MUMBAI: Pickleball just served up its biggest move yet, and no, it's not another spin shot. The World Pickleball League (WPBL), fresh off a roaring inaugural season in Mumbai, has appointed Charlotte Whitby-Coles as its new chief operating officer. And let’s just say, the league isn’t volleying this one lightly.
On 24 March 2025, WPBL announced Charlotte’s elevation in what it called a strategic move to capitalise on her behind-the-scenes brilliance during season one. She was the silent ace—scouting talent, managing players, and making sure the chaos stayed charming. With 17 years running a tennis and pickleball academy in Panchgani, a background in U18 and collegiate tennis in the UK, and a career that juggles sports, film production, and academia, Charlotte brings a multi-hyphenate punch to the role.
“Charlotte has brought tremendous value to WPBL, ensuring our first season delivered on its promise of top-tier pickleball action on the court and unmatched entertainment off it. Her career spans multiple fields, including sports and entertainment, with extensive experience in tennis, pickleball, film production, and academia. This unique, holistic perspective makes her the ideal choice to lead WPBL to even greater heights. Women make up 40 per cent of the pickleball community of India and throughout the world and are an integral part of the sport. We are committed to integrating more women into every aspect of pickleball, and having Charlotte taking on leadership role in the WPBL is reflective of how we can achieve this goal and promote the inclusion of women in the sport,” said WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar.
As COO, Charlotte will now steer strategy, operations, production, and execution as WPBL sets its sights on an even bigger and bolder second season. The league wrapped up its inaugural run from 24 January to 2 February, with international talent gracing the courts and Bengaluru Jawans taking the championship crown.
Reflecting on her appointment, Charlotte said, “I have known Gaurav and Arati for a long time now and we share a great respect for each other as friends and professionals. I have witnessed at close quarters their impressive ability to execute their vision and ideas successfully, and the grand scale of season one was testament to that. The journey so far has been amazing, so the decision to accept this new role was an easy one. I am truly grateful and honoured for the opportunity and trust bestowed upon me and I look forward to working with Gaurav and Arati and the whole team at WPBL to make season two even bigger and better.”
With 40 per cent of the global pickleball community made up of women, WPBL's decision to place Charlotte at the helm isn't just strategic—it's symbolic. It's a clear nod to inclusivity, vision, and a future that rallies more women into leadership, both on and off the court.
