"Throughout my period of growth, I began to realize how positively pickleball was contributing to my life on and off of the court. It became a staple in my life in regard to my physical and mental health. It acts as a stress reliever that helps with socializing, confidence building, and as an all-around health booster. I believe that Pickleball has helped shape who I am and has gotten me through some of my worst times. I want to give back to the sport with hopes that it will help others connect to themselves just a it has for me. " -Will Martin

It all began with another episode of Major Depression and a forced trip to the pickleball courts for Will. Despite the reluctance to go he found peace there, for the first time that day.

After a few months and several more trips, the sport helped to pull himself back together, to look forward to something, to focus on something positive, and most importantly…to find a way to reach out to those also struggling and letting them know that they are not alone in their battle.

Mental health has always been this “behind the curtain” topic that almost all of us, or those that we love, struggle with, but it never seems to be okay to talk about. That needs to come to an end. We all struggle and it’s okay to seek help. There is support out there. Mental health is health, and it shouldn’t be something to be ashamed of or pushed aside. #StopTheStigma

What does the logo mean?

There are several reasons why we have chosen and trademarked this as our logo.

  1. The green ribbon is the international symbol for mental health awareness.

  2. The heart is showing care not only for ourselves, but for others that are also struggling. May it be a friend, family member, or a complete stranger.

  3. The ribbon and semi-colon combined portrays person in motion. This goes to show that you need to always keep moving: whether that be moving forward or just finding the strength to get out of bed.

  4. Lastly, and most importantly, the Semi-colon represents continuance. This marks a place where you could choose to end your sentence, but instead continue on.

Meet the Team

  • Will Martin

    Will began playing pickleball during the Spring of 2022. His first day on the court was simply intended to be a relaxing thing to do with family. He quickly realized that he was having a blast, and soon after had caught a new obsession.

    Will enjoys traveling around the country playing in various tournaments and creating “safe space” groups where people can openly talk about their lives and mental health struggles.

  • Amber Larkins

    Amber was introduced to pickleball in the summer of 2022 by the Martin family. It started off at a little park in Frankfort, KY and has since grown into a nation-wide travelling obsession. She loves visiting different states and playing with anyone and everyone who will agree.

    “For me it’s the fact that I can play (and compete) with my family. It definitely makes Family Game Nights more fun, and it builds so many memories winning medals with them.”

  • Doug Martin

    Doug has been an avid pickleball player since the "covid years". He plays roughly 4-5 times per week, and has achieved some success in the regional amateur tournament arena. He believes that pickleball is a sport for all ages and all skill levels to have a great experience every time it is played.

    He enjoys travelling and playing around the country with his wife, Kat, and spending his pickleball “off time” on the water fishing. If you happen to run into “Kat and Dog” on the courts make sure to give them a warm hello, and a competitive game!

  • Kathleen Martin

    Kathleen Martin of Owenton, KY, discovered the game of pickle ball about four years ago, while traveling back east to the Pocono mountains. Following a horrific ATV accident with multiple spinal fusions and a torn knee she struggled to stay fit, trying all sorts of exercises. Kathleen attributes Pickleball to restoring her overall health. After many years of competitive tennis, she has found that Pickleball has filled that desire for competition. And the icing on this is found in all the wonderful people she meets while playing around the country.

We are a family with two very big things in common: A passion for pickleball and a drive to make every court a safe place for athletes to be able to express themselves fully and feel safe talking about their mental health. We all have it, good or bad, and it shouldn’t be something to be afraid of. #StopTheStigma