Colleen Riddle, author, speaker, pickleball coach, and community builder
Hi, I'm Colleen
I Help People Find Their Confidence, Their People, and Their Joy.
AUTHOR • SPEAKER • PICKLEBALL COACH • COMMUNITY BUILDER

Everything I do is rooted in one belief — that showing up, even when it's scary, changes everything.

Here's How I Can Help You

What started as pickleball lessons became something bigger: a community, a book, a retreat, and a mission to help people find their confidence, their people, and their joy.

Colleen Riddle teaching pickleball lessons and coaching players

Pickleball 

Whether you're brand new to pickleball or ready to improve your game, Fit Pickleballer offers a supportive place to learn, grow, and connect.
Came for the Game, Stayed for the People book cover by Colleen Riddle

The Book

Discover Came for the Game, Stayed for the People — true stories of friendship, belonging, and the unexpected ways pickleball changes lives.

Colleen Riddle speaking at an event about community and belonging

Speaking

Inspiring audiences through stories of connection, community, belonging, and the courage to say yes to new possibilities.

Wellness coaching and healthy lifestyle support with Colleen Riddle

Wellness

Helping people feel stronger, healthier, and more energized through fitness, wellness, and simple habits that last.

Book cover of Came for the Game, Stayed for the People by Colleen Riddle

You'll see yourself in these pages. Even if you've never picked up a paddle.

Came for the Game, Stayed for the People is a collection of true stories about friendship, resilience, belonging, and the unexpected ways our lives change when we have the courage to show up.

You'll meet people rebuilding after loss, finding confidence later in life, and discovering that sometimes the friendships we need most begin with a simple invitation.

You don't have to love pickleball to love this book.

You just have to love people.

Ebook available July 1 · Hardcover August 1, 2026


Save the Date

Rally, Renew & Reconnect Retreat in Gulf Shores, AL

More Than Pickleball-A Retreat for Connection, Renewal, and Growth 

October 29 – November 1, 2026  •  Gulf Shores, AL

Four days of pickleball, wellness, meaningful connection, and the chance to step away from the demands of everyday life.

Come exactly as you are.


Portrait of Colleen Riddle, pickleball coach, wellness expert, and author

I Don't Just Teach Pickleball. 

I Build Belonging.

I'm a coach, author, speaker, and community builder based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. I run two businesses—Fit Pickleballer and Elite Physique Personal Training—and create experiences that bring people together, from pickleball programs to beach bonfire gatherings on the Emerald Coast.

As co-author of 333: The Power of Equilibrium, I've long been passionate about helping people create healthier, more balanced lives. But over the years, I began noticing something unexpected happening on the pickleball court. People weren't just learning a game—they were finding friendship, belonging, confidence, and a place to be themselves. Those stories inspired my most personal work yet, Came for the Game, Stayed for the People.

I don't just teach pickleball or wellness. I build belonging. Every program, book, and event I create is designed to help you show up, find your people, and discover that one small yes can change everything.

What People Are Saying 

"I am so thankful for your friendship and the friendships I have developed. I definitely feel as though I have found my 'people.' Thank you for bringing us all together!"

— Harriet D.

"My wife talked me into signing up for the beginner class with Colleen. I thought it was only for women but to my surprise I wasn’t the only guy in the class. We had a ball! Colleen is very patient, experienced and a great coach of the game. Colleen made it a safe space for us to learn, create community and challenge us. It was so fun we signed up for the next advanced beginner class. If you are hesitant to jump in, just do it. You won’t regret it. We are now those addicted pickleballers!"

— Mark C.

"Colleen has created more than a class - but a pickleball experience/community. Her patient & clear instructions and incredible communication are all super helpful & appreciated. If you are hesitant as a complete newbie, don’t be! Everyone is so supportive & encouraging of one another. It’s a wonderful environment to learn & laugh your way through learning the game!"

— Lindsay T.

Looking for Your People?

You're in the right place.

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