Martin Stays Focused on Fitness

Waterloo native Maxine Martin started playing tennis in 1975 as a way to stay active after marriage and children. Her friends got her into tennis by recommending they all start tennis lessons. Seeing how much fun it was to be out there competing with other women hooked her.

Maxine started playing on league teams before they were sponsored by USTA. She has been a part of various national qualifying teams over the years and on a mixed team that won nationals in the late ’80s. Today she plays on and even captains a few different teams including an 18 & over, 40 & over, 55 & over and 65 & over.

“I play a lot… you can get out, play for a couple hours, feel good by getting some exercise then go home. The more you play and the more people you meet, the more fun it is,” Maxine said.

Through tennis, she has met different women from across the United States. Some of them meet up every year to play in the Senior Cup that takes place in Palm Desert, California.

“Tennis provides different venues where you can play. Locally with your friends or on USTA teams. Then at sectionals, you can meet even more women,” Maxine said.

She used to run when she was younger and completed 6 marathons throughout the ’80s and ’90s, but today it is tennis that keeps her in shape! Not only physically, but also mentally by thinking about where to place her shots and keeping track of the score.  

“Tennis keeps me active and mentally focused. Physically I’m more fit so I can keep doing other things,” said Maxine. “Here I am at 71 being able to play and compete with younger women while enjoying their company. It’s been a real blessing. Every year I think I’m injury-free and can still do this!”

“Tennis is my life and what I gear my day around,” Maxine said. Still to this day tennis is a life-changing sport for her. The thought of playing motivates her to finish other work giving her time to have fun on the court.