Jen Rogers isn't just Noe Khlif's biggest supporter courtside, she’s also paving her own way in pickleball and giving a little extra attention to moms and women in the sport. “I really do believe that the women are the heartbeat and soul of pickleball, and women are the heartbeat and souls of their families,” said Rogers. At the end of May, Rogers is launching her first collection from ELN, her pickleball fashion company that’s made for women, by women.As a busy mom of three young kids, she wanted to create something entirely her own. “I feel like in motherhood, I kind of lost myself. You can lose your spark a little bit and lose your passion because you’re so focused on your kids and being a good mom,” mentioned Rogers. “I saw making this brand as a way to give back to myself and show my kids that mom’s chasing her dreams and building a brand. If I can, they can too.” ELN is a passion project for Rogers. As a fashion lover with an understanding of high-level pickleball, she's focused on shining a spotlight on females involved in the game. “This is just my way to give back to the women of the sport a little bit more,” said Rogers. “I also want to uplift the women on tour who can get flack for screaming too much on the court, like Kate Fahey, Rachel Rohrabacher, or Anna Leigh Waters. I love those girls. They have every right to fight for their game and fight for their spots. Let them freaking roar. They can be as loud as they need.” Pickleball was an activity that really grounded Rogers and got her back in tune with herself after she became a mother. So of course she feels a little extra empathy for the pickleball moms. “I think there’s something deeper, too, when you’re a pickleball player and a mom. I see the pros like Brooke Buckner, Callie Smith, and Julie Johnson. There’s so much work that goes unnoticed, and I want to change that. I’m just on a mission to do that, and I want the women – especially the moms – to feel so seen,” insisted Rogers. “So many people don’t see the ins and outs of what it’s like to find a sport where you feel like yourself again, but you’re also off the court and giving everything and more to your family. These women need to be celebrated and I want to be a part of that,” she added. Whether they’re accomplished pros, playing 32 weeks pregnant, or making time for rec play after school drop-off, pickleball moms are superheroes. Rogers wants people to recognize that. “If I’m starting, I’m chasing my dreams and taking big risks, so other women can, too. I think the more women that can do that, it’s going to make the pickleball industry a really powerful place,” she concluded. To follow Rogers and keep up to date with the launch, follow ELN apparel and Rogers on Instagram. To keep up with all things pickleball, follow pickleball.com on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
