Play Henry is on a mission to disrupt the male-dominated racquet sports industry by blending the latest in sports tech with beautiful design. We’re building a community of women who value the intersection of sport and social connection.

Tell us a little bit about how Play Henry started.

Play Henry began out of a shared love for sport. Grace was a D1 college lacrosse player and I [Ellie] was an All-American lacrosse player in high school. We met on our first day of business school and started playing pickleball every chance we got between classes and activities. While looking to buy our own paddles, we saw a gap in the market—high-quality paddles tended to look hyper-masculine, while the more attractive designs often lacked durability and performance. We wanted a paddle that combined high quality with great design, so we decided to create one ourselves.

What is your favorite memory from the first year in business?

We were in our second year of business school at UVA during our first year in business so Winning Phase II of the UVA Entrepreneurship Cup, and then placing third in Phase III, was a really special experience for us. We were surrounded by so many incredible friends, mentors, and professors all celebrating Play Henry together. It was a proud moment that would not have been possible without the support of the UVA community.

Looking back, what’s one thing you learned early on that still shapes how you work today?

Work hard, lift up those who come after you, and don't compare yourself. There is room for everyone.