Pickleballin’ Lifestyle Club: Changing the Game with Purpose and Passion
In the world of pickleball, where the joy of the game meets the power of community, four dynamic women are redefining the sport with their innovative vision. Stephanie Allen Tunsil, Sunja Leon, Lauren N’namdi, and Aisha Stith—the cofounders of Pickleballin’ Lifestyle Club (PLC)—are showing how female entrepreneurship can reshape a pastime into a movement for inclusion and connection.
Filling the Gap with Purpose
The founders of PLC have a shared a story: they fell in love with pickleball, America’s fastest growing sport, but couldn’t ignore the lack of diversity on the courts. Instead of settling for the status quo, they decided to take action. Their goal wasn’t just to play the game - they wanted to create meaningful change.
“Our mission when we first got on the court was to diversify the sport. We didn’t realize that we would also infuse the sport with a cadence of our culture,” they share.
With that vision in mind, PLC began hosting events that introduced pickleball to hundreds of new players each month. Their community-centered approach transformed the court into a welcoming space for players of all backgrounds and abilities.
A joint effort with Ladies Athletic Club of Atlanta, more than 100 new comers to the sport!
More Than a Game: A Movement
PLC isn’t just about getting people to play; it’s about building a lifestyle. The founders expanded into merchandise and products in 2023, a venture that quickly gained traction. Their work earned them national recognition, including features in Glamour magazine, where Aisha Stith shared the PLC story and highlighted brands that resonate with their members.
But for these women, this is just the beginning. “This sport allows for people of so many ability levels, ages, and backgrounds that even if you start in your late 30s or 40s, you can play for decades,” they explain.
Their vision is big: world-class retreats, tournaments, and introducing as many people as possible to the game’s physical and social benefits.
Leading the Way in Inclusion
What truly sets PLC apart is its commitment to tangible inclusivity. The founders’ passion lies in ensuring everyone feels welcome on the court. Their efforts are reshaping pickleball into a sport that reflects the diversity and vibrancy of the communities they serve.
Through their leadership, PLC is a beacon of empowerment, showing how female entrepreneurship and community-driven initiatives can leave a lasting impact.
SpelHouse/HBCU Second Annual Event
A Future Full of Promise
PLC is more than a club—it’s a testament to the power of women leading with purpose. By blending entrepreneurship, inclusivity, and a love for the game, they’ve created a space where everyone can thrive.
Whether it’s through the events they host, the gear they design, or the relationships they foster, PLC is proving that pickleball is about more than paddles and balls—it’s about belonging, growth, and the joy of building something meaningful together.
As PLC looks to the future, their dedication to community, health, and inclusion remains at the heart of their work. And in doing so, they’re inviting everyone—no matter their story—to join in on the game, one serve at a time.
Here’s to the remarkable women of PLC and the many others they’ll inspire on and off the court!
