Des Brown is a passionate advocate for pickleball and the communities he serves. As the lead instructor and director of WePickle Charleston, Des has made it his mission to introduce the game to underserved populations, particularly minorities and youth. He is certified through the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) and is committed to using the sport to promote health, wellness, and social connection.

Born and raised in Charleston, SC, Des takes pride in his Geechee/Gullah heritage and has built a deep connection with the local community. His journey into pickleball began when a friend introduced him to the sport, and his love for it quickly grew. Des founded WePickle Charleston to make pickleball more accessible and to create opportunities for young people and underserved communities to engage in physical activity and social interaction.

Under Des’s leadership, WePickle has expanded to offer programs in local schools, including after-school enrichment and high school pickleball clubs. He has also helped foster a vibrant youth pickleball community in Charleston and beyond. Des’s impact extends beyond the local level, as he is the co-founder of Black Pickleballers United and the Global Black Pickleballers Association, initiatives aimed at increasing minority participation in the sport across the United States.

Des has also brought pickleball to state jails and juvenile detention centers, offering incarcerated youth and adults a chance to experience the game’s benefits. Through his tireless work, Des continues to grow the sport of pickleball, emphasizing its potential to foster physical health, build community, and create meaningful social connections.

Driven by a deep passion for both the game and the people he serves, Des Brown remains at the forefront of expanding pickleball access and promoting wellness through sport.