Hi! I'm Ellen

I’m a leadership trainer, life coach, and lifelong racket sport enthusiast with a passion for helping people get unstuck, speak up, and go after what truly lights them up. Whether it’s through pickleball coaching or personal growth, I believe in playing with heart, showing up fully, and always thinking one smart step ahead—on the court and in life. From the boardroom to the baseline, my mission is to help others lead, live, and dink smarter every step of the way.

My love for racket sports began in a small apartment above a fish market in San Francisco. My grandma had a pair of old wooden badminton rackets from a garage sale, and by age 7, we were hitting shuttles across our tiny living room. At 10, I was swatting birdies with my dad in a San Francisco parking lot—dodging cars, laughing, and falling in love with the game.

By high school, I joined the girls' badminton team and played all four years—I was hooked for life. That passion only deepened as I added tennis to the mix, competing on both high school and college teams. While studying abroad, I played for the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and later joined an elite, Wilson-sponsored team in Menlo Park, California.

Over the years, I’ve earned countless medals in women’s and mixed doubles across tennis, badminton, and now pickleball. After moving to Colorado, I coached both the Colorado College and UCCS Badminton Clubs—and eventually transitioned into pickleball coaching, blending decades of competitive experience with a deep love for helping others improve their pickleball game

I discovered pickleball during the pandemic and quickly fell in love with its strategy, speed, and the vibrant, welcoming community. What began as a casual hobby has grown into a full-on passion. My pickleball coaching philosophy centers around playing smarter—not harder—building strong fundamentals, and empowering players to step into their confidence. Whether it's mastering a third shot drop or having a life-changing conversation, I believe growth starts with one smart, intentional move.

Curious about my life beyond the court?

Check out my other passion—leadership coaching and personal growth work at Unleashing Radiance, where I help leaders build strong team cultures and learn powerful communication skills.