Vivian Ringwald: Passionate Entrepreneur Behind The Pickleball Addict
At Empower Pickleball, we love highlighting the inspiring women who are shaping the future of our sport, and today, we’re excited to introduce you to Vivian Ringwald, the founder of The Pickleball Addict. Vivian’s journey from a tennis enthusiast to a pickleball entrepreneur is a story of resilience, creativity, and a commitment to community.
From Chronic Illness to Court Superstar
Vivian's story with pickleball began in November 2022 when a non-athletic friend invited her to a lesson with “Pickleball Dave.” As someone with a tennis background, Vivian was curious but also cautious. She’s been living with Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) for over a decade, and although she hadn’t shared much about it publicly, she was unsure how her chronic illness would impact her game.
“I wasn’t worried about my ability to perform, but I did wonder how my chronic illness would impact my game,” Vivian shared. But what happened next was nothing short of transformative. That first pickleball lesson was a game-changer — Vivian hit winners, logged over 3,000 steps, and, most importantly, felt the joy of playing again. From that moment, her passion for the sport ignited.
Pickleball wasn’t just a way to get in exercise—it became a lifeline, both physically and mentally. As she shared in a recent interview, "No matter the outcome of the game, I always walked away with a smile, feeling energized, and more connected to the people around me." And that sense of community and connection was something she was eager to cultivate further.
The Birth of The Pickleball Addict
Vivian's love for the sport didn’t just stop at playing—soon, she noticed a gap in the market for stylish and functional pickleball gear. “I needed a proper pickleball bag,” she recalls, laughing at how she had been using a clear paddle case as a makeshift purse. It barely closed, but it worked—sort of. That’s when it hit her: she had to create something better.
With no background in fashion or merchandising, Vivian dove into creating her own line of pickleball bags and accessories that combined style, functionality, and versatility. And thus, The Pickleball Addict was born. What started as a passion project quickly turned into a full-blown business. From designing custom bags to curating pickleball apparel and accessories, Vivian blended her love for the game with her entrepreneurial spirit.
“I wanted something stylish, functional, and versatile,” Vivian explains. “I found nothing on the market that met those needs, so I decided to create it myself.” And create it she did—The Pickleball Addict now features a collection of custom bags, clothing, and accessories with playful, pickleball-inspired designs. From fun tees featuring the game’s signature term “dinking” to high-quality pickleball bags, there’s something for everyone.
Vivian and tennis phenom, Daniel Nestor at the Melanoma Canada pickleball tournament
Giving Back to the Community
Vivian’s commitment to the pickleball community extends beyond her products. She is passionate about supporting causes that resonate with her, and The Pickleball Addict has proudly sponsored several events benefiting charitable organizations. Whether it’s a fundraising tournament for melanoma awareness or supporting Crohn’s and Colitis through a sister campaign, Vivian is all about giving back.
“The pickleball community is so supportive and positive,” she says. “I want to contribute to that positive energy and help others however I can.” That’s why a portion of proceeds from certain collections goes to charity, ensuring that her business isn’t just about selling bags but about making a difference in the lives of others.
Alec Baldwin posing with some participants sporting their bags at Melanoma Canada’s pickleball Tournament
A Family on the Court
For Vivian, pickleball is more than just a game—it’s about the friendships, the laughter, and the bonds that form on the court. As a 48-year-old woman, she’s found that pickleball has given her the opportunity to connect with like-minded people and build lasting friendships. The sport also opened her eyes to the possibility of love for others—she’s witnessed numerous stories of players finding relationships through the shared passion of the game.
“There’s something special about pickleball,” she says. “It brings people together in ways that are just so heartwarming.”
Join the Pickleball Addict Family
Vivian’s passion for pickleball is contagious, and her energy is reflected in every aspect of The Pickleball Addict. Whether it’s the vibrant designs of her bags or the uplifting community she’s building, there’s no denying that Vivian’s enthusiasm for the game is at the heart of everything she does.
Vivian and a friend getting ready to play
To celebrate our Empower Pickleball readers, Vivian is offering a 15% discount on all products with the code EMPOWER at checkout on her website, thepickleballaddict.com. It’s the perfect opportunity to snag a stylish new pickleball bag or one of her hilarious pickleball tees.
Follow Vivian’s Journey
If you want to stay up-to-date on all things The Pickleball Addict, make sure to follow her on Facebook and Instagram. You can also catch a glimpse of her infectious personality and entrepreneurial journey in a recent YouTube interview here.
Vivian’s story is a powerful reminder of how sports can transform lives—not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer to the game, Vivian’s journey is sure to inspire you to pick up your paddle and hit the court.
At Empower Pickleball, we celebrate women who turn their passions into purpose, and Vivian Ringwald is a shining example of that. Keep doing your thing, Vivian—and keep inspiring us all to live out our own pickleball dreams!