Her Story
About Lina
Lina Padegimaite is a professional pickleball athlete, Doctor of Physical Therapy, coach, and speaker based in Austin, Texas. She competes full-time on the PPA Tour and represents the New Jersey 5s in Major League Pickleball, bringing a high-performance mindset shaped by years of competitive tennis. Before transitioning to professional pickleball, Lina competed in Division I tennis at The University of Texas at Austin and represented Lithuania’s National Women’s Tennis Team. Her experiences as an elite athlete have shaped her resilience, discipline, adaptability, and commitment to continuous growth.
Lina combines her athletic career with an extensive background in physical therapy and human performance. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology from The University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Texas State University. She previously worked as a physical therapist at the Center for Healing and Regenerative Medicine and developed expertise in human movement, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and performance optimization. Her professional and personal experiences with athletic injury and recovery have further strengthened her interest in helping athletes maximize their physical potential while maintaining long-term health and performance.
As a coach and community advocate, Lina works with individuals, teams, and organizations through pickleball clinics, private coaching, camps, speaking engagements, and corporate team-building events. She focuses on developing both physical skills and mental performance, helping players build confidence and reach their potential on and off the court. Lina is also connected with professional organizations including the American Physical Therapy Association, the Professional Pickleball Association, and the Professional Pickleball Registry, and she has received recognition including the P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship and a Big 12 postgraduate scholarship. Through her work as an athlete, healthcare professional, and coach, Lina aims to grow pickleball worldwide while promoting movement, teamwork, lifelong health, and meaningful connections.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the people who have helped me build confidence and recognize my potential. Photographer Valentina McGregor had a meaningful impact on me by helping me see myself in a new light through professional photography. Her influence reinforced my belief that women can be successful, confident professionals while also being nurturing and compassionate individuals.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to pursue their dreams when they have the support and confidence to do so. I left a stable career as a physical therapist to pursue professional pickleball, and although the rewards took time, I believe it was worth the risk. Women often choose the safer path, but I believe it is better to try than to live with regret. Even if things don’t work out as planned, the experience can provide valuable lessons and growth.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are growth, service, and giving back. I enjoy helping athletes improve both physically and mentally so they can perform at their best on the court. My involvement with the American Physical Therapy Association and Professional Pickleball Association reflects my commitment to my profession and sport, while my connection with PEO is especially meaningful because its support helped me earn my physical therapy degree through a scholarship. I value opportunities to support others in the same way I have been supported.
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