Brooke Buckner
Hometown: Concord, North Carolina
Paddle of Choice: Agassi Pro Pickleball Paddle

Growing up, Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf were athletes that Brooke Buckner truly admired. Known worldwide for his bold and rebellious style, Agassi is credited as one of the stars that helped elevate tennis to new heights in the ’90s and early 2000s. But what Brooke admired most about Agassi and Graf was their relentless drive to succeed.

She studied Andre’s signature two-handed backhand and Steffi’s legendary inside-out forehand shot, subconsciously assembling the building blocks that would come to define her own playing style.

So, when she received the call to become the first-ever Agassi x JOOLA signature athlete, it came with added sense of pride. “Now, my name is part of the Agassi and Graf pickleball story, and that means taking my game to a level it’s never been before.” 

That’s who Brooke Buckner is now, but who was Brooke Buckner and how did she become the powerhouse player we know today?

Tennis

As a former Division I tennis standout at the University of Michigan, Brooke left an indelible mark on the program, becoming its all-time leader in singles (112), doubles (121), and combined wins (233). Her dominance earned her four All-Big Ten First Team selections before she transitioned into coaching at prestigious programs like Yale and UNC Charlotte. But her competitive fire never faded—it simply found a new home in pickleball.

Pickleball

Agassi Signature Athlete

Adding another exciting chapter to her journey, Brooke recently teamed up with player she modeled her tennis game after, the iconic Andre Agassi! Brooke became the inaugural member of the Agassi x JOOLA team, debuting the new Agassi Pro pickleball paddle at the 2025 PPA Tucson Open.

Brooke's drive and determination were the defining features that made her a no-brainer to be on team Agassi. She now embarks on a journey to bring pickleball to the world and help Andre and Steffi cross-over and inspire the next generation.

“Right now, my game is at a level where I feel I can honor the Agassi and Graf legacy while continuing to shape my own game with the same passion and determination as two of my all-time favorites,” Brooke stated. 

Brooke Buckner’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and sheer competitive fire. From dominating on Michigan’s tennis courts to taking center stage in professional pickleball, she continues to be a player that pushes herself and the sport to new heights.