Today, I played tennis for the first time in 20 years, and I’m hooked for life. The drive to Elite River Glen took only 10 minutes, but mustering up the courage to walk through the door and pick up a racquet took decades longer. The last time I played tennis was the summer before 5th grade through the Whitefish Bay Rec Department. I moved on quickly to other interests but somewhere in the back of my mind, I always thought that tennis may have been “the sport that got away.” So, when I heard about the Mom’s Tennis Group at Elite, and how it’s for beginners and seasoned players alike, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to rekindle my relationship with the sport. Once you know the Who, What, Where, When and Why about this group, chances are you’ll want in on it too!
Who is Mom’s Tennis Group for?
Don’t let the name fool you. Mom’s Tennis Group isn’t just for moms. It’s for any woman who wants to start playing or reconnect with tennis. The group is designed for beginners through 3.5 ranking. Even if you’re like me and you haven’t played in over 2 decades, it’s OK! The tennis pros, Jeff and Jordan Aranda, will immediately put your nerves on the back burner and help you focus on whatever goals you may have for the game. For those of you who are moms, you are welcome to drop off your children at the playroom while you play on the court! And remember; the more, the merrier! Members and non-members alike are welcome, so bring a friend or three!
Where and when is this tennis group?
The group meets every Thursday from 3:30-5:00pm at Elite River Glen off of Good Hope Road in Glendale.
Why you need to try it out?
Where do I start?!? Obviously, it’s a great workout, and a wonderful opportunity to engage in a life-long sport. But, it goes way beyond that. I learned a lot about myself today. I learned that even though I hadn’t swung a racquet since I was 14, I still had it, most of it, anyway. And even though I am now 34, and a mother of 2 with a “grown-up life” and “grown-up responsibilities,” there’s now an hour and a half each week to let go of all that and ignite a spark in my spirit that hasn’t been lit in a while.
During this time, I can play like I did when I was a kid and let go of the day-to-day stress that accompanies us all as adults. There were other women just like me who face the same challenges and sometimes it’s just as simple as sitting down with a glass of wine in the company of someone who really gets it, if nothing else. And let’s be real. Now you have a completely solid reason to buy that tennis skirt you’ve always wanted! Did I mention there’s wine?
Make today your day to play! Challenge yourself to fall back into your love of the game. I promise you won’t regret it.
Get more involved with Tennis!Written by Susan Madden; Member, mom and guest blogger