Team chemistry is everything in Major League Pickleball.

The top teams don’t just bring elite skill, they build environments where players genuinely connect.

The St. Louis Shock might be the best example of that. Their success is fueled in part by two strong friendship duos: Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio, along with Anna Bright and Kate Fahey.

Bright and Fahey, in particular, have been vocal about how much their off-court friendship translates to on-court success.

“Anna is one of my closest friends on tour. We’ve kind of developed this girl trio with me, Anna, and Lea [Jansen]. We have a group chat and we go to dinner all the time. Their support just means the world to me,” said Fahey. “We travel day in and day out, so having those friendships is super important.”

During the PPA season, Fahey, Bright, and Jansen are constantly in each other’s corners, sitting on the same benches, cheering each other on, and eating together after long tournament days. And thanks to Bright’s vlogs, fans get a behind-the-scenes look at their friendship that makes you want to be part of their group.

What makes it even more compelling is the contrast. Off the court, their bond is easy and genuine. On the court, it’s the complete opposite. Fahey, Bright, and Jansen are intense, locked in, and all business. There’s no joking around. They compete with a serious edge, often finding themselves on opposite sides of the net in both singles and doubles.

Even as frequent opponents, they’re able to keep their friendship intact. They might be some of the fiercest competitors on tour, but they’re still showing up for each other, cheering from the sidelines and even celebrating life moments like weddings together.

That balance between intensity and genuine support is what makes their dynamic so special.

“You don’t want to be alone out there,” said Fahey. “Having those girls in my corner has helped a ton.”

Now that MLP season is underway, Fahey and Bright finally get to compete on the same side with the Shock. They mirror each other’s intensity, but you can also see how much fun they’re having doing it.

It’s not just that Fahey and Bright share a sense of humor or common interests, it’s that Fahey genuinely respects and values who Bright is at her core.

“I’m so impressed by her ability to balance everything that she does. I mean, she’s tied to be the No. 1 women’s doubles player in the world and No. 2 in mixed doubles. She’s building a whole school, her brand, and signing with Pickleballtv, and I’m just constantly impressed by what she does in 24 hours. I don’t know if that girl sleeps,” said Fahey. “Balancing all that and just being an incredible friend for me through the years has been so amazing. She’s amazing to me and she means a lot to me.”

That friendship might be the secret ingredient behind their success in MLP, but at the very least, it makes life on the road a whole lot more enjoyable.

To keep up to date on all things pickleball, follow us on Instagram.