Spotlight: Simone Jardim, Pickleball Pioneer & Mentor
When you think of legends in pickleball, Simone Jardim’s name quickly comes to mind. She has collected titles, coached pros, and in 2023 was inducted into the Pickleball Hall of Fame. But beyond her accomplishments, Simone’s story is one of resilience, family, and the love of sport. She is more than a champion. She’s a mentor, a mother, and a role model for what it means to lead with both grit and heart.
From Brazil to the U.S.
Simone grew up in Santa Maria, Brazil, in a household where sports were central. With two older brothers in tennis, competition and discipline shaped her childhood. By age sixteen, she moved away from home to pursue professional training, determined to chase her dream of becoming the best.
That journey led her to the United States, first at Auburn University and then at Fresno State, where she became an All-American - the highest honor in collegiate sports. The transition wasn’t easy, but it gave her the foundation to grow both as an athlete and as a leader.
A Coaching Career and Pickleball’s Call
After college, Simone turned to coaching, first as an assistant at Fresno State and William & Mary, then as head coach at Michigan State. For eight years, she guided athletes at the collegiate level, instilling values of hard work and resilience.
But in 2016, she made the leap into pickleball. What started as curiosity quickly turned into passion. Soon she and her family had relocated to Naples, Florida, where she launched a pickleball academy and began competing professionally. Within a year, Simone was among the most decorated pros in the sport. Her Hall of Fame induction just seven years later solidified her as one of pickleball’s true pioneers.
Life Beyond the Court
Away from tournaments, Simone’s life is full and grounded. She and her husband, Chad, are raising three children while managing a farm in Tennessee, complete with Highland cows, chickens, and seven dogs. For Simone, farm life is more than a hobby—it’s a return to her roots. Her parents raised cattle in Brazil, and she’s carried that connection forward into her own family’s daily life.
Whether mentoring young players, guiding her teenage daughter, or caring for animals, Simone approaches every role with presence and commitment.
A Philosophy of Empowerment
At the heart of Simone’s journey is empowerment. Growing up in a male-dominated culture, she was inspired by her mother’s strength and has carried that lesson into her own life. Today she champions women in sports and emphasizes the importance of presence in parenting.
She is candid about the challenges of balancing family, competition, and travel, and speaks often about the mental side of athletics. For Simone, legacy isn’t about medals—it’s about impact. “I want people to remember me as someone they could count on,” she says. “Someone who was always there for them.”
Looking Ahead
Though she has scaled back her professional schedule, Simone continues to play selectively, with her eyes on the U.S. Open. More importantly, she is pouring her energy into teaching, mentoring, and raising the next generation of athletes.
Her journey from Brazil to the U.S., from tennis to pickleball, and now from pro athlete to mentor, has been defined by courage, adaptability, and heart.
A Lasting Legacy
Simone Jardim may be the GOAT of pickleball, but her true greatness lies in how she lives her life. Her story is a reminder that greatness isn’t measured only in wins, but in the lives we touch along the way.
