Fun Key to Sportsmanship for Mace
While League tennis is competitive, our April USTA Missouri Valley League Sportsmanship winner Destiny Mace believes, “League tennis at the end of the day is all about having fun!”
Mace is currently on a women's 3.5 team and a mixed 8.0 team in Topeka. “I'm a pretty competitive person and league tennis gives me an outlet for that. It’s nice to be able to exercise and stay active as an adult while having so much fun.”
She began playing tennis about six years ago. A couple of her friends that played tennis in high school wanted to get back into it and she always wanted to try. Genesis had a Play Tennis Fast class that they did together, and she’s been playing ever since.
Mace has found that League tennis has grown with her as her skillset improved.
“One of the pros has also been all of the different levels of league tennis,” she said. “It's been great finding a team as a beginner and then being able to continue to play on other teams as my tennis skills grow.”
Tennis is referred to as a lifelong sport. For Mace, that takes on new meaning. “When I found out I was expecting in November of last year I figured I would keep playing for a few more months. Those few months turned into nine and I'm happy to say I'm still competing a couple of weeks shy of my due date! The physical and mental benefits of the game have been great for my pregnancy. I look forward to meeting my future doubles partner in July!”
Not only has she found USTA League tennis to give her the competitive outlet she desires, but she has found it to be a great way to meet people.
“The friendships I've made while playing league tennis are hands down the best part for me. I've become friends with people I probably would have never met. Traveling, competing, and bonding with everyone has been amazing. I couldn't imagine not having this group of people in my life.”
The person who nominated Mace said she is fun to play with a great attitude and good sportsmanship. USTA Missouri Valley is pleased to honor Mace with this recognition and happy her example of good sportsmanship can be encouraging to others.
“I think it's important to keep things light while still trying to give it your all,” she said. “ A positive attitude and good sportsmanship make the game more enjoyable for everyone!”
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