Today we’d like to introduce you to Riki Spahn. She has been with Elite Sports Clubs for many years in many different capacities. So, take a few moments to get to know her, how she started here, and what keeps her passion for fitness & tennis going.
Meet Riki Spahn
What position(s) do you currently hold at Elite and any you have held in the past?
I began working at Elite in 2001 when my daughters were 1 and 3. My first position was at the front desk. I loved getting to know all the members! After 3 years at the desk, I began my 10-year stint in Member Services. I really enjoyed helping new members join the clubs and get acclimated, however, I also began to see I could be helpful in getting them involved in our tennis program and as a player myself….I enjoyed this more! As Elite’s Tennis Coordinator I help kids 3 years old through adults get involved in this life-long sport. I run tennis mixers, coordinate Elite’s Pickleball and Flex Tennis Leagues and I teach Tiny Tots and Quickstart tennis classes for kids.
How long have you been working in the fitness/tennis industry and how long have you worked at Elite?
This October I celebrate my 16-year anniversary with Elite!
What made you want to start working in this industry and/or for Elite?
I joined Elite to learn to play tennis. I played many sports growing up but tennis was not one of them. My husband, Tom, plays and he encouraged me to take up the game. So, 20 years ago I enrolled in an adult beginner tennis class at Elite. I really enjoyed this new sport, however, like any sport, there are costs associated and as a stay-at-home mom, I felt I could help our family by working part-time at Elite to earn a little money to put toward my new hobby.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I have always loved helping people get moving and stay healthy. I was a fitness instructor for 10 years in college and into my 20’s. And, as an athlete growing up, I have always appreciated how it makes me feel to stay fit and to continue to be competitive as an adult. I truly enjoy getting members involved in Elite’s tennis program. What better job is there than to encourage people to invest in something we all really need in our lives…health and wellness?
What activities do you participate in at the club that are health, fitness, and/or tennis related?
This past summer I participated in my 20th consecutive summer State League season on an Elite team. The first of these 20 seasons I was 8 months pregnant with my eldest daughter, Sadie. What is so wonderful to me is that I have been blessed with the opportunity the last 3 state league summers to be on the court with Sadie as she and I have been doubles partners. Playing with my daughter has been a special, “full-circle” experience for me since I began competing in the sport with her in my belly. 🙂
What has been your biggest personal struggle with health, fitness, and/or tennis?
This would have to be dealing with injuries. It’s hard to stop competing or doing what you love but when injuries sneak up on you sometimes rest is the best. I feel fortunate to have the SMART clinic staff at Elite as they have helped me and my family with rehab on many occasions. Mike Thompson and the staff at the Brookfield club have taken very good care of us over the years.
What has been your biggest personal accomplishment with health, fitness, and/or tennis?
As family members of Elite all these years, my two daughters, now 17 and 20 years old, understand fully the importance of being active. They have grown up at Elite staying active by taking tennis and karate lessons, they have participated in Elite’s swim lessons and swim club, they do fitness classes and have learned to safely utilize the fitness center through Elite’s Teen Nutrition and Training Course [TNT]. Staying active is a way of life for them now and for this, I am extremely proud.
What advice do you give people who are coming to the club for the first time?
I would say find something you are passionate about to stay active. We are in a time where there are so many sports and activities that people can get involved in and still compete. The options are endless at Elite. There are a variety of fitness classes and small group training options, there’s ping-pong, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, etc. Find your thing! It’s a lot more enjoyable keeping in shape and staying healthy doing something that you love.
Flex tennis leagues are starting soon! Get involved today!
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