Dannette Hunnel
In 2014 I moved to Sun Lakes and signed up for the free Monday night tennis clinics with Don Neu and Pierre Moresi at Cottonwood Tennis Club (CTC). Still occasionally babysitting four grandkids and not knowing many people, I was hesitant to commit to a weekly morning league, as well as uncomfortable looking for substitutes if I was unavailable to play. Eventually, I agreed to be given a skills rating, but as a new player, I was rated low. I thought, “Oh gosh, nobody will want to be my partner,” so I dropped tennis.
Fast forward to 10 years later—now overweight, out of shape, and achy all over, I knew I needed to take action. I remembered how much I enjoyed playing tennis at night in the cool air. So, I decided to try again, first with short court tennis and eventually regular tennis. I went back to Monday night clinics and met some super-nice people who didn’t shy away from playing with me. Before long, we decided to take even more of the free clinics offered by the volunteers at CTC. I built enough confidence to add my name as a sub for the 2.5 Women’s League. During the fall season, I substituted seven times and met some fun and accepting women! Encouraged by others, I registered to play in my very first tennis tournament with some new friends from my 2.5 league. My husband and I also volunteered to work at the food court, serving lunch during the tournament.
Since October, I’ve joined in several club-sponsored events, including happy hours, the Christmas dance, and a lovely league holiday brunch. I’ve learned so much about the sport, shed some weight, and made some new friends.
If you have any interest at all in racquet sports or just the social aspects of a club, please go to www.cottonwoodtennisclub.com for more information. The club can supply a temporary racquet, and balls are provided at the free Monday night clinics for all homeowners. And as a member, a ball machine is available for additional practice. Short court tennis (also very fun) is available for those challenged by a big court or a long duration game, and there is a Social membership for helping with tournaments, the food court, and any of the other activities of the club! Fresh air, exercise, new friends—there is much to be gained and little to lose (except maybe a pound or two)! Spring League sign-up and Social volunteer sign-up is now. Friends and fun times await. Check us out.