Our Story
🎾 How BYOB Sports Was Born 🎾
I’m Iryna, the founder of BYOB Sports. When I moved from New York to Miami during the pandemic, I didn’t know anyone.
Like so many others who relocated during that time, I suddenly found myself starting over - new city, new life, no real community. Even though I had a partner, I still felt lonely.
So, I decided to do something simple. I started taking tennis lessons and created a small WhatsApp group chat to connect with others who wanted to play and meet new people. What began as a few friendly hits on the court quickly turned into something much bigger.
From a Small Group to a Thriving Movement
Over the past few years, that small group has grown into BYOB Sports - which stands for “Bring Your Own Balls” - one of the fastest-growing tennis and racquet-sport communities in Miami.
Every week, I hear stories that remind me why I started this in the first place:
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People who moved to Miami not knowing anyone and found friends - even family - through our community.
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Members who told me joining BYOB helped them overcome loneliness, depression, or isolation.
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Players who say they’ve never played this much tennis or felt this happy in their lives.
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Visitors who can’t wait to come back because playing with us became a highlight of their trip.
That’s the heart of BYOB Sports.
We’re not just building another sports app - we’re building a movement to get people off their phones, out of their homes, and back into real life.
Why Racquet Sports Are Taking Off
The pandemic changed how we live - it reminded us that life is too short to live entirely behind screens. We began craving connection, laughter, movement, and belonging.
Racquet sports offer the perfect mix of fitness, friendship, and fun. They keep us active, social, and mentally sharp - and when we’re happier and healthier, we perform better at work, think clearer, and live longer, more fulfilling lives.
Why BYOB Sports?
When I started this community, I was simply trying to make new friends through tennis. But what happened next surprised me - it took off.
BYOB grew quickly because it resonated with people who wanted to be active, social, and part of something real. Over the years, hundreds of members have told me how BYOB changed their lives - helping them rediscover joy, confidence, and connection.
It is growing so fast: because it’s personal. It’s not about profits - it’s about people. Most of our members come through word-of-mouth referrals, simply because they love the experience and want to share it with others.
Turning a Community Into a Platform
After more than two years of growth and feedback, we’re now transforming this movement into a mobile app — built by players, for players.
The upcoming BYOB Sports app will make it easier than ever to:
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Find matches and hitting partners
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Organize games and join local events
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Meet new people who share your energy and love for sports
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Be part of an uplifting and active social community
We’re starting in Miami, then expanding across the U.S. - from Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale to New York and Los Angeles.
Our mission is simple yet powerful:
To help people everywhere play more, connect more, and live better.
Our Next Chapter
We believe in making sports accessible and affordable for everyone - from true beginners learning to hit their first serve to experienced players staying competitive.
We also believe that when local people and local businesses grow together, everyone wins. That’s why BYOB will continue to host community events, partner with local brands, and offer exclusive promotions for our members.
Because when you build a community around movement, joy, and connection, you’re not just improving lives - you’re creating something that lasts.
Join the Movement
We’re just getting started, and we’d love for you to be part of this journey.
Follow us on Instagram to stay tuned for our app launch, community events, and feature updates: instagram.com/byob.sports
Let’s play more tennis.
Let’s stay healthy, active, and happy - together!
The BYOB Sports Team
