Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Tammy Emmrich now resides in Bradenton, Florida, with her husband Martin, who is also a PPA Tour pro, and their daughter Gabriella. Before delving into pickleball, Emmrich pursued a career in professional tennis, representing Belgium five times in the Billie Jean King Cup. She reached impressive career highs of no. 4 in the ITF junior rankings and no. 170 in the WTA rankings, securing five professional tennis titles along the way.

Emmrich's journey into pickleball began in the latter part of 2022 after being introduced to the sport through television. Initially viewing it as a means to regain fitness post-pregnancy, she quickly became enamored with the game. Together with her husband, Emmrich now shares the ambition of breaking into the top ten in the PPA Tour rankings. Since transitioning to pickleball, she has clinched two medals in pro women’s doubles and competes at the challenger level of Major League Pickleball as a member of the Austin Pickleballers.