PaddleWar names Kristy Hartfield Lee County Market Director

PaddleWar, a nationwide amateur team pickleball league, has named Bonita Springs resident Kristy Hartfield as Market Director for Lee County, where she will lead the league’s expansion while building connections among players, facilities, residential communities and local businesses.

Hartfield will oversee the development of PaddleWar league play throughout Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs and surrounding Lee County communities. Her role will include recruiting players and team captains, establishing relationships with host facilities and communities, organizing local events and developing partnerships that enhance the PaddleWar experience both on and off the court.

“Pickleball has become a big part of my life, and I love how quickly it brings people together,” Hartfield said. “Becoming a PaddleWar market director felt like a natural opportunity to combine my passion for the sport with my experience organizing players, building relationships and creating successful events. I’m excited to introduce PaddleWar to more players throughout Lee County and build something that brings even more energy and connection to our local pickleball community.”

While competitive team play is at the center of PaddleWar, the organization is focused on creating a broader community for its players. Unlike leagues built around a single tournament or short season, PaddleWar offers year-round opportunities for players to compete, socialize and build relationships through league play, Discovery Days, special events and community initiatives.

“PaddleWar is about much more than what happens during a match,” said Nannette Staropoli, owner of PaddleWar. “We want players to find their team, meet new people and stay connected throughout the year. Kristy understands that vision. She knows the Lee County pickleball community and will help us create experiences that bring people together both on and off the courts.”

An important part of Hartfield’s role will be developing relationships with local businesses, sponsors and community partners. PaddleWar works with businesses in the markets it serves to create player benefits, event partnerships, prizes and special experiences while giving local companies opportunities to connect directly with an active pickleball audience.

Hartfield said one of her priorities is expanding opportunities for structured, competitive play while maintaining the social environment that has helped fuel pickleball’s popularity.

“I want to create more opportunities for players to connect, compete and have fun on and off the court,” Hartfield said. “Lee County is filled with passionate players, and I want to help create well-organized experiences that are competitive, welcoming and enjoyable. Most importantly, I want to strengthen the sense of community that makes pickleball so special.”

Hartfield will also organize and promote PaddleWar Discovery Days throughout Lee County. The events introduce players to the league through live rally-scoring play, demonstrations, information sessions, giveaways and opportunities to meet PaddleWar organizers, local partners and other players.