Player Spotlight: Averi Durham – Fueled by Passion, Powered by Pickleball
- Pickleball Power Play
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Every now and then, a player comes along who lights up the court not just with skill, but with spirit. Meet Averi Durham, a standout competitor, fierce teammate, and all-around amazing human who took part in the 1st Annual West Texas Panhandle Showdown in Amarillo, Texas — and walked away with championship medals and a whole lot of court time.
We caught up with Averi to dive into her pickleball journey, learn about her off-court life, and find out what makes the Power Play experience unforgettable.
Find Averi on Social Media
🏓 Pickleball Power Play: How did you first get into pickleball?
Averi: I got into pickleball while I was coaching kids’ tennis! My coworkers convinced me to play with them, and I got hooked immediately.
💬 What’s your favorite thing about the game?
The community, by far. This community is so fun and welcoming — I’ve made so many meaningful friendships through this sport!
🥇 Favorite pickleball memory so far?
There are so many to choose from! One I think about often is winning a golden ticket at a National qualifier… on a torn meniscus, haha! That was a long day!
💪 How has pickleball impacted your life overall?
It’s touched every part of my life — deep friendships, fun fitness, mental strategy, and a boost of confidence on and off the court.
🚨 How did you hear about Pickleball Power Play?
When y’all hosted a tournament in Amarillo for the first time — that’s when I found out!
🎉 What was your Power Play experience like?
I loved it! I got bronze in both Coed and Mixed 4.5/5.0 divisions and spent about 13 hours on the court that weekend. I was sore — but smiling.
🔥 What sets Power Play tournaments apart?
The amount of court time you get! You’re guaranteed tons of pool games with short wait times. It’s nonstop, high-quality play.
🏟 Favorite place to play?
ANTC will always feel like home, but I also love Oasis in Rockwall, TX!
🎒 Tips for first-time Power Play players?
Bring a lot of water, a few snacks, and an extra hat if you’re a sweater like me 😉 Be prepared for a LOT of pickleball!
📈 Current rating and 2025 goals?
I’m currently rated 4.4. My 2025 goals were to podium in 4.5 and play in another state. I’ve now podiumed in both 4.5 and 5.0 — just need to compete in a new state to check off my goals!
🏡 Where are you from?
I’m originally from Higgins, TX, and now live in Canyon, TX.
💼 What do you do for work?
I’m a Business Coordinator at a marketing firm, which I love! I’m also thinking about going back to school for my Master’s in Counseling.
🤓 Fun fact about your job?
Even though my title is Business Coordinator, we’re a small team — so I also help out in the shop!
🎨 What are your hobbies outside of pickleball?
I also play tennis, disc golf, and I’m learning ping pong! I love traveling, cooking, creating, and spending quality time with loved ones.
🗓 What’s a weekend like when you’re not playing?
Usually filled with travel, hiking, game nights, or watching my little brother compete in OAP, basketball, or tennis.
👨👩👧 Tell us about your family.
They’re incredibly supportive! After my very first tournament, they all started playing, and they come watch me compete whenever they can. They’re my favorite cheerleaders!
🌎 Have you traveled for pickleball?
Yes! One of my goals is to play in every state. So far, my favorites have been Salt Lake City, UT, a group trip to Las Cruces, NM, and an MLP tournament in New Braunfels, TX.
🌟 Who inspires you?
My women’s partner Kelly. She’s consistent, communicative, positive, and a fighter — on and off the court. One of the kindest, coolest humans I’ve ever met.
💖 What are you proud of outside the sport?
My siblings. They’re kind, thoughtful, and fun — my best friends. I’m incredibly proud to be their big sister.
🎾 Dream pickleball partner?
Serena Williams — she was one of my biggest inspirations in tennis, and now she’s taken up pickleball too! It would be a dream to play with her.
💬 Final Thoughts
Averi represents what Pickleball Power Play is all about: community, passion, resilience, and having a blast while growing the game. We’re lucky to have her as part of our family — and can’t wait to see what state she plays in next!
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