Pickleball has become an unlikely passport to the world for one couple, who have played on over 550 unique courts across 30 countries. For Bonnie Coffey and her husband Ky, the sport has provided an instant sense of community and connection in almost every corner of the globe, transforming their travels into a journey of discovery and friendship.
Their pickleball journey began in 2017, in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where they stumbled upon a local game and were immediately hooked. Since then, they have played on a wide range of courts, from temporary taped lines in gymnasiums to dedicated pickleball complexes, and even hacked through jungle growth to find abandoned courts. Some of their favorite courts include Papaya Pickleball in Bangkok, Thailand, which boasts beautiful courts, great food, and a hot tub and cold plunge, and Tumbleweed Park in Chandler, Arizona, which features 18 new public courts built with a $10 million investment.
Building a Global Pickleball Community
As they traveled and played, Bonnie and Ky discovered vibrant and rapidly growing pickleball communities in unexpected places, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Vietnam, and South Korea. To help build and connect these communities, Bonnie started the Pickleball Women Facebook group, which now has nearly 40,000 members, and International Pickleball Friends, which has grown to over 4,500 members worldwide. These online communities reflect the sport's power to connect people across borders, backgrounds, and playing levels.
One of the key takeaways from their journey is the importance of community and connection in the sport. Bonnie and Ky have found that pickleball provides an instant sense of belonging, even in unfamiliar cities and countries. They have been invited to meals, shown around cities, introduced to local customs, and formed lasting friendships, all through the sport. As Bonnie notes, "You can arrive in a new city where you know no one, walk onto a court with paddles in hand, and within hours feel connected."
Their experience has also highlighted the evolution of paddle technology, with dozens of paddles tried and tested over the years. From early-generation equipment to the latest advancements, the couple has seen firsthand the impact of innovation on the sport. Whether playing on a cruise ship, a resort court, or a makeshift jungle court, Bonnie and Ky have found that pickleball remains a constant source of joy and connection, a reminder that home is wherever the court is.
