At just 15 years old, Emily and Katherine Cho are rewriting what it means to be young athletes in a fast-rising sport that’s sweeping the nation—pickleball. The Ridgewood-based twins, who started playing three years ago, have already won state and national titles, earned ambassador roles, and built a community that stretches far beyond the court. But for Emily and Katherine, it’s about much more than medals—it’s about connection, confidence and giving back.
Finding Their Game
Like many during the pandemic, the Chos were looking for something new to do when their tennis lessons came to a halt. A family friend suggested pickleball and invited them to a clinic at Downtown Sports in Mahwah. At first, they were the only kids surrounded by adults. But with the encouragement of their first coach, Tina Marchie, they quickly fell in love with the game.
“She made us feel like we belonged,” Emily says. “We realized age doesn’t really matter in pickleball. Everyone’s welcome.”
As the girls progressed, they found strength not only from their coaches, but from a growing support system of mentors who treated them like family. Among them is Sarah Kim, who the girls lovingly call their “second mom” in all things pickleball. Whether cheering them on from the sidelines, helping them navigate tournament life, or stepping in when their mom wasn’t sure how to handle a pickleball-specific moment, Sarah has become one of their biggest champions. It truly takes a village.
A Shared Passion—and Twin Telepathy
Emily describes herself as the quiet, focused twin; Katherine calls herself the loud and social one. Together, their contrasting personalities create a strong on-court partnership.
“We understand each other really well—like twin telepathy,” Katherine says with a laugh. “We know what the other one’s about to do.”
Their teamwork shows in their results. This year, Emily and Katherine competed at the 2025 Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, taking home gold in the 4.5 Women’s Doubles Champions Division Under 50 (ages 8–34)—the largest pickleball tournament in the world, featuring competitors from Vietnam, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia and more.
They also competed at the 2025 Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, where they earned silver in Junior Girls Doubles. (Katherine also brought home gold in Junior Mixed Doubles.)
As their competition level climbs, so does their commitment. Pickleball is a year-round sport, and between tournaments the girls train up to five times a week while managing a full schedule of sophomore-year honors coursework.
“Sometimes it’s hard missing school or taking tests early,” Emily says. “But it’s worth it.”
A Sport That Builds More Than Skill
Pickleball has helped the Chos grow not only as athletes, but as young women.
“I used to be really shy,” Emily shares. “Playing with adults helped me come out of my shell. The community made me feel confident.”
Katherine agrees. “The community at The Pickler feels like family,” she says. “Everyone supports each other.”
Giving Back Through the Game
Earlier this year, the sisters helped co-host and work at the Dink for a Difference charity event after learning about it from friend and organizer Paula Southren. Proceeds supported Comfort Cases, a nonprofit founded by Rob Scheer that provides essential items to children entering foster care.
“When Rob gave his speech, I cried,” Katherine recalls. “It really inspired us.”
The girls are now working to start a Comfort Cases club at their high school. They also volunteer by teaching developmentally challenged young adults how to play pickleball, including youth connected with Give Chances who expressed interest so they could eventually compete in the Special Olympics.
“It feels special to use something we love to help others,” Emily says.
Looking Ahead
The Chos have a packed 2026 ahead, including:
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PPA Tour – Cape Coral, FL (February)
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Minto U.S. Open – Naples, FL (April)
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Potential Pro-Qualifier events later in the year
They hope to one day compete collegiately—and maybe professionally.
“We want to keep playing for life,” Katherine says. “It’s a sport anyone can play at any age, and it’s given us so much already.”
The Cho Sisters
Ridgewood, NJ
Age: 15
Grade: 10
Notable National Results
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11/24: Bronze — Junior Girls Doubles U16, Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships (Dallas, TX)
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4/25: Silver — Junior Girls Doubles U16, Minto U.S. Open (Naples, FL)
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6/25: Silver — 4.5 Women’s Doubles, Select Medical Orange County Cup (San Clemente, CA)
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8/25: Gold — 4.5 Women’s Doubles, Veolia Bristol Open (Bristol, TN)
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11/25: Gold — 4.5 Women’s Doubles Champions Division Under 50, Jenius Pickleball World Championships (Dallas, TX)