After Almost 2 Decades of No Sports, Pickleball Became Her Life Saver

Pickleball has been known to bring people together and has created an amazing community for many. For this woman, pickleball truly saved her life. She openly expresses how thankful she is for pickleball and how it played a large part in getting her life back after a few health issues set her back for almost two decades.

Sally was diagnosed with a few autoimmune disorders and hasn’t played sports in 19 years. Now she can play pickleball and it has helped her get her life back!  “I am so grateful that I chose pickleball as my sport to re-enter athletics! It’s the perfect fit for me.”

Meet Sally Williams, an avid pickleball player who not only plays because it’s fun. She is adamant that pickleball changed her life! She currently plays 4 days a week moving from intermediate play into advanced with clinics, coaching, and consistent playing time.  

This past October she played in her first tournament playing mixed doubles where she won a bronze medal! Next month she is also attending another tournament, where she will play women’s doubles for the first time. In one of her Instagram posts she says, “I am stronger than I’ve been in decades! Lost weight, lowered cholesterol and gained back my competitive side! Yes, it’s so fun, but I won’t lie it’s fun to win too!”

She plays regularly at The Fort in Oceanport, NJ where she works with their coaches- Kim Smith, Vicky Smith, Pam Ruaff, and Steve Gallagher. She told us, “The staff there is amazing!”

She goes on to tell us, “I turned 56 this year and am finally feeling like me again. My health, my fitness level, joy in my life along with that competitive drive.  It’s all back!”

Stories like Sally’s are what makes pickleball so unique as a sport. It’s a sport for everyone, even those struggling to see the other side of their struggle. Even she loves sharing her story, “I love seeing new people start playing as I will never forget how it felt for me stepping back on the court. I was smiling the entire time and honestly, I’ve never stopped.”