Smiley Riley is a nationally certified pickleball coach, visionary travel curator, and proud single mom whose passion for the game has transformed thousands of lives—including her own. 

After discovering pickleball during a difficult season following a divorce, Smiley quickly found purpose, healing, and joy on the court. What started as a personal escape soon grew into a professional calling. She’s since coached over 3,300 students of all ages and skill levels—both privately and at one of the country’s premier pickleball resorts, the JW Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix. 

Driven by her love of travel and community, Smiley created exclusive luxury pickleball yacht trips, bringing players together in stunning destinations like Croatia and Greece. These once-in-a-lifetime adventures feature onboard coaching, floating and land-based courts, and immersive cultural experiences—all personally curated by Smiley herself. Her trips have gone viral, drawing media attention and selling out regularly, with guests returning year after year. 

Most recently, Smiley launched a floating pickleball court company , Floating Pickle, designing and delivering high-quality, portable courts that allow people to play on the water in breathtaking locations. Her work is pioneering new ways to connect the sport with nature, joy, and exploration. 

As a single mother of three daughters, Smiley is passionate about showing what’s possible with heart, hustle, and a paddle. Her story is a celebration of reinvention, resilience, and the power of pickleball to build something beautiful—on and off the court.