Dill Dinkers, a fast-growing dedicated indoor pickleball club franchise, has named Kaitlyn Kerr as its newest Global Brand Ambassador. A former Division I All-American soccer player turned pickleball advocate, Kerr brings a dynamic blend of elite athletic experience, professional acumen and a growing digital following as @pickleball.chick.
Kerr’s journey into pickleball began in 2021, when she picked up a paddle at a local park and immediately recognized the sport’s transformative potential. “I thought, ‘This sport is going to change the world, I have to figure out a way to get involved,’” she recalled.
Since then, Kerr has quickly become a respected presence in the industry. In addition to her day job as a financial advisor at J.P. Morgan, she is a co-owner of the Las Vegas Night Owls, a Major League Pickleball team, and a driving force behind events and partnerships that elevate the sport’s visibility and impact.
Her alignment with Dill Dinkers stems from a shared mission: to foster inclusive, community-first environments that welcome all types of players — from beginners to competitive athletes. “They really are the most inclusive facility that I’ve been to, and I’ve been to many facilities throughout the world, not just in the U.S.,” said Kerr.
Kerr’s new ambassador role is more than just a title — it positions her as a key conduit between Dill Dinkers and the evolving needs of today’s pickleball community. Her perspective, shaped by both on-the-ground experience and a front-row seat to industry shifts, offers timely insights for club owners aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly growing market.
One trend Kerr sees gaining traction across facilities is the need for level-based play. “People want to play with people around their level — maybe a little better or a little worse,” she explained. “But you don’t want to go to a facility and play with somebody that’s two DUPR points below, because no one’s going to be having fun.”
For operators, that means implementing systems that allow for more skill-matched matchmaking — a move that not only enhances the player experience but also encourages retention and repeat visits. Kerr sees the DUPR platform as a valuable tool in making this model work at scale.
Beyond structured play, Kerr is a big believer in intentional community-building, citing the efforts of Dill Dinkers franchisee Andrew Wakefield in Philadelphia as a standout example. “He is getting the word out in the local community, at the local parks, creating different programming so it’s not just open plays … that’s just an innovative way to get more people in the door,” she explained.
From Friday night social events to targeted clinics and themed tournaments, Kerr believes programming variety is what transforms a facility into a true third space — a place where people want to spend their time outside of work and home.
She’s also paying close attention to the evolution of paddle technology, which she believes is creating a knowledge gap among amateur players. “People need to know what they have in their hand,” she said. “You might start with a wooden paddle or grab one from Amazon, but the power being created by these new paddles is serious — and people need to know how to use it.”
For club owners, that presents a unique opportunity: clinics and events centered on paddle education and demos not only provide value to members but can also drive revenue through retail partnerships and upgraded rentals.
Finally, Kerr sees signs that the pro scene is about to mature, and with it, expectations from players will shift — something that savvy club owners should be aware of. “A lot of these pros are signed to multiyear contracts that are just giving them a salary for playing and showing up,” she said. “They don’t have to win.”
But come 2026, when many of those contracts expire, Kerr predicts a noticeable pivot. “You’re going to see people caring a lot more about their bodies, caring a lot more about off-court training.”
That trend, she suggests, could open new doors for facilities that incorporate wellness, nutrition and strength training components into their offerings, which will appeal to rising local pros or highly engaged players.
Dill Dinkers founder and CEO Will Richards praised Kerr’s addition to the team. “Kaitlyn has made a huge impact on the pickleball community, and the kind of passion she has for the sport is incredibly rare,” he said, in a statement. “She is the perfect addition to Dill Dinkers, bringing knowledge of professional pickleball trends while engaging a large network of supporters.”
As Dill Dinkers continues its rapid expansion with more than 400 locations in development and international growth on the horizon, Kerr’s voice and influence will play a key role in helping the brand scale while staying true to its community-focused roots.
“My mission with @pickleball.chick has always been to spread the joy of pickleball with as many people in the world as possible, and I think Dill Dinkers also aligns with that mission,” said Kerr. “I’m really excited. It’s just the beginning.”
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With over a decade spent covering the business side of sports and fitness, Rachel Chonko brings a wealth of experience and a true passion for active communities to Peake Media. As Editor-in-Chief, she’s focused on helping pickleball clubs and fitness facilities thrive, from guiding growth strategies to showcasing the latest industry trends. Rachel also hosts the Club Solutions Magazine Podcast, where she interviews leaders in fitness and pickleball to share insights and success stories with the wider community to give her listeners a competitive edge.
After taking up pickleball herself, Rachel has come to appreciate the sport’s unique blend of social connection and active living — a mix that’s perfectly in line with her editorial philosophy. Connect with her on LinkedIn, or check out her articles below for a deep dive into the energy and culture driving pickleball’s rapid rise.
