I'm Anastasia Catherine, and my life has been measured in rallies, not press releases. I am a lifelong, competitive pickleball and tennis player—a practitioner, not a theorist—and the Chief Player at Volaea. My job is simple to say and hard to earn: I am The Player's Advocate. I fight for your on‑court experience with the same intensity I bring to a tiebreaker.

Authority through practice and proof

I'm a recognized expert author in the pickleball community, known for sharp, detailed analysis of both gear and strategy. I write like I play—precise, evidence‑driven, and unapologetically honest. My work is grounded in the court, not the showroom. If I recommend something, it's because I've pushed it through real, high‑intensity match conditions and it passed standards most products never meet.

My AuDHD superpower

Volaea's curation is powered by what many consider a challenge—and what I consider my competitive edge.

• Hyperfocus: I lock into details others overlook. That's why we enforce a no‑bounce pocket standard and a 3‑hour match approval for performance testing. If a pocket shifts during a sprint, or compression loses hold after the first set, it's out. No exceptions.
• Sensory sensitivity: Fabric, finish, and seam placement aren't "preferences" to me; they're non‑negotiables. Poor quality materials are not just uncomfortable; they are unbearable noise. I am the guardian of quiet comfort—so you can focus on your next shot, not your outfit.
• Justice sensitivity: I have a deep intolerance for misleading marketing claims. Overpromised, underperforming gear isn't just disappointing; it's an injustice to players. I built Volaea to protect your attention, your performance, and your wallet.

The catalyst: solving the Post‑Game Dilemma

The idea for Volaea began with a feeling many players know well: the Post‑Game Dilemma. I'd leave the court energized and centered—then feel instantly out of place in gear that performed on court but didn't belong anywhere else. I refused to choose between playing like an athlete and feeling like myself. Volaea is the answer: elevated, court‑to‑life apparel curated by players who test, reject, and refine until the result feels inevitable.

My role at Volaea: Chief Curator, the On‑Court Tester

I personally court‑test every product we consider. That means running, lunging, sliding, serving, and recovering in real conditions—heat, humidity, and long rallies—until I know exactly how a piece behaves under pressure. I eliminate anything that distracts: seams that rub by game two, liners that creep, waistbands that won't stay put, pockets that bounce, fabrics that hold sweat or cling. What remains is gear that disappears in motion and carries you with polish when the match is over.

The standard we uphold

• Real match conditions: Every piece must perform through sustained intensity, not just five minutes in a mirror.
• Fit that holds: Stability, recovery, and precision—no shifting, no fussing, no pulling mid‑point.
• Quiet comfort: Materials must feel clean against the skin. If I can hear or feel "noise," it's not Volaea.
• Honest performance: If a claim doesn't translate on court, we don't carry it. Period.

Why players trust this curation

Because my standards aren't theoretical—they're lived. I test what you'll trust. I reject what wastes your focus. And I recommend only what supports your game and your presence—on court and in life.

My promise to you

Every decision at Volaea answers two questions:

• How does it feel on court?
• Does it help you win?

If the answer isn't "effortless" and "yes," it doesn't make the cut. I'll keep doing the hard, meticulous work—so you can play free, dress elegantly, and move through your day with confidence.