Even though Lea Jansen isn’t competing at this week’s Opendoor Pickleball World Championships as she recovers from a fractured patella in her left leg, she is still making headlines with the release of her new signature paddle with JOOLA.

Debuting in lime green and light purple, the paddle is inspired by Jansen’s tap-centric serve routine, with a lime green bleed at the top of the paddle marking exactly where she taps it against her body.

But the paddle and its corresponding release carry an extra significance and serve a greater purpose for Jansen: her battle with Type 1 Diabetes.

Jansen was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes when she was 23 years old, but that hasn’t stopped her from becoming one of the most decorated players on the PPA Tour with seven career titles and over 70 career medals.

Managing her blood sugar through long tournament days, travel, and match-day adrenaline has taken trial and error, but through working with her care team, Jansen has developed a routine that brings together nutrition, training, mental performance, support, and treatment.

In recognition of that effort and perseverance, JOOLA is making a $10,000 charitable donation to Breakthrough T1D to support its mission to cure, prevent, and better treat Type 1 Diabetes.

“This paddle is me, right down to the lime green mark where I tap it before every serve. After my Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis, there were days when I wasn’t sure I’d get back to playing my best. Working with my care team, I found a way, and I’m proud this launch also supports Breakthrough TID and the research that will change life for people living with TID,” said Jansen.

The Lea Jansen Hyperion Pro V is available now on JOOLA’s website and will also be available this week at Pickleball Central on Pickleball Boulevard at the PPA World Championships.