OUR MISSION

To Pickleball And Beyond is a family-owned business that is dedicated to promoting the sport of pickleball in the community and helping people improve their skills and confidence on the court. The founders of the business are passionate about the game and believe that it has something to offer for everyone, regardless of age or skill level.

At To Pickleball And Beyond, the focus is on providing high-quality equipment, training, and resources to help players of all levels improve their game. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or an experienced player looking to take your skills to the next level, the team at To Pickleball And Beyond is there to support you every step of the way.

In addition to offering top-quality equipment and training, To Pickleball And Beyond also organizes local tournaments and events to help promote the sport and build a strong community of pickleball enthusiasts. So if you are looking to get involved in the exciting world of pickleball, be sure to check out To Pickleball And Beyond and see why so many people are falling in love with this fun and challenging sport!

A LETTER FROM THE CO-FOUNDERS

We are so excited you have joined us here!

To Pickleball And Beyond started in our living room in the small community of Pine Island, MN. The kind of community that warms your heart but if you blink while driving you will miss it.

In the summer of 2022 we reached out to our local community to find some people interested in playing some pickleball, we found 4.Within 3 months we have over 100 people and within 6 months we had over 200! That is how our PIIPA (Pine Island Pickleball Association) was born.

As the group grew and we began to teach classes, we realized the importance of finding the right gear for one's game. We singlehandedly saw how helping our members find the correct paddle had changed their game and given them confidence like never before- and there is no greater joy than that to see someone grow and enjoy the sport of pickleball.

So, we started To Pickleball And Beyond, to help pickleball players find the best gear for their game at the best price.

OUR VENTURE TO PICKLEBALL

Our heart at the mission of pickleball and beyond is to capture the very 360 degree essence of the pickleball universe (especially paddles, gear, and accessories). We do understand every time someone representing a paddle has to always spin a positive aura around that which they are selling (and rightfully so) So our goal was to create a space and environment where the everyday person using get to share their thoughts on the pickleball gear that they love and use, capturing the behind the scene stories of this enticing pickleball universe.

The stories of this pickleball universe is not just limited to those that are using the pickleball paddles and gear but also to the journey of those pioneers that have ventured out to deliver such paddles and accessories to this growing market aka pickleball universe. We want to be able to share their stories, their wins, their challenges, their struggles, and the laughs and smiles.

In addition we also wanted to represent a true and comprehensive review of the paddles where we facilitate panel reviews for pickleball gear as well.

OUR TEAM

VIno raj

Co-Founder, Tournament Director , Communication Director, and PPR and PCI Certified Pickleball Instructor.

Clinical researcher/physician by day and night and father/pickleball enthusiast the rest of the time!

Vino has always loved racket/bat sports. Growing up in Sri Lanka, cricket was his main sport during his childhood, but he also has a background of tennis and ping-pong.

In 2019 he was introduced to the sport pickleball but after the "re-opening" after the pandemic he hasn't looked back!

He has devoted himself to improve his game but also the game of others and to help spread this game that builds bridges throughout generations, backgrounds, and cultures.

Now PCI Certified and a USAPA Ambassador for Southern Minnesota region he strives to help the surrounding community engage in pickleball throughout the year and is helping to bring it into schools for the younger generation.

To Pickleball And Beyond was birthed from his heart for helping others find the best gear at affordable prices, to help players find info on gear, the game, and more.

Ryan Sweeney

CFO, Pickleball Instructor

I remember working as a firmware developer intern in Eden Prairie, MN, in the Summer of 2021. Although the coding experience was a delight, the highlight of my time was being introduced to pickleball by a fellow coworker!

Outside my job as a firmware developer, pickleball is my life. I love being able to teach lessons, and help people find the right gear for them and their game. It is such a joy to watch people play and find that perfect fit.

I often look back at how I ended up playing pickleball, and I am so thankful that all of the stars aligned to begin my pickleball journey. It became my favorite sport, and I am excited to continue my journey by supporting To Pickleball & Beyond!

Stephanie Raj

Co-Founder, Social Media Manager, and Content Creator.

I remember the day Vino suggested to start playing pickleball. I was nervous and pretty much had made up my mind that I wasn’t going to be any part of it. Racket sports and me, we don’t go along, or we didn’t use to.

I was terrible- to say the least. I was lucky to be one of those who actually got it over the net. Yet, being the supportive husband that he is, I was soon at our local Scheels buying my first official Pickleball paddle with the promise to devote myself to the game.

Well, fast forward a few months and you will now find me on the courts 6 + hours a week working on drills and playing games. 3 medals now hang on our wall from pickleball tournaments, I know the names of pros, I know the meaning of 3rd shot drop, spin, banger, and split step. Jeez- who is this woman?!

It was a love hate relationship to start off with for sure. I have had terrible eye sight since I was eight years old so my depth perception is wonky at best-but I never let it stop my love for this sport that I am determined to grow more in.

OUR PICKLEBALL KIDS

Leanika, Sachvin, and Sonya are our pickleball kids. They have spent countless hours on the courts, just like mom and dad.

Leanika already knows the term backhand, forehand and practices at home on the wall or with dad in the living room whenever she can. Her goal is to participate in a tournament when she’s 8 with dad. She also wants to start organizing Pickleball Kids events and hosting kid tournaments!

Sachvin still trying to master his coordination (definitely gets the incoordination from mom) prefers to pretend his pickleball paddle is a cricket bat.

Sonya, well, her DUPR score is near a 4.0 player and is usually first pick for any doubles game ;) She is little but mighty and will run to dance on the courts whenever she’s set free from her captivity (the stroller). She has her own paddle and knows how to roll the ball off of it, only to quickly clap and shout excitedly at her major accomplishment!