Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaina Active.
Hi Alaina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t set out to start a pickleball club… it really began during a season of personal transition, when I was craving movement that felt joyful, social, and grounding. Pickleball entered my life as a way to play again as an adult, and it quickly became something I genuinely looked forward to. It felt therapeutic, both physically and mentally, and I began to notice just how powerful it was in bringing people together.
As I spent more time on the courts in Miami, I started to see a gap. While pickleball is incredibly social by nature, it can also feel intimidating for newcomers, especially if you don’t know the rules, don’t know anyone, or don’t see yourself reflected in the existing culture. I’ve always considered myself an athlete, but I had no background in racquet sports, so integrating at first was challenging. That experience made me want to create a space where people felt welcomed from the moment they showed up, regardless of skill level.
That desire evolved into The Serve Social: a pickleball-based community rooted in connection, consistency, and the joy of play. Miami’s wellness energy played a huge role in its growth. The city is extremely active, health-conscious, and open to new ideas, and I wanted the community to reflect that lifestyle.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting something new is rarely a completely smooth road. Miami is full of groups and events competing for attention, and one of the biggest challenges early on was the uncertainty of not knowing how long it would take to build momentum before seeing consistent turnout or traction. Creating a truly welcoming environment also takes intention, especially in a sport where people can feel self-conscious or unsure of where they fit.
Balancing logistics took experimentation as well, from navigating public courts and monitoring weather to scheduling and balancing this passion alongside other work commitments. As the community grew, I also had to learn how to hold space for people with different personalities, skill levels, and expectations while staying true to the original vision.
Those challenges ultimately shaped how I lead. They taught me the importance of consistency, clarity, and designing experiences with empathy. I’ve learned that community grows from presence and follow-through and that simply showing up is often half the battle!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Serve Social is a Miami-based pickleball social club and wellness-forward community. We host weekly open-play gatherings, curated social events, and soon, upcoming brand activations designed to bring people together through movement and connection. Every Friday morning from 8–10am, we gather for Friendly Friday Open Play at Flamingo Park in Miami Beach- a consistent moment in the week where people know they can show up, connect, and start their weekend on a positive note.
What sets The Serve Social apart is that it’s people-driven rather than performance-driven. The focus is on creating an environment that feels inclusive, social, and fun, where beginners feel just as welcome as experienced players. It’s about showing up, meeting new friends, and enjoying the experience, not just winning games. Being a beginner in any new endeavor can be intimidating, and I wanted to create a space where people feel they belong without judgment or an overly competitive atmosphere.
In addition to building The Serve Social, I’m the Miami Pickleball in the Sun Ambassador, supporting the growth of the sport through community engagement, events, and partnerships. I also bring over eight years of experience as a wellness and fitness professional and event planner, having worked across a wide range of movement-based experiences from yoga and pilates to boxing, HIIT, fitness races, wellness retreats, festivals, and lifestyle events. I’ve always been inspired by creating meaningful experiences that bring people together, and that background influences how I design gatherings: thoughtfully, aesthetically, and with intention.
What I’m most proud of is the sense of belonging that’s formed. Watching people go from first-time players to regulars, and seeing real friendships grow both on and off the court, has been incredibly rewarding. At its core, The Serve Social is about connection, and that will always remain the foundation as the brand continues to expand into events, partnerships, and experiential wellness offerings.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
This is what I would share for anyone who is just starting out:
-Start with what genuinely excites you, passion is contagious and it naturally attracts the right people.
-You don’t need everything figured out before you begin; clarity comes from doing.
-Consistency matters more than perfection, especially when you’re building something community-based.
-Focus on people before numbers, and create the kind of environment you would want to show up to yourself.
-Be open to collaboration, stay flexible as things evolve, and trust the process. If you lead with intention and heart, the right people will find their way to what you’re building!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Valerie Brunette
