How This Pregnant Pickleball Champion is Redefining What's Possible

How This "Pregy Pickler" is Redefining What's Possible

You know that moment when you see someone doing something that makes you think “Wait, I have NO excuse now”? Meet Lyra – the 6-month pregnant pickleball champion who’s serving up inspiration one tournament at a time.

When Life Gives You a Racket… And Morning Sickness

Let’s begin with you, doom-scrolling through your feed (we’ve all been there), probably avoiding that workout you swore you’d start “tomorrow,” when boom – videos of this sport called pickleball pop up. That’s exactly how Lyrashane Batao-Abella stumbled into what would become her obsession.

This girl was no stranger to competition – she dominated tennis from grade 3 through high school. But pickleball? That was pure accident courtesy of the algorithm gods.

“At first it was pure curiosity,” Lyra tells us. “I saw some of my tennis batchmates already playing, so I thought, why not give it a shot?”

Classic “why not” moment that changes everything. We love those.

The Day Everything Clicked

Earlier this year, some players from the Southern Bukidnon Pickleball Club decided to host an open play in Kibawe. Lyra showed up not knowing she was about to fall completely, utterly, head-over-heels in love.

“On that same day, I saw how passionate, encouraging, and fun the pickleball community is — especially here in Bukidnon — and right then and there, I fell in love with both the sport and the community.”

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and immediately think “These are my people”? That’s what happened here. Pure magic.

Plot Twist: She’s Playing for Two Now

Here’s where the story gets wild. Just four days after hitting her first trimester milestone, Lyra decides to compete in a tournament. Not only does she show up, she places 2nd runner-up!

But here’s the part that made us ugly-cry: “What made me most proud was that the audience, especially women, would wait for my games, watch me, and cheer me on — amazed that I was pregnant and still competing.”

The representation. The visibility. That moment when other women see you doing something they didn’t think was possible and suddenly think “Wait, maybe I can too.” That’s powerful stuff right there.

“My Doctor Said I Couldn’t” (So She Found a New Doctor)

Let’s pause for this important PSA: Lyra’s first OB-GYN told her to quit pickleball. Instead of just accepting it, she trusted her gut and doctor-shopped until she found someone who actually listened.

“I knew my body best. I believed I could do it, so I sought other opinions and eventually changed doctors.”

This isn’t just about sports – this is about women refusing to be told what they can’t do by people who don’t know their bodies. It’s about finding healthcare providers who see the whole you, not just a walking list of don’ts.

Three Things That Keep Her Going

When we asked what drives her to keep competing while growing a human, her answer hit different:

Her Body and Mind: “I couldn’t imagine staying at home and hibernating for my entire pregnancy.” Plus, she’s doing her homework – exercise during pregnancy can actually make labor easier. And mentally? She lives by “happy mom, happy baby.”

The Domino Effect: She’s been hearing things like “Kung kaya niya nga buros, kaya sad nako” (If a pregnant woman can do it, so can I) and “You’re amazing for being pregnant and still winning – it makes me want to step up my game.”

Plot twist: She had no idea she was inspiring anyone. That’s the thing about authentic representation – it just happens when you’re busy living your truth.

Her Tiny Cheerleader: Lyra’s baby literally kicks her when she gets nervous before games. We’re not crying, you’re crying! “She’s been so cooperative. I’ve never had pain or bleeding while playing. In fact, she even kicks me whenever I get nervous before my games.”

It’s like her daughter’s already coaching her from the inside: “You got this, Mom!”

She’s Not Being Reckless (Before You Ask)

Look, we know some of you are side-eyeing this whole pregnant-athlete thing. But Lyra’s being smart about it. Her current doctor gave her clear guidelines – stop if there’s any stomach pain, especially lower abdomen. She stays hydrated, pops her vitamins, gets nightly massages for sore muscles, and has dialed back her intensity.

“Whether I’m playing casually or competitively, I stay mindful of any discomfort — and thank God, I’ve never had any.”

This is what informed choices look like, people.

Court Wisdom That Works in Real Life

We asked what lessons from pickleball will help her in motherhood. Her answers? Pure gold:

Trust your gut
Patience is everything
Stay teachable – there’s always more to learn
Tune out the noise and focus on what matters

Honestly, we’re printing these out for our office wall.

“You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup”

Every mom needs to hear this part:

“Doing what you love while being a mother is not selfish — it’s self-love, and that’s vital in motherhood. Women are often told to pour everything into their families, which is valid, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. You need to keep filling yours too.”

Say it again for the cheap seats!

“You can be a great mom and pursue your passion. It’s about setting priorities, non-negotiables, and boundaries.”

This woman gets it. Being a mom doesn’t mean you stop being you.

Building Something Bigger

Lyra’s not just thinking about herself here. She wants pickleball to become THE family sport in Bukidnon and is pushing for more accessible facilities.

“Pickleball is a family sport — our whole family loves it, and it’s become our favorite bonding activity.”

She’s even calling out local governments: “LGU Kibawe has done it, so there’s no reason other LGUs can’t.”

And here’s the beautiful part – the pickleball community in Bukidnon is already making the sport super accessible. Don’t have a paddle? No problem. Players in places like Malaybalay are known for letting beginners borrow equipment just to try it out. Plus, spots like PicKibs – Pickleball Kibawe are open 24/7 with paddles and balls available, fully backed by their local government. Daro Pickleball Hub in Malaybalay is another go-to spot for players.

The Malaybalay Social Dinkers crew puts it perfectly: “People in Malaybalay are very nice. They let beginners and newcomers borrow their paddles to let them experience the fun of pickleball. PB is very addicting, so you’ll end up wanting your own paddle!”

We love a woman with a plan AND a community that makes it happen.

From “Impossible” to “I’m Possible”

Maybe the most beautiful part of Lyra’s story is how everything came together. She’d always wanted to be a mom, but it felt impossible after being diagnosed with a paratubal cyst and PCOS. Sports became her anchor during that struggle.

At the same time, her competitive fire was something she’d almost given up on until pickleball rekindled it.

“So being both a champ and a mom brings my confidence back in the best way.”

Sometimes life has this crazy way of giving us exactly what we need when we need it most.

What’s Next? More of the Same (And We’re Here for It)

After baby arrives, Lyra plans to keep competing if everything goes well, and if not competitive play, then definitely recreational. Because when you find something that lights you up, why would you ever stop?

Here’s the Thing

If watching a pregnant woman crush pickleball tournaments doesn’t make you reconsider your own excuses, what will?

Lyra’s story goes way beyond sports. It’s about trusting yourself when others doubt you, finding your tribe, filling your own cup, and showing other people what’s possible just by being yourself.

What’s Your Move?

We’re curious – what’s your version of pickleball? That thing you’ve been wanting to try but keep talking yourself out of?

Tell us:

Ever picked up a pickleball paddle?
What’s on your “someday” list?
What excuse are you ready to ditch?
Any fellow pregnant athletes or new mamas reading this?

Want more stories that make you rethink what’s possible? Stick around – we’re just getting started.