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Cathy Grace

Cathy Grace

Cathy found pickleball when life forced her to step away from tennis. After her cervical discs collapsed, she could no longer play or teach tennis—but pickleball gave her a way to stay active and competitive. What started as a necessity quickly became a passion. Three years later, she’s competing at the highest levels on the NPL senior pro circuit, even finishing second at the Boca Raton tournament in 2025.

With over a decade of tennis teaching experience, Cathy brings both technical skill and empathy to her coaching. She specializes in helping 3.5 players break through to the 4.0 level, with a sharp focus on serving and doubles strategy. Students can expect positivity, patience, and her mantra of “progress over perfection”—a reminder that growth happens one point at a time.

For Cathy, pickleball is the perfect mix of health, well-being, and friendship. It’s her happy place, filled with incredible friends and unforgettable moments—like when she and fellow pro Allie Reichert won an epic rally in Columbus, only to celebrate with a hilariously failed chest bump.

Cathy is a certified instructor with the Ohio Pickleball Academy at The Pickle Lodge, where she combines pro-level insight with an encouraging, fun-first style. Ready to take your game higher with Cathy? Click here to book a lesson and click here to view our upcoming clinics.