Jensen, alongside fellow players Taylor Garcia, Courtney McIntosh, and Courtney Kendall, is participating in a 14-day tour of U.S. military bases across six countries: the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Djibouti. The group aims to promote the love of pickleball while sharing a message of gratitude and support during the holiday season.

Danny Jensen on a stop in Kuwait during his overseas trip

This initiative, part of the Pro Pickleball Tour in collaboration with Pro Sports MVP and presented by Armed Forces Entertainment, holds a special place in Jensen’s heart. With several family members having served in the military, including a cousin recently deployed, the cause resonates deeply with him.

“I think this is the best way I can give back through the sport of pickleball, especially to our military, and especially on the other side of the world,” said Danny Jensen during a recent stop in Bahrain. “This is something I’ve placed at the top of my priority list. It doesn’t matter if there’s a tournament or any other commitment—I will always choose to serve those who serve our country and make it possible for me to play this incredible game. I’ll choose that over playing for myself any day.”

Jensen, along with Taylor Garcia, Courtney McIntosh, and Courtney Kendall, is hosting clinics to teach the fundamentals of America’s fastest-growing sport. They’re sharing strategy tips, playing matches, and spreading their enthusiasm for the game.

It turns out pickleball has become quite popular among military personnel.

“Many of these military bases are forming their own pickleball groups,” Jensen shared. “We see anywhere from 15 to 45 people at each base playing consistently, whether it’s on gym floors or makeshift courts outdoors. They’ll use whatever they can to play. In Saudi Arabia, we played with firefighters on a court where they park their trucks, and in the UAE, we played with a bomb squad that set up a court in their parking lot. These men and women love pickleball just as much as anyone I’ve ever met. When we arrive, it feels like the Super Bowl is happening—they’re so eager to play. It’s easy to see why pickleball can become an obsession.”

Jensen is committed to creating a memorable experience for every participant, giving them an opportunity to shift their focus away from their demanding duties—even if it’s only for an hour or two.

Sometimes, a short break is all it takes to make a big difference.

“At its core, this is about bringing people together through a sport that’s healthy and offers a break from the stress of daily life and work,” Jensen explained. “Especially during the holidays, being away from family can be really tough. Pickleball brings a bit of normalcy, a sense of fun and competitiveness, and serves as a much-needed outlet for stress. Being able to provide that for our military personnel, who put their lives on the line every day, is truly incredible.”

Before wrapping up at each base, Jensen, Garcia, McIntosh, and Kendall always make it a point to personally thank everyone for their service and encourage them to keep playing and enjoying the game.

After all, that’s what this tour is all about.

“Everything we do is for these men and women,” Jensen emphasized. “When we’re leaving, we always try to encourage them by saying, ‘Keep growing the sport!’ They genuinely love pickleball and are fantastic advocates, especially within the military. They’re helping the sport grow organically, much like we’ve done in our local communities.

We remind them not to hesitate to invite new people to join, no matter their skill level. The more people they bring in, the stronger the pickleball community on base will become.” Find More Here