Midwest / Ohio Valley

League Spotlight: Bringing More Play Opportunities to Ohio Valley

October 06, 2021


As tennis continues to evolve and change with the rest of the world through COVID-19 times, there is one thing that has remained constant: the bond between teammates.

 

In the Columbus area, this bond is demonstrated day in and day out by members of the 65 & Over 8.0, 7.0 and newly formed 6.0 USTA League teams. When times have been tough, tennis has served as a source of comradery.

 

The Columbus 65 & Over USTA League scene began with Nancy Lucas and Sarah Lukach. Both worked tirelessly to start the 55 & Over teams, followed by 65 & Over. Both women have put their hearts and souls into their teams to encourage players of all levels to continue competing.

 

"I love the encouragement we give each other as we are aging to keep moving, and for those of us with that competitive spirit, it gives us a venue to do that," said Lucas.

 

When the teams at the 8.0 and 7.0 level had been established, Lucas and Lukach realized that there was a market for a 6.0 team as well.

 

So, Lucas and Lukach got to work and began the long process of recruiting players and those willing to take on the responsibilities of captaining a team. As Lukach saw it, the formation of this new level would further create a space for players of all abilities to continue in the sport they love. This sentiment was further supported when the pair saw how few teams there were at the 6.0 level during Sectionals in 2019. They knew then and there that Ohio Valley deserved 6.0 teams.

 

"Different levels help individuals play where they feel comfortable and successful," said Lukach. "If we didn't have levels, individuals would become discouraged very easily."

 

After three years of planning, the 6.0 team finally became a reality with Melanie Tepley and Diane Early at the helm as team captains. For Tepley, becoming a captain has been an incredible experience.

 

"Nancy noted that I had many tennis friends that shared my enthusiasm for team tennis, thus it did not take much persuasion to commit to the 6.0 team, " said Tepley. "I am very happy and energized that we had an opportunity to play at our age level."

 

Though this year has looked a little different with fewer matches, the 6.0 team has been a smash hit.

 

"It is exciting to me to bring together a group of ladies who do not know each other and to see us gel as a team," said Early. "To get to know each other, to see how we play, to know about each other's lives is great.

 

"I like to know where they are coming from and hopefully be an influence of good on their lives."

 

All four captains are looking forward to evolving the league scene with the help of the Ohio Valley District of the USTA Midwest.

 

"I so appreciate the work of our Columbus area and our Ohio Valley group," said Lucas. "They are really so encouraging, and we know that we have their support, and they work tirelessly to provide us opportunities."

 

The teams have truly become a family over the years, encouraging each other to continue to not only work their bodies but their minds as well. In that sense, these four captains are offering a priceless experience for players of all abilities in the Columbus area and plan to do so for years to come.

 

"Tennis can be a lifetime experience with many personal rewards," said Tepley. "We can still play at 60+, how amazing!"

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