Darius Christian: From SNL50 to Pickleball Courts
One word describes Darius Christian as a musician: VERSATILE.
Grammy-winning musician Darius Christian has performed with some of the biggest names in the industry, from Macklemore to Mumford & Sons. He’s played on iconic stages, including Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary. But when he's not rocking out on tour, you'll likely find him on a different kind of stage: the pickleball court.
How Darius Discovered Pickleball
Darius and Empower Pickleball co-founder, Kim Bastien, at the Funky Pickleball event in New Jersey.
We met Darius two years ago at a Funky Pickleball event in New Jersey. My co-worker, family, and I were running a court in front of his stage, helping raise money and engage the crowd. It didn’t take long to see he was itching to play. During a break, we invited him down, and he wasted no time grabbing a paddle. He even programmed some music to play while he hit his first shots. From that moment, a friendship was born, and we’ve followed each other’s journeys ever since.
Like many players, Darius found pickleball during the pandemic. When live music was put on hold, he started playing table tennis with family in Baltimore. That quickly evolved into an obsession. "My partner at the time suggested I try it, and I kind of brushed it off. Then, the first time I hit the ball, that was it—I was obsessed," he recalls.
A New Passion Takes Center Stage
Darius playing the trombone on stage at a concert.
Darius's introduction to the sport quickly turned into an addiction. He now travels with his paddle, using PlayTimeScheduler.com to find courts wherever he goes. And he’s taking his game even further, training seriously, competing, and working towards his coaching certification.
During our interview, he had just checked into his hotel and immediately asked where he could play. His love for the game is undeniable. "Pickleball is a prism of different lanes," he says. "There's the community side, the chess-like strategy, and the constant learning curve. I love it all."
Representation & Inclusivity in Pickleball
As a Black musician and athlete, Darius sees both the diversity and the gaps in representation within pickleball. "At the rec level, it’s wonderfully diverse—especially in Southern California, where I play with people from so many different cultural backgrounds. But at the pro level, there are only a few Black and Brown players, and that needs to change."
He's also noticed another shift—the rise of exclusivity and cliques in recreational play. "As the sport grows, we have to check ourselves and make sure we keep the welcoming spirit that makes pickleball special. If we want to grow it, we can’t turn it into some exclusive club."
The Role Pickleball Plays in His Life
Beyond competition, pickleball has played a powerful role in Darius’s personal journey. "Pickleball has been a huge part of my sobriety journey. I’ve been alcohol- and marijuana-free for almost four years, and the clarity and happiness that pickleball brings me is unmatched.” His goal? To inspire more people, especially from diverse communities, to pick up a paddle and experience the same joy.
With his passion for the game and drive to improve, Darius has big ambitions. "I'm pushing myself to get to the highest level, not just for me, but to show others what’s possible. I want to compete, coach, and help bring more diversity into the sport."
Advice for New Players
Darius playing on court at a PPA tournament.
As a future coach, Darius offers this advice to those stepping onto the court for the first time:
Know Your Why: Are you here for fun? Competition? Exercise? Find the environment that fits your goals.
Embrace the Learning Process: "Apply a collegiate mindset to the game. Watch pros, study form, and seek out better players to learn from."
Keep It Fun: "You don’t need expensive gear—just a paddle, good shoes, and an open mind."
What’s Next for Darius?
Even with a packed music career, Darius is carving out space in the pickleball world. He’s training with top players like Roman Estareja, Jessie Irvine, and Jaume Martinez Vich, competing in tournaments, and working toward his PCI coaching certification.
And if you hear someone calling “Juice Box Jones” on the courts, his potential pickleball nickname from his college days, you’ll know he’s making waves.
With his passion for the game and commitment to growing the sport, Darius is just getting started.
If you’re interested in following Darius to see his journey in music and pickleball, you can follow him on Instagram at @darius_christian.
