Founder’s Story

When I first envisioned VRV Athletics, it wasn’t just about creating an app—it was about addressing a deep, pervasive issue that’s become a quiet epidemic: loneliness.

The pandemic may have shone a spotlight on isolation, but it didn’t create it. What it did was accelerate a shift that has been steadily creeping into our lives—a shift where isolation is becoming normalized. Remote work, once a perk, has become the standard for many. And while it offers flexibility, it has fundamentally changed how we interact with the world. For many, the daily rhythms of human connection—chatting with coworkers, meeting friends for lunch, or simply being part of a community—have been replaced by video calls and endless hours spent at home.

Cities, too, have changed. They’ve become more transient, more temporary. People move frequently, often chasing new opportunities or lifestyles, leaving behind the friends and communities they once relied on. For those who stay, it can feel like the foundation of their social circle is constantly shifting. Building new, meaningful friendships becomes an uphill battle, and over time, it’s easy to retreat into solitude.

Loneliness doesn’t always announce itself loudly. It can be subtle, woven into the fabric of our daily lives. It shows up in the hesitation to join a new group, the unease of walking into a room full of strangers, or the sense that no one truly knows you. And yet, connection—real, meaningful connection—is what we all crave. It’s what makes us human.

This is where VRV Athletics comes in.

We built VRV Athletics to make it easier for people to find their community, no matter their background, experience, or interests. We’re not tied to a single sport or skill level—we’re for everyone. If you’ve never played pickleball before and want to find a beginner partner, you’ll find them here. If you’re a scratch golfer looking for someone who can push your limits, we’ve got you covered too. Set your parameters for exactly what you’re looking for, and we’ll do the rest.

At its core, VRV Athletics is about belonging. It’s about breaking down the barriers that make forming connections so difficult in today’s world. It’s about creating a space where everyone—regardless of who they are or where they are in life—can come together and feel like they’re part of something bigger.

I believe that tackling loneliness is one of the most important challenges of our time. It impacts mental health, happiness, and our sense of purpose. But we don’t have to accept it as the new normal. We can create solutions that bring people together, that foster real relationships, and that remind us all of what it means to feel truly connected.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we’re building more than an app—we’re building hope, community, and a future where no one has to feel alone.