Fast paced and ridiculously addictive, racquetball is my adult passion. I actually took racquetball 101 my freshmen year in college to improve my footwork and agility to help out my basketball game. I got hooked! We didn’t have any courts near me growing up, so I didn’t know what I was getting into. But being athletic, I picked up the sport quickly. Mix in being slightly competitive (ok I’m extreme) and a nerd in studying the game, I wanted to learn by playing the best students and frequented the courts anytime I could between college athletics.
Hand eye coordination. Speed. Angles. Footwork. Sweat fest. Strategy = life skills!
After college, I moved to FL to work for Disney Sports but we didn’t house any courts so I quickly forgot about the game as I dove into my career. I bought a house and was ecstatic when I learned about 5 years in they were building a new park with 2 outdoor courts. I had to upgrade my racquet as the technology had changed rapidly during my hiatus. I was a regular and fell in love all over again, even if the outdoor 3 wall game was faster and required some adjustment to my strategy.
Fast forward a few years, I started a new career at the YMCA and my home base had 4 indoor courts. Jackpot. And they were old school, with the small doors you had to duck into. Day 1 I hit the court immediately after my 15 hour day and was so pumped. I never drove anywhere without my racquets in tow and challenged anyone who would not get tired of playing for hours. I was proud to start new leagues and host a few tournaments, since I knew just a little how to do that from my Disney events days. It was even more rewarding to teach newbies and see their reactions through learning new skills or winning a game. We hosted skills clinics for all ages just trying to expose more kids to this amazing sport that was slowing dying in popularity.
How stoked was I at my second Y location to actually get involved in the renovation and construction of two, new state of the art courts? With full glass back walls, gorgeous light brown wood flooring and LED lighting, I was so lucky to be the first to whack away on day 1 of reopening and never shied away from practicing during a free hour.
I also started training with a local coach and playing in local tournaments against the guys, where my game immediately elevated. I held my own but also just loved the new group of people I got to meet who shared my passion.
I do have a personal goal to play in the FL state games typically held in the first quarter of the year, so I’m trying to recommit and focus on conquering that bucket list item before my 50th birthday. Time is ticking……
FearlessAdventures 