Photo - Left: Jackie Gehrke is joined by members of her 1993 team which attended USTA League National Championships. At right, Loepp is joined by WorldTeam Tennis teammates.

 

In honor of May being National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, USTA League players will be sharing stories as to how being a part of a local USTA League has kept them fit and active.

 

We recently spoke with Jackie Gehrke and Kathy Loepp, who have both found success staying healthy through USTA Leagues. Below is our short Q&As with both players.

 

Jackie Gehrke:

Did you specifically start playing USTA League Tennis to improve your health and fitness?

I was in my 20s and needed a way to stay fit, and meet people. I loved competitive play so tennis was the perfect sport for all three needs!!!

 

Tell us how USTA League Tennis keeps you healthy and fit. ADVERTISEMENT Has it made a difference in your fitness or health?

I play 4-5 times a week preparing for or playing in a league match. By being on a team and having matches that “count”,  I am much more motivated to play and drill for practice the rest of the time. It has made a huge difference in my fitness as I don’t really enjoy exercise for exercise but love exercise that results in winning!!!!!

 

What is a favorite league memory/experience of yours?

One of my favorite tennis memories is playing my first 5.0 match with my 4.5 teammates in 1994 as we moved up to stay together after competing at nationals in Tucson. I was wearing shorts and had had some lower back problems so quickly grabbed a bag of frozen green beans to put in the back of my shorts during the ride to the match and warm up. My team thought it was hilarious when they fell out and I had to explain to my very cool 5.0 experienced opponent why I had green beans in my drawers. It became a classic story. We were all very nervous and felt completely “out of our league” but the green beans made everyone laugh.

 

How has tennis impacted other areas of your life? Have you helped others find themselves in the game too?

Tennis has impacted my life in so many positive ways. It was a release from the stress of being a stay at home mom and a wonderful outlet for me to compete doing something I loved while making so many wonderful friends. By captaining and recruiting players onto my many teams over the years, I feel like I’ve helped others realize the same benefits from league tennis. I can’t imagine my life without it!

 

Kathy Loepp

Did you specifically start playing USTA League Tennis to improve your health and fitness?

I was asked to coach a high school team in 1983 and agreed to do so until the school could find someone more qualified. I began taking lessons immediately and fell in love with the game. A few years later, I began playing on one team. While I was working, I generally played three times a week and felt I was fairly fit, but after retiring, I really kicked it up. In 2018, I played on 10 USTA teams. Fitness is a side benefit of tennis but my main reason for playing is love of the game and the wonderful friends I have made.

 

Tell us how USTA League Tennis keeps you healthy and fit. Has it made a difference in your fitness or health?

I have wonderful tennis friends and much of my social life revolves around the physical activity of tennis.   Because of the wear and tear of tennis, I also participate in stretching, strength training, and core work in hopes of many more years on the court!

 

What is a favorite league memory/experience of yours?

One of my favorite memories of the past two years was when a team I captained played in the district championship. The win came down to results of the number 3 doubles court. Every member of my team and many of the husbands were there to watch as our gals won in a very tough battle. I love playing on a team with women who support each other through thick and thin. 

 

How has tennis impacted other areas of your life? Have you helped others find themselves in the game too?

Tennis has had a huge impact on my life. I am still playing with many women I started out with as well as players newer to the area. We spend so much time together on the court in team play, permanent court time but also enjoy time together off the court. We celebrate our good times and support each other through the sad ones. These are life long friends!   

 

Because I compete on so many teams, I have met people from all over the Kansas City area, not just my fellow northlanders. I am currently playing on an 18+ 3.5 and 4.0 team, a 7.0 55+ team, a 65+ 7.0 team, and an 8.0 mixed team.  

 

I coached high school tennis for over 20 years  and love it when I run into a former player and can tell them how to become involved in league tennis. It is a joy to play matches across the net from these women.