The PPA Adds Two New Touring Pros to its Ranks

Marietta Wright

Marietta, or “Etta” Wright is a 30-year-old, recently turned pickleball pro hailing from American Fork, Utah. She played D-2 tennis at BYU-Hawaii as a college student and went on to become an assistant coach for her old tennis team. She also taught beginner level courses for the university in badminton, tennis, ping pong, racquetball – in fact, nearly every racquet sport besides pickleball! 

Born in New Zealand and raised in Menlo Park, CA, Etta has been all over, but has redirected the majority of her attention and energy into pickleball over the last year. Marietta also juggles being a stay-at-home mom to her 3-year-old daughter Isla with the help and support of her husband, Jake. She’s a self-proclaimed foodie, and her hobbies include trying lots of new restaurants.

Marietta is an up-and-coming top pro with a big two-handed backhand and great movement on the court. Her favorite shot is anything floating high that she can smack down. She’ll be teaming up with a variety of partners, including Brooke Buckner in women’s doubles, as she begins competing full-time on the 2023 PPA Tour.

Brooke Buckner

Brooke Buckner is a 30-year-old, high-level tennis player who competed at the D-1 level at the University of Michigan, where she played the #1 doubles slot and 2-4 slots in singles. She grew up in Delray Beach, FL and currently resides in Concord, North Carolina. She found pickleball after her mom switched over to pickleball from tennis because of an injury and convinced Brooke to give it a try along with her.

Prior to pickleball, Brooke coached tennis at Western Michigan, Yale and UNC Charlotte. She’s now all-in on pickleball and has chosen to begin competing full-time. She’s also a proud mom of two – 2.5-year-old Lucas and 1-year-old Ellie – and has the help of super-dad and husband, Adam, as she manages her new professional career. Brooke also discovered her most recent hobby – baking – back in 2020 after the birth of her son and is now a thriving local cookie maker and decorator.

Brooke is a JOOLA-sponsored athlete with lots of power and finesse to her game. She will partner up with Marietta Wright in women’s doubles, as well as mixed doubles with pro legend, Steve Deakin. Her favorite shot is the two-handed backhand drive. She is super excited to join the PPA Tour and can’t wait to compete beside the best in the world!