We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maddie Toren. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maddie below.

Maddie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with education – we’d love to hear your thoughts about how we can better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career

When I left traditional schooling in the 10th grade, I gained the freedom to explore my passions and learn through real-world experiences. Instead of following a set curriculum, I could dive into topics and industries that genuinely interested me. This flexibility allowed me to take my first job at 15 with an Arizona-based social media agency, where I learned firsthand about content creation, client interactions, and the impact of digital marketing—lessons I wouldn’t have received in a classroom.

Then, in 2021, my family and I discovered pickleball, and like most players, I quickly became obsessed. I wanted to find ways to get involved beyond just playing, and that’s when I found refereeing. With the guidance of incredible mentors, I worked my way through the certification process, which took me a full year. The perseverance it required, and almost quitting along the way, helped me break out of my shell. I went from being shy and reserved to standing confidently on championship courts, making calls in front of professional players and live audiences.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned, something my dad instilled in me early on, is the importance of building relationships and trust. In any industry, people do business with those they feel a connection with. Knowing how to approach someone, create relationships, and bring value is an essential skill, yet traditional education rarely emphasizes it. I’ve found that strong people skills have been one of my greatest assets in growing my career and business.

Another key area that’s often overlooked is entrepreneurial thinking. Looking back, my interests have evolved over time. When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, and for a while, I thought that was my path. While I ultimately found my passion in pickleball and social media, that experience taught me how important it is to try new things and stay open to where life might lead you. Your interests can shift, and that’s okay. The more you explore, the more likely you are to find something that truly excites you.

If I could redesign the education system, I’d introduce more opportunities for self-driven learning and hands-on experiences. Schools should teach practical life skills like financial literacy, communication, how to use AI and social media effectively, and even basics like cooking and fitness. Imagine if students had the chance to set up a lemonade stand at a farmers market, not just as a fun activity but as a real learning experience in money management, sales, and customer interactions. Those lessons stick with you.

For students who feel like traditional education isn’t for them, I’d encourage them to explore alternative learning paths. If you have the self-motivation, there are so many online resources, programs, and mentors available today that can help you learn in a way that aligns with your goals.

The digital world has opened endless opportunities, whether it’s social media management, content creation, or working in a niche industry like pickleball marketing. For students who are interested, having the option to learn about digital marketing and content creation could provide them with real, in-demand skills. Learning how to stand out, bring your own unique touch to an industry, and develop valuable online skills can open the door to exciting career paths.

Ultimately, education should be about finding what excites you, learning by doing, and preparing for a fulfilling career, not just following a standard path because it’s expected. That’s what worked for me, and I believe more students could thrive if given the same opportunity.

Maddie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Maddie’s journey into the digital world began at just 14, when she first explored the power of social media. By 17, she was deeply involved in pickleball, a sport that quickly became her passion, leading her to become the youngest certified referee at 18. That same year, recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality, pickleball-specific social media content, she founded PKLD—a marketing agency dedicated to helping athletes and brands build their digital presence.

What started as a one-woman operation has grown into an industry-leading agency. Now, at 21, Maddie has turned PKLD into the go-to marketing powerhouse for pickleball professionals, brands, and businesses. Built on the ethos of “Elevate Your Brand, Automate Your Success,” PKLD specializes in strategic content creation, data-driven social media growth, and automated marketing systems that allow clients to focus on their passion while their brand flourishes online.

PKLD has redefined how pickleball players and businesses engage with their audience, helping them not just grow—but dominate the digital landscape. Maddie’s deep understanding of audience engagement, combined with a relentless drive for innovation, has set new standards in the industry.

What began as a passion project has evolved into a thriving agency shaping the future of pickleball marketing. PKLD continues to push boundaries, ensuring its clients don’t just exist in the digital space—they thrive.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As I developed my refereeing skills, I started to consider the potential of officiating as a long-term path, especially since I was one of the youngest referees at the time. However, I always saw it as one of the best stepping stones in my journey rather than the final destination.

As my marketing agency began to grow, I found myself working more and more with high-level athletes and brands within the professional pickleball space. That’s when I realized there was a conflict of interest. I wouldn’t be able to continue refereeing at the professional level while maintaining my relationships on the marketing side.

The decision to step away was difficult. Refereeing had been instrumental in helping me find my voice, and through it, I built relationships with incredible mentors and friends. At one tournament, I had to speak with the referee coordinator about which players I couldn’t officiate due to potential bias. When that list became too long, it became clear that it was time to move on.

Looking back, I know I made the right choice. Letting go of professional refereeing allowed me to fully invest in my agency, which has helped me flourish as an entrepreneur. While I’m no longer officiating on the pro tour, I still get to contribute to the refereeing world in a meaningful way. Whether it’s officiating at amateur events or educating beginners on the rules of pickleball through social media and other platforms.

This experience taught me that being open to change is key to growth. When one door starts to close, another is often opening, you just have to be willing to walk through it. Pivoting can feel uncertain, but when you embrace new opportunities, it can lead to something even bigger than you imagined.

How did you build your audience on social media?

When I started creating pickleball content, it came from a genuine love for the sport. I was excited to share what I was learning, and that passion made the process fun rather than feeling like work. At the same time, I applied what I already knew about social media—what drives views, engagement, and growth—and within my first few months, I had a video reach over a million views. That experience showed me the power of combining passion with strategy. I experimented with different styles, from educational rules posts and tournament tips to behind-the-scenes moments, trends, and skits. Over time, I learned what resonated most with my audience and leaned into that. More than just posting, I made an effort to engage—replying to comments, answering DMs, and being part of the larger conversation in the pickleball community. It wasn’t just about numbers; it was about creating content that people connected with and found valuable.

For those just starting out, the key is to focus on value and consistency. Find a niche that genuinely excites you, because passion translates through the screen and makes content more engaging. Whether it’s education, entertainment, or storytelling, create content that speaks to your audience and feels natural to you. Engage with your community by responding to comments, joining conversations, and being authentic. Test different content styles, learn from what performs best, and don’t be afraid to adapt. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but if you stay consistent and genuinely connect with your audience, you’ll build a presence that lasts.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://maddietoren.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/maddietoren
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maddiepickleball
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maddietoren/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maddietoren