501(c)(3) nonprofit · Vero Beach, Florida

A Heartfelt Approach To Teaching Youth Pickleball

Pickle with Heart is devoted to empowering youth, particularly at-risk and underserved, to develop confidence, teamwork, athleticism, and essential life skills through the fastest-growing sport in America.

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Founder Terri MacLeod guiding a young player through a forehand swing.

Founder Terri MacLeod coaching at a youth clinic.

Meet the Team

Meet Pickle with Heart, Inc.

Terri MacLeod is the founder of Pickle with Heart. As a pickleball enthusiast and a certified pickleball coach, she envisioned bringing the sport to youth in underserved communities. Terri recognized pickleball's inclusive community and knew it could foster personal growth on and off the court. In June 2025, she began teaching pickleball to at-risk youth in Belle Glade. The youth, many of whom had never picked up a racquet, loved the sport and Terri wanted to spread this passion to others. Hence, the beginning of Pickle with Heart, Inc. in August 2025.

Prior to Pickle with Heart, Terri had an extensive career in television in New York City. For 16 years, she worked at NBC's Access Hollywood as Senior Producer/Reporter. She obtained her Masters in Social Work from Rutgers University in June 2021. A recent resident to Vero Beach, Terri is excited to combine her 2 favorite passions — pickleball and helping out the youth who need it most.

Pickle with Heart, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Our Mission

More Than Just a Game

  • Skill Development

    Teaching pickleball fundamentals as a gateway to confidence, coordination, and healthy living for youth in underserved communities.

  • Life Skills

    Integrating essential lessons in resilience, leadership, and community engagement that extend beyond the court.

  • Local Impact

    Serving Florida's youth with accessible free programs that inspire growth and create opportunities for underserved communities.

Local Partnerships and Support

News update · 2/27/26

Pickle with Heart is honored to be selected into the Agassi x JOOLA Let's Play! program. Andre Agassi and JOOLA are dedicated to supporting nonprofits which are expanding pickleball to youth in underserved communities.

Youth Programs

Pickleball Clinics and Life Skills Workshops

  • Pickleball Instruction

    Open to all levels. Focus is on technique, strategy, and sportsmanship in a supportive environment. The goal is healthy competition. The sport is primarily taught via interactive on-court games. No boring ball feeding drills, here!

  • Life Skills Development

    Interactive workshops covering leadership, teamwork, goal-setting, and healthy habits that translate to success off the court.

  • Inclusive Community

    Special emphasis on supporting youth with diverse backgrounds and abilities, ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued.

Serving up Inspiration

A large group of campers and coaches lined up across the court, paddles in hand.

Community Impact

  • Building Confidence

    Youth campers discover hidden talents and develop self-assurance through structured play and gradual skill building.

  • Strengthening Families

    Family bonds grow stronger as children share their newfound skills and passion with parents and siblings.

How You Can Help

Get Involved and Support Our Mission

  • A coach feeding a ball to a young player under a covered court.

    Volunteer

    Share your time and skills as a coach, mentor, event supporter, or outreach coordinator. No pickleball experience necessary for many roles!

    Email us to volunteer
  • A coach addressing a circle of youth and volunteers on the court.

    Attend an event

    Support or attend community events like youth pickleball clinics and social fundraisers that raise awareness and resources for our mission.

    Ask about events
  • A young player holding a paddle and ball beside baskets of pickleballs.

    Donate

    Funds go directly into the foundation's business account and straight back out to the courts — paddles, balls, nets and free programming for the youth we serve.

    Click here to donate

Want to donate athletic wear or pickleball equipment? Contact Terri MacLeod at picklewithheart@gmail.com to arrange an in-kind donation.