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PICKLED Minds 🧠🥒✨

@pickledminds_

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followers

481

following

🥒 0–11. We’ve been there...
✨Pickleball is the vehicle.
🧠Mental health is the mission.
Join the movement | You Belong Here.
#UnPickleYourMind

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I’m 29, living at home, and apparently still flirting with the idea of being a student again.

I graduated from Pitt in 2019 with a degree in Natural Sciences, and at the time, I was fully committed to becoming a Physician Assistant. My degree was focused on that path, I’d logged over 2,500 hours of shadowing across multiple medical disciplines, and I’d even gotten to the point of applying to PA schools. I’d put a lot of time and energy into building a future I genuinely thought I was going to have.

Looking back, I think part of me had questions about whether it was the right fit all along, but I hadn’t fully worked through them. Sometimes life has a way of making you stop and reconsider things before you’ve figured out how to do that on your own.

The years since graduation have taught me a lot, all of it outside a classroom. I’ve spent a lot of time figuring out who I am, what matters to me, and what I actually want out of life, rather than what I thought I was supposed to want.

These days, I’m building Pickled Minds around mental health and connection, working in player development for the MLP franchise, The Brooklyn Pickleball Team, and thinking seriously about how I can continue to bring mental health and mental performance together with pickleball in a more practical, hands-on and impactful way.

I keep returning to the idea of going back to school to study something adjacent to mental health. I don’t have a plan mapped out yet, and I’m trying not to rush into the next thing just because I feel like I should have it figured out by now.

I’m learning that not using my degree the way I expected doesn’t mean those years were wasted, and taking a less conventional route doesn’t mean I’m not making progress or am less "successful".

I’m still figuring it out. I'm just grateful to have a much better idea of what feels right for me than I did at 22.

Anyway, apparently all it takes is one university library to get me reconsidering my entire life plan.
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#careerchange #personalgrowth #studentdebt #lifeinyour20s #nonlinearcareer taken in Stony Brook University by @pickledminds_

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8 days ago

The In-betweens.
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the flights, the tournaments, the competition, the moments that make it onto the highlight reel.

and then there’s this.

35 hours home. Sleeping. Recovering. Taking out my braids. Letting my body catch up with me. Talking about some of the less glamorous parts of traveling as an athlete.

And trying to soak up as much time as I can with my family, some of my favorite people, before it’s time to pack the bags again.

the in-betweens matter too. 🤍

anyone else need a full day of doing absolutely nothing after traveling? 😂

#TheInBetweens #AthleteLife #Pickleball #TravelingAthlete #reallife taken in Long Island, NY by @pickledminds_

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a month ago

Pickleball is the vehicle.
Community is the connection.
Mental health is our mission.

We’re so happy you’re here. 🥒🧠

JOIN US!
Sunday, August 23 as @rhythmandrally presents: COURTSIDE SOCIAL

A pre-US Open + MLP Finals social bringing together NYC’s grassroots tennis + pickleball communities.

📍 @clubhouse_nyc ; South Street Seaport
🗓️ August 23 | 4–7PM

Come celebrate the people moving their games forward.

https://partiful.com/e/aolcXeoIu1GdruFGXOQo?c=jaGlKoeV taken in The South Street Seaport by @pickledminds_

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2 months ago

#TheOriginStory : No fancy production. No script. No perfectly edited promo.

Just me and my mom driving past the courts, talking about why we're getting together tomorrow .

Because that's what Pickled Minds has always been about and will always be about.

Real people.
Real Pickleballl.
Real conversation.
Real connection.

A huge thank you to everyone who's reached out, donated, shared the event, or simply sent a message. It means more than you know and this is how we continue to grow together.

Reconnecting with so many of you through this little pop-up has been one of my favorite parts of the whole thing so far.

Just a few hours at the courts with good people, good games, good music, and good conversation .

If you'd like to come, we'd love to see you . (it is a public court after all lol) if you want to stay connected for future, Pickled Minds gatherings, join the Partiful in our bio!

Come for 10 minutes. Stay until they turn the lights off .

Let's keep the story going 🥒🧠✨

#mensmentalhealthawareness #pickleball #pickleballcommunity #mentalhealth taken in Bellerose Avenue Veterans Park by @pickledminds_

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4 months ago

She just wants you to get out of your mind and have fun! Come find her at her @pickledminds_ games for more!

Model: @kay_treys_

Venue: @redhookpickleball

Bryony Williams - Checking In; Checking Out

#pickleball #photography taken in Red Hook Pickleball Club NYC by @pickledminds_

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4 months ago

2 events. 2 completely different experiences. One amazing pickleball community.

I’m SO excited to team up with Coach Kayla Teape (@pickledminds_ ), @betterpickleballcom and @sportimepickleball.wch this June for two special pickleball summits designed to help you grow your game, confidence, and connections on the court.

Tickets link in bio.

🔥 JUNE 5 - RALLY & RISE
7pm-10pm
MIXED SUMMER SUMMIT A fun, high-energy night for ALL players featuring: - mixed play - strategy + mindset discussions - confidence building - team communication 
AND…

💪 JUNE 14 - SHE’S GOT GAME WOMEN’S SUMMIT
3pm-7pm A 4-hour empowering women-only event focused on:
- beating bangers
- building confidence
- owning your space on court
- finding the right gear
- drills, games, competition & community

Challenge courts, prizes (paddles!!), food, drinks & great vibes at both events!

