Diadem was founded in 2015 with a single goal in mind - to develop the most innovative, high-quality tennis products in the world to help players maximize their performance. With a team made up of former collegiate and professional players and coaches, Diadem set out to develop new and exciting products that catered to players of all levels looking to elevate their game. They offer a variety of products including rackets, strings, balls, footwear, and apparel for both tennis and pickleball.
Diadem Sports is committed to providing quality, innovative products that cater to players of all skill levels and preferences, fostering brand loyalty throughout their personal journey in the sport. Whether it's their first swing on the court or their transition into a passionate, dedicated player, Diadem aims to be an integral part of that experience. The company continues to offer lifestyle branding opportunities through its comprehensive line of head to-toe apparel and accessories, allowing athletes to fully immerse themselves in the Diadem brand both on and off the court. By consistently delivering exceptional products and embracing the diverse needs of its customer base, Diadem solidifies its position as a trusted companion for players at every stage of their athletic pursuits.
Founding Story
At Diadem Sports, our journey began in 2015 with a vision that transcends tennis rackets and pickleball paddles. Founded in Pompano Beach, Florida—the heartbeat of the sports industry—we set out to redefine what it means to play. As the last American tennis brand, we've built our legacy on innovation. Our team, boasting over a century of combined experience as collegiate and pro players as well as coaches, saw beyond the status quo. We didn't just see strings and rackets; we saw untapped potential. This insight led to breakthroughs like our Solstice Power string with patented Star Core Technology, offering unparalleled spin and control.
But our mission goes deeper than creating top-tier products. We believe in "Live to Play"—a philosophy that shapes everything we do. It's about recognizing that when we pick up a racket or paddle, we're engaging in something profoundly human. We play for physical fitness and nurturing our health and wellness. We play for the joy of social interaction, satisfying our innate desire to connect with others.
This belief has guided our expansion from tennis into the vibrant world of pickleball. It's why we've diversified our product line with a full range of pickleball gear. Each product is a testament to our commitment to innovation, designed in-house to help you play better. Yet, "Live to Play" is more than a tagline; it's a call to action. In a world that often feels disconnected, we're using sports as a bridge. Tennis and pickleball aren't just games; they're platforms for human connection. They're opportunities to step away from screens, engage with others, and remember the simple joy of play.
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Team Bios
MICHAEL MANGLARDI
Co-Founder of Diadem
see bio
Michael is one of Diadem's Co-Founders and VP of Operations. His enthusiasm for sports and his competitive spirit was shaped from being raised in a household filled with four sports- loving brothers. Michael studied Business Management at the University of Central Florida. Upon graduating, he spent the early part of his career working with startups across diverse industries with a focus on operations, business development, and project management.
Michael joined forces with Evan and AJ in 2019 as the next chapter of Diadem was founded. As VP of Operations, Michael oversees the operational success and expansion of Diadem, staying true to the company's Live to Play philosophy. His responsibilities include managing key business metrics, marketing and sales strategy, fostering team development, and driving budgeting and recruitment efforts. In the ever-changing landscape of a fast-growing business, you'll find Michael and the rest of the Diadem Leadership team wearing many hats and deeply involved in all divisions of the company. Diadem's enthusiasm for future Diadem Pickleball Complexes is rooted in the belief that pickleball is a sport of accessibility, offering everyone the chance to Live to Play.
AJ BARTLETT
Co-Founder of Diadem
see bio
AJ grew up playing sports, but specialized in racket sports at an early age. His competitive nature helped him climb the ranks of junior, collegiate and professional tennis. He inserted his competitive drive and passion for sports into business and co-founded Diadem. Using his vast knowledge and experience in racket sports to help Diadem become an industry leader in product development. In 2015 with a grassroots and bootstrap mentality, you could find AJ going door to door getting Diadem into the hands of every player. To this day you can still find him on the road at tradeshows , events and across the globe as he leads the business development and expansion of Diadem domestically and in international markets.
AJ embraces the Live to Play motto that is embodied by Diadem and translates throughout the company. The passion and hard work put in daily has been the driver to the success of Diadem and the Diadem Pickleball Complex. Diadem's passion to grow the game continues as we make Diadem pickleball complexes more accessible so everyone has the opportunity for one more shot, one more moment. Live to Play.
EVAN SPECHT
Co-Founder of Diadem
see bio
Evan grew up with a passion for sports and business. He attended Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach where he studied Aerospace Engineering and graduated with a degree in Aviation Business Administration and was captain of the Men’s Tennis team. After a stint as his alma mater’s assistant coach for 1 year he went pro on the ITF Futures Circuit where he met co-Founder AJ Barlett. Coaching world ranked junior and pro players for 10 years in California, Arizona and Florida, he began developing designs and formulas for Diadem’s flagship string, Solstice Power in 2011. Launching sales in 2015 Diadem quickly grew under Evan and AJ’s leadership and grassroots and bootstrap mentality. In 2019 they partnered with Roschman Enterprises and the 3rd Co-Founder Michael Manglardi.
As Director of Operations, Evan is responsible for product development, sourcing, and inventory management, but can often be seen in the warehouse, marketing, sales, and accounting departments. Evan is driven by the Live to Play motto Diadem embraces, and believes that his passion and hard work is instrumental in the success of everything Diadem and the Diadem Pickleball Complex has in connecting people with their passion.
