Introducing Cottonwood Tennis Club’s newest executive members

Rod Hayward

NADINE SUTTER: (VICE PRESIDENT)

In Wyoming, Nadine and her husband, Bob, were active in skiing, golfing, cycling and competitive shooting. “My interest in tennis only began when our youngest child aspired to be a pro tennis player,” says Nadine. “Fortunately, I had the opportunity to take lessons from some of the best pro teachers.” During that time, Nadine joined a USTA tennis team that went to intermountain sectionals thirteen times and to nationals twice. The couple came to Sun Lakes to visit friends and soon after purchased a small villa in SunBird. Nadine played tennis at Oakwood for six years. When their children left the nest, they moved to Palo Verde for its security, amenities and proximity to the airport. “Hopefully I can continue lessons and play tennis for many years to come,” says Nadine. “Serving on the board gives me an opportunity to give back to this wonderful tennis club.”

KATHRYN CAMPBELL: (SECRETARY)

While looking on VRBO for a place to rent in Arizona, Kathryn and her husband, Rob, discovered Sun Lakes, spent a two-week Christmas holiday here, and quickly bought a home in Cottonwood. Like many new arrivals, she joined Don Neu’s Monday and Tuesday night lessons. “It was a great way to learn and become addicted to the game. Besides, my husband reunited with the game once he retired. I couldn’t let him have all the fun without me!” In addition to her passion for golf and for the Rock and Gem Club classes, Kathryn now plays tennis five times a week, working on her serve and trying to master a short shot. Persuaded by a very persistent and persuasive Adrianna Michael, Kathryn agreed to join the new executive board. When asked what she likes most about the Cottonwood Tennis Club, Kathryn replied, “The people are wonderful!”

SPENCER ROBERTS: (TREASURER)

Spencer and his wife, Nancy, moved here three years ago from Ohio in search of sunshine. Nancy wanted to move somewhere where she would never see the sign, “Bridge Freezes Before Road” ever again. After looking in the Gulf Coast of Florida and Las Vegas, they chose Sun Lakes where Nancy’s mother happened to live.

“I did not play tennis until moving here,” says Spencer. “I started by taking the free tennis clinics provided by the club on Mondays and Tuesdays evenings. I actually was going to quit after attending a few sessions, but I stuck with it. Now, I am a tennis junkie, playing eight times a week as well as pickleball and an occasional round of golf.”

Spencer agreed to serve on the tennis board because he believes we all have a vested interest in maintaining and, if necessary, improving our facilities so that Cottonwood/Palo Verde continues to be a beautiful and vibrant active adult community. With that goal in mind, he serves on the Recreation Committee and on the CWPV Health and Wellness Center Task Force that is looking into updating the current fitness facility.