Pickleball College
Fueling the next generation of sports marketers through the business of pickleball.
Welcome to Pickleball College
Powered by Pickleball in the Sun®
Pickleball College is a mentorship and education platform created by Laura Gainor to inspire and prepare the next generation of sports marketing professionals. Through personalized one-on-one sessions, small group workshops, and university partnerships, Pickleball College provides real-world insights into the business of pickleball — the fastest-growing sport in the United States. Whether you’re a student exploring your career path, a young professional eager to break into sports marketing, or a university program looking to bring pickleball industry expertise to campus, Pickleball College is here to help you learn, connect, and grow within this exciting industry.
ABOUT LAURA GAINOR
Laura Gainor is a nationally recognized pickleball marketing leader and the founder of Pickleball in the Sun®, the first marketing agency dedicated to the sport of pickleball. Over the past six years, she’s helped shape how brands, resorts, and organizations connect with the pickleball community through creative storytelling, PR, events, and partnerships. Laura has collaborated with leading brands such as OS1st, JOOLA, Gainbridge®, and Smirnoff, and regularly speaks at universities and industry events to share her expertise on the business of pickleball. Her passion for mentoring and growing the next generation of sports marketers is what inspired her to create Pickleball College.
A one-hour one-on-one session with Laura Gainor, perfect for students and early-career professionals exploring how to build a career in the sport of pickleball. Gain personalized guidance and real-world insights from someone who has helped shape the business of pickleball over the last six years.
A personalized two-session mentorship program with Laura Gainor designed to help you take tangible steps toward building a professional career in the business of pickleball. This program goes beyond conversation — it’s hands-on career development, strategy, and networking support.
Workshops & University Partnerships
In addition to one-on-one mentorship, Pickleball College offers customized workshops and partnership opportunities for universities, sports management programs, and student organizations interested in learning about the business side of pickleball.
Workshop & Partnership Options:
Pickleball Marketing 101: Understanding how brands and agencies activate in the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
Building Your Pickleball Career: How to create opportunities in sports marketing, events, and content through pickleball.
University Partnership Programs: Guest lectures, internship pathways, and campus collaborations with Pickleball in the Sun®.
These sessions are designed to educate and inspire students while equipping them with the skills and connections to thrive in the evolving world of sports marketing.
Interested in hosting a Pickleball College Workshop or University Partnership Session?
Email laura@pickleballinthesun.com to discuss availability and customized options.
Our Mission
To educate, empower, and connect the next generation of sports marketing professionals through the vibrant world of pickleball. Pickleball College is built to bridge passion with profession — giving students and young marketers the tools, mentorship, and community they need to turn their love of the sport into a meaningful career.