Whether you’re trying to level up your game, meet new players, or just have an unforgettable day of pickleball, these events are for you.

🎟 Spots are limited 💸 Early bird discounts are available 📍 Sportime Yorktown (Westchester)

#pickleball #pickleballislife #pickleballers #pickleballhighlights #pickleballplayers taken in New York, New York by @pickledminds_

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5 months ago

Lately life been feeling a little… grayscale?
Like you’ve just been going through the motions, running on low battery, Monday swallowing you whole before the week even starts?

Consider this your reminder to crack a window open and let some light back in ☀️

Tomorrow @pickledminds_ is bringing people together for a community check-in social at @veltopickleball . Open play, good energy, conversations that actually fill your cup back up, and a chance to decompress instead of doom-scroll your way through the Monday blues.

🗓 Monday 5/18
⏰ 5–8 PM
📍VELTO

Come as you are. Bring a friend, or fly solo. Just don’t spend another week stuck in black-and-white when there’s color waiting for you on the other side and potentially on a pickleball court! 🥒🧠✨

#pickleballcommunity #fyp #mentalhealthawarenessmonth #checkin #pickleballislife taken in Velto Pickleball Club by @pickledminds_

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5 months ago

If you can show up for pickleball, you can show up for yourself 🥒🧠✨

Pickled Minds @ Velto
Monday 5/18 • 5–8PM

mental health awareness month, but make it pickleball + good people + movement + connection ....no pressure, just low key, good energy 💚

JOIN US! https://velto.podplay.app/community/events/019e19bd-4ac3-7ee3-9712-159bae9cffd0 by @pickledminds_

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5 months ago

“i have mental health.
you have mental health.
even your neighbor down the block who refuses to admit they have mental health… has mental health.” 🥒🧠
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and honestly?
I think we need more spaces where people can just exist together without pressure.
So on Monday, @pickledminds_ is hosting at @veltopickleball for a low-key night of pickleball, connection, conversation, movement, and community. https://velto.podplay.app/community/events/019e19bd-4ac3-7ee3-9712-159bae9cffd0
No awkward icebreakers.
No clinical vibes.
No pretending everything is perfectly fine.
Just real people, good energy, open play, and the reminder that taking care of your mental health doesn’t always have to look so serious.
Sometimes it looks like:
    •    laughing between games
    •    meeting new people
    •    getting outside your head for a little
    •    finding community in unexpected places
That’s the whole idea behind Pickled Minds. 💚
📍Velto, Red Hook Brooklyn
🗓 Monday 5/18
⏰ 5–8PM
Come solo. Come with friends.
Come for the pickleball. Stay for the people.
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #fyp #PickleballCommunity #MentalHealthMatters taken in Velto Pickleball Club by @pickledminds_

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5 months ago

Special guest on Pickleball Therapy podcast: Kayla Teape from Pickled Minds

This conversation is full of heart. New episode is live. Check out our anywhere you get your podcasts. by @pickledminds_

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6 months ago

Lisa and I had the chance to spend time at SPORTIME Pickleball Yorktown for the She's Got Game Women's Summit. What a club. What a team. What a day.

You can feel when a place is built with intention, and this one is. The SPORTIME team created a space that felt welcoming, supportive, and full of energy. Women of all levels showed up for each other, and that kind of environment matters.

And then there was Nikki Maldonado (@nikkipickleball)… Nikki has a way of reminding everyone why they started playing in the first place. Not about being perfect. Not about being the best in the room. Just about keeping the joy in the game and protecting that feeling for others. It's real. It's needed. And she brings it every time.

Alongside her, Kayla Teape (@kay_treys_) brought a different kind of presence; focused, thoughtful, and grounded in growth. A coach, a mentor, and someone who clearly cares deeply about helping players build confidence both on and off the court.

Standing courtside, it's always the little moments that stay with us, the encouragement, the laughter, the "you've got this" energy between points. A reminder that pickleball isn't just play, it's people.

Really grateful to have been included in something this meaningful. Events like this, led by strong, passionate women, are helping shape what this sport becomes next.

Be YOU. Play your way.
See ya on the courts.
dinkyballs.com by @pickledminds_

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7 months ago

SUNDAY FUNDAY ... with a lil twist! ✨

Hosting a "She’s Got Game" | Women's Summit today with @pickleballnikki at @sportimeyorktown alongside @marnikrose (4–7 PM)

Not your average open play…
✨ confidence-building
✨ mindset work
✨ real connection + high-energy games
✨ learn how to elevate partnerships & protect Pickleball Joy

A curated empowerment + competitive pickleball experience , all in celebration of Women’s History Month 💫👯‍♀️

Last minute? Pull up 👀
🔗 Link to join:
https://bit.ly/47wD8RrDQN1KG/

Also sending BIG love to our Brooklyn MiLP squad @brooklynpickleball_minorleague who are competing at @thepicklr @thepicklr.fairlawn today as well 🔥
Let’s gooo BKLYN!
Rep those new @centerlineathleticsllc jerseys well!

#SundayFunday #ShesGotGame #PickleballCommunity #WomenInSports #fyp

Does your idea of Sunday Funday include Pickleball ?! taken in Yorktown, New York by @pickledminds_

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