Behind the Paddle dives deep into the lives of top pickleball pros, and in this episode, host Rob Nunnery sits down with Susannah Barr, a seasoned player with a remarkable background.
From serving in the military as an Arabic linguist to competing at the highest levels of pickleball, Susannah brings a unique perspective to the game.
The origin story: How Susannah found pickleball
Susannah first picked up a paddle in 2018 after an elbow injury made tennis too painful to play.
With no prior exposure to pickleball, she ordered a couple of Selkirk paddles from Amazon and started hitting with her 10-year-old son at the local YMCA in Boise.
Career before pickleball: From the army to the classroom
Before entering the pickleball world, Susannah served five years in the U.S. Army, learning Arabic and working as an "interceptor." Post-military, she earned a master's degree and spent a decade teaching English as a second language to immigrants and refugees.
“I’ve always been fascinated by other cultures and languages. Teaching ESL was incredibly rewarding.”
Balancing motherhood and a pro career
Susannah’s pickleball journey began alongside her son Porter, who was just 10 at the time.
The two traveled for regional tournaments, bonding through competition. Susannah reflects on the time spent traveling and competing with her son.
The evolution of pro pickleball and the realities of the grind
As one of the many players navigating the evolving pro landscape, Susannah provides a candid look at the challenges and opportunities. From managing travel and finding partners to building a brand and sustaining income, she breaks down the behind-the-scenes hustle.
“There’s this illusion that pro players have it made — but most of us are still figuring it out as we go.”
Brand building and coaching off the court
Susannah emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand, not just for sponsorship, but for long-term career sustainability.
She’s also a passionate coach, co-founding The Flying Pickle, an 18-court indoor facility in Boise, and sharing drills and instructional content online.
Global ambitions and giving back to the game
International travel has long been part of Susannah’s story, and now she’s using that passion to help pickleball grow globally. She recently played in Spain and hopes to bring the game to the Middle East, merging her love for languages, travel, and sport.
“Pickleball has given me so much. I want to help it grow in new corners of the world.”
Looking ahead: Camps, MLP, and exciting ventures
Susannah shares what’s next on her radar: hosting pickleball camps in Mexico with Dominic Catalano, playing for MLP, and expanding her Boise club’s reach.
