Grace Collins and Ellie Jamison are the founders of Play Henry, a custom high-end pickleball paddle company, and one of our 2024 12 Gifts of Hooville partners. We asked them about their UVA story and the journey to create Play Henry.
Tell us a little bit about how Play Henry started.
Play Henry began, of course, out of a shared love for pickleball! Grace and I met on our first day of business school and started playing pickleball every chance we got between classes and activities. While looking to buy our own paddles, we saw a gap in the market—high-quality paddles tended to look hyper-masculine, while the more attractive designs often lacked durability and performance. We wanted a paddle that combined high quality with great design, so we decided to create one ourselves.
When you’re back on Grounds, what’s the one place you must visit?
Bodo’s Bagels!
What is your favorite UVA memory?
Winning Phase II of the Entrepreneurship Cup last year, and then placing third in Phase III, was a really special experience for us. We were surrounded by so many incredible friends, mentors, and professors all celebrating Play Henry together. It was a proud moment that wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the UVA community.
What’s one thing you learned at UVA that you carry with you today?
Work hard, always support those who come after you, and have fun while doing it!
How do you stay connected to UVA?
We regularly return to Grounds to talk with students, connect with professors, and participate in UVA pickleball events. We also feel connected to the community through our UVA x Play Henry pickleball paddle—it’s a great feeling knowing there are students, alumni, and fans choosing to buy and play with it, keeping us close to the UVA community.