Pickleball Legends

Episode 19: Lou Stephens

In this episode of Pickleball Legends, we're joined by Lou Stephens, one of the earliest to join UK pickleball. From founding London Pickleball and growing one of the country's most vibrant pickleball communities to helping organise some of the biggest competitions in the UK, Lou has dedicated countless hours to helping players discover and enjoy the game. We discuss her journey into pickleball, the lessons she's learned building a welcoming and inclusive community, and why she believes pickleball is ultimately about people rather than medals. Lou also discusses how the future of the sport is in the younger generations. Whether you're new to pickleball, a dedicated competitor, or someone passionate about growing the game, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and inspiration from one of the sport's most respected ambassadors. 🎾 Subscribe to Pickleball Legends for more conversations with the people shaping the future of pickleball.

Episode 18: Rob Williams

In this episode of the Pickleball Legends Podcast, Rob Williams talks about his experience as a coach, commentator, and long-time advocate for pickleball in the UK. He shares insights into player development, the growth of the sport, and the key skills players can focus on to improve their game. The conversation also covers the current state of competitive pickleball, coaching approaches, and how the sport continues to evolve both in the UK and internationally. A useful listen for players, coaches, and anyone interested in the development of pickleball.

Episode 17: Will Parton

On this episode of Pickleball Legends, I'm joined by Will Parton — the founder of Hitch, the fast-growing app helping pickleball, tennis, and padel players find compatible partners and build real playing communities.With a background in tech, Will combined his passion for racquet sports with a simple frustration many players know too well: finding the right people to play with consistently. We dive into the growth of Hitch, how technology is reshaping social sport, why “finding your pickleball people” matters more than ever, and the future of player matching, communities, and recreational sport. This is a really interesting conversation about entrepreneurship, connection, modern pickleball culture, and building something meaningful from a real-world problem.

Episode 16: Tony Charanduk

In this episode of Pickleball Legends, we sit down with Tony Charanduk—a visionary building what could become one of the most open and globally inclusive pathways in the sport. As a founding leader of PKL.CLUB, Tony is rethinking how players rise through the ranks. His mission is simple: create a system where anyone, from anywhere in the world, can earn their way to the top through pure performance—no politics, no closed-door rankings, just results on the court. But this isn’t just about players—it’s about transforming pickleball into a true spectator sport. Tony dives into how PKL’s model brings fans into the action, from interactive match experiences to innovative formats that blur the line between player and audience. By integrating global tournaments, community-driven competition, and even emerging tech, he’s aiming to make pickleball more engaging, more accessible, and more watchable than ever before.We explore his vision of a worldwide competitive pathway—where local qualifiers feed into regional, national, and eventually global championships—giving undiscovered talent a legitimate shot at the big stage. It’s a system designed not just to crown champions, but to unlock opportunity for players who might otherwise never be seen. From grassroots growth to global ambition, Tony shares how PKL.CLUB is building a new ecosystem around pickleball—one that empowers players, connects communities, and opens the door for the next generation of legends.This episode is about more than a sport—it’s about access, opportunity, and the future of competition on a global scale.

Episode 15: Stefan Entbrouxk

In this episode, we sit down with Stefan Entbrouxk, a Level 2 pickleball referee from Belgium, to explore the game from a perspective most players rarely see — the official behind the call. Stefan shares his journey into officiating, what it takes to become a certified referee, and the key role referees play in maintaining fairness, integrity, and flow in competitive pickleball. From handling tight line calls to managing player emotions in high-pressure moments, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at how matches are truly controlled. We also dive into the growth of pickleball across Europe, the differences in officiating standards, and why consistency in rules enforcement is crucial as the sport scales globally. Whether you’re a player, coach, or tournament organiser, this conversation offers valuable insight into the structure, discipline, and decision-making that underpin the modern game. 🎧 Expect stories, practical knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the people keeping pickleball fair, balanced, and competitive.