If you’ve somehow missed the pickleball wave sweeping the country… wake up. It’s everywhere. From rooftop courts in major cities to neighborhood parks to cruise ships in the Caribbeans. Americans, especially millennials, are grabbing paddles like it’s the new brunch culture. And standing right in the middle of that movement is someone whose energy, professionalism, and passion for community are helping shape the sport in real time: Andrea Moultrie, Volunteer Events Manager for USA Pickleball.

Andrea is the perfect example of what it looks like when a millennial woman steps boldly into her purpose and lets her talents speak loudly. She’s a Southern native with national reach, a sports-lover who turned passion into profession, and a woman who understands the power of making people feel seen and connected on and off the court. In a moment where millennials are craving community more than ever, Andrea is part of the movement creating spaces that bring us together, one pickleball rally at a time.

And yes, she absolutely loves the sport. But she also loves what it does for people.

The Making of a Sports Professional

Andrea’s journey is nothing short of millennial magic that took preparation, passion, and perfect timing.

She always knew sports was where she belonged, but finding her lane took courage and a leap of faith.

“I’ve always wanted a career in sports,” she says. “This opportunity came when I was looking for a chance to make a real impact in sporting events. It led to a cross-country move, and every day I get to showcase my skillset for planning, developing events, and managing people from all over the world.”

That “opportunity” was becoming the Volunteer Events Manager for USA Pickleball for the fastest-growing sport in the country. In her role, Andrea is responsible for planning qualifying tournaments nationwide, which ultimately lead to the national championships where over 2,000 athletes compete for gold.

“I’ve been with the organization for almost two years,” she adds, “and it’s amazing to see the sport’s growth since my joining.”

Why Pickleball Is the Sport Millennials Didn’t Know We Needed

So why is pickleball everywhere right now? Why does it have your aunt, your coworkers, your neighbors, and your fav celebrities suddenly giving “athlete”?

Andrea doesn’t hesitate: “It’s simple, pickleball is fun!”

What makes it even more millennial-friendly is its accessibility. You don’t need to be Serena Williams. You don’t need years of training. You don’t even need friends who know the rules.

“It’s a multigenerational sport that connects anyone who wants to grab a paddle and learn,” she explains. “It’s great for a workout, team building with colleagues, or socially with family and friends.”

Andrea actually discovered the sport while volunteering at the Senior Games in Birmingham back in 2017. A former tennis player, she was curious. The rest is history.

“Fast forward seven years,” she says, “and here I am assisting in producing the longest standing pickleball championships in the country.”

Why Millennials, Specifically, Should Pay Attention

If there’s any generation searching for community, it’s us. Between remote work, relocating for jobs, and trying to create adult friendships, millennials are literally begging for a “third place”, somewhere that isn’t work and isn’t home.

Andrea believes pickleball answers that need.

“At a time where millennials are struggling to find community and third spaces, getting involved with pickleball can offer more than sport,” she says. “There are courts popping up everywhere. If you want dinner, drinks, and pickleball, there is a place for that. On vacation and want to play? Hotels and cruises now offer pickleball.”

It’s social. It’s active. It’s affordable. And honestly, it’s cute content. (Let’s not act like we won’t take boomerangs of our first serve.)

The Sport Is Easier Than You Think

The biggest misconception? That it’s hard.

Andrea laughs at that.

“How easy it is to learn how to play,” she says when asked what surprises people most. “You don’t need years of experience. And players on the courts are more than willing to teach you the rules.”

She even recalls a moment when a pro player personally offered her tips mid-game. That’s how welcoming the culture is.

Want to Get Involved? Here’s Where to Start.

Andrea is passionate about giving millennials the tools to join the movement.

“USA Pickleball is the National Governing Body of pickleball,” she says. “We offer community, competitions, tools, resources, clinics, and memberships that support youth programs and those with Olympic dreams.”

For those looking for events, updates, and ways to plug in, she suggests starting with:

• USA Pickleball Serves – the organization’s nonprofit foundation
• Membership programs – casual or paid
• @usapickleball on social media – real-time updates, events, and news

Her Proudest Moment: Creating Space for Minority Women

One of the most inspiring parts of Andrea’s story is her heart for making sports accessible, especially to older minority women.

“With the support of my leadership, I launched the Drop Shot Social with USA Pickleball,” she shares. “It offers certified pickleball trainers to minority-identified women and networking to create an embraced community.”

The event has already taken place in Mesa, AZ, and Birmingham, AL, with more than 60 women attending each.

Wine. Networking. Movement. Sisterhood.
It doesn’t get more Modern Standard than that.

What Pickleball Has Taught Her About Leadership

Andrea’s leadership philosophy was shaped during long days, big events, and unexpected storms, literally.

Coming off a 15-hour day at the 2025 National Tournament during a rare San Diego rainstorm, Andrea reflected on what makes strong leadership.

“I’ve watched my CEO, CMO, and teammates work together to maintain the safety of players, referees, staff, and fans,” she says. “It reminded me I’m on the right path. And never ask someone to do something you’re not willing to do yourself.”

Bars.

The Future of Pickleball Is Big and So Are Andrea’s Goals

Pickleball is already breaking into mainstream culture, from Super Bowl commercials to celebrity endorsements but, Andrea sees an even bigger future.

“I’d love to see pickleball at the Olympics one day,” she says. “And to assist Team USA to gold on a world scale.”

And honestly, we believe her.

Outside the Sport: Who Is Andrea?

When she’s not elevating the fastest-growing sport in America, Andrea is living a very millennial, very balanced life, something her organization encourages.

She spends time with family and friends, goes to concerts, supports her favorite teams (“Go Jax State and Go Celtics!”), and yes, she’s absolutely a Disney girl.

A Millennial Woman Making Waves

Andrea Moultrie is exactly the kind of woman we love featuring at The Modern Standard she’s driven, community-centered, passionate, and boldly charting her own path in an industry she loves.

Her work is transforming a sport.
Her leadership is inspiring women.
Her story is creating space for the next generation.

And her journey is just getting started.