Meet Sarah Welsh & Jenna Boettcher | Cofounders of Pickleball Social Club

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Welsh & Jenna Boettcher and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah Welsh & Jenna Boettcher, how does your business help the community?
Pickleball Social Club makes a positive social impact on the greater Atlanta area by creating a safe and welcoming environment for players of all levels, fostering friendships and expanding social circles. In our lives, we found meeting new people and making friendships especially difficult while transitioning into adulthood, so we created a space that makes it easy to make these connections. We actively involve local businesses through tournament prizes, sponsorships, and social events, which not only supports the local economy, but also strengthens community ties. Through these efforts, we help build a more connected and supportive community.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The process behind starting our own business began with a serendipitous meeting on Facebook when Sarah’s ad appeared on Jenna’s screen, leading to them becoming roommates. As they approached their thirties, they faced typical existential questions about life and purpose. Seeking a fun and engaging hobby, they took up pickleball and spent a year participating in leagues and tournaments. However, their desire for a more relaxed and social pickleball environment led them to take control of their passion, resulting in the creation of Pickleball Social Club.

Starting a business is inherently risky, but doing so in a seemingly saturated market adds another layer of challenge. However, this has driven us to carve out a unique niche, a pickleball organization focused on social relationships versus a DUPR number (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating). This has allowed us to stand out and thrive in the Atlanta pickleball community.

The most important factor behind the success of PSC, is the organic growth fueled by the enthusiasm and support of our members. This initial spark of interest in 2023 has blossomed into a thriving community. Leveraging our combined expertise in marketing, community engagement, and event planning, we expanded the club, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment. This grassroots approach, coupled with a strong sense of community, has been the cornerstone of PSC’s success.

We started PSC with just a hastily printed banner and a dream, inviting friends to join in our new-found hobby. Now we have meaningful connections with players and local businesses across the city.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being based in the Buckhead area, we’ve made several amazing connections in the community here. From tournament sponsors to hosts of social events, we are lucky to have such generous businesses excited to get involved in PSC’s mission. Here is our perfect Saturday in the Buckhead area:

Coffee at Bloom (you must try the maple sea salt latte!)
PSC Tournament at Peachtree Hills Park (tournaments happen quarterly and last around 3 hours. Food, drinks, and good times guaranteed!)
Lunch at Original ChopShop (highly recommend the Dragonfruit Basil-ade)
Happy Hour at Botica (excellent tequila selection)
Dinner and drinks at Buckhead Village District (Italian, Irish, or Asian fusion: BVD has everything!)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The primary driving force behind Pickleball Social Club has always been our members. Each event brings new faces, and the excitement of building those connections motivates us to push through challenges. When we feel like throwing in the towel, we revisit the encouraging emails and messages we’ve received: people asking about upcoming events, looking forward to our next tournament on November 9th, and/or wanting to get involved. Serving our community gives us purpose, and the partnerships we’ve formed with local businesses further fuel that drive. Knowing that we’re not only connecting people through sport but also promoting awareness of local businesses in Atlanta makes every effort worth it.

Website: https://www.pickleballsocialclubatl.com

Instagram: @pickleballsocialclubatl

Image Credits
Janan Bradley