event in Bethesda, Maryland.
In what can only be described as an exciting twist to her athletic career, Loyd dedicated her off-season to engaging with fans and promoting pickleball, a sport that has captured her interest since she first tried it out three years ago.
She fondly remembers her initial experience on the court, where she faced off against seasoned players—much to her surprise, older women who thoroughly defeated her. "I was getting absolutely crushed by these veteran players, which was quite embarrassing," Loyd shared in an interview with 7News. "That moment sparked something in me; after that, I just wanted to play as often as possible. It became an addiction!"
Hailing from Illinois, Loyd made a name for herself as a standout player at Notre Dame before kicking off her professional career with the Seattle Storm. She recently made headlines by joining the Las Vegas Aces in 2025, leading the team to a WNBA Championship victory in October. When she's not dominating on the basketball court, you can find her enjoying the game of pickleball, which she describes as a perfect way to unwind.
"Having different outlets is incredibly important for me. Being in constant grind mode can take its toll, so it's essential to step outside your comfort zone and find ways to relax," she explained.
For some, the idea of playing another sport might seem counterintuitive to relaxation; however, Loyd finds great joy in the challenge and the opportunity to connect with diverse groups of people. "It's a learning experience for me, being around different individuals while having fun," she added.
The popularity of pickleball is on the rise, with recent statistics revealing that approximately 48.3 million American adults—nearly 19% of the adult population—have engaged in the sport at least once over the past year, according to 2023 research conducted by The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP).
Known affectionately as the "Gold Mamba," a nickname bestowed upon her by the late Kobe Bryant, Loyd champions the inclusive nature of pickleball. "One of the unique aspects of pickleball is that it allows participants of all ages and skill levels to play together. You could have a six-year-old competing with a 30-year-old, or even a 60-year-old who's entirely new to the game," she remarked.
Her passion for the sport has led her to partner with Joola, a company specializing in pickleball and table tennis apparel and products. During her meet and greet at the Joola store in Bethesda on December 13, 2025, Loyd delighted fans by signing autographs and sharing insights about her love for pickleball.
Local fan Nate Kamara expressed his excitement about the event, noting, "A friend of mine invited me to check out the meet and greet, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet Jewell and learn more about pickleball. I know some friends who already play, so I’m definitely considering picking up a paddle and joining in on the fun soon!"
As Loyd continues to share her passion for pickleball, one can't help but wonder: will this rising star inspire more athletes to explore new sports? What are your thoughts on the crossover potential between professional basketball and pickleball? Share your opinions in the comments below!
