About Sher & Shelley

Two friends from Washington state who found community on a pickleball court, then spent years listening to how the game changed other people’s lives.

Sher Emerick, M.Div.

Co-author and podcast co-host

Sher has always been guided by a deep desire to connect, listen, and uplift others, a calling shaped by a rich and varied path. Raised in the hills of South India and educated at Kodaikanal International School, she returned to the U.S. for college and graduate studies, carrying that diverse background into a life of ministry, documentary filmmaking, and advocating for those whose voices too often go unheard.

After retiring from her video production company, divorcing, and moving to start over, Sher was delighted to discover pickleball. On the court, she found personal strength, shared joy, and a readiness for life’s new adventures.

Today, Sher treasures her roles as sister, aunt, mom, and Nana. She lives in Washington state and co-hosted the Life Lessons from Pickleball™ podcast.

Shelley Maurer, B.S.

Co-author and podcast co-host

Shelley has always been curious about people, what shapes them, what connects them, and what helps them find joy even when life gets hard. After years of traveling the world and settling back in Seattle, she found herself searching for something she hadn’t expected to need: community. She found it on a pickleball court.

What began as a way to connect quickly became so much more. Shelley fell in love with the competition, the challenge, the laughter, and especially the people. Pickleball has brought unexpected friendships, tremendous joy, and a sense of empowerment that reaches far beyond the court. It continues to challenge her to grow, stay present, and discover what’s possible.

Family remains at the center of Shelley’s life. A wife, mom, and a passionate Nana, she lives in Washington state and co-hosted the Life Lessons from Pickleball™ podcast.