Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can. Arthur Ashe

Calendar of Events

Oct 3 10:00 am	Women's 65+ Home Match
Oct 4 9:00 am	Wild Card Tournament
Oct 6 10:00 am	Women's 50+ Home Match
Oct 16 5:30 pm	New Members Party *
Oct 17 10:00 am	Women's 65+ Home Match
Oct 27 10:00 am	Women's 50+ Home Match

* New Members Welcome Party is at the Stanley Dollar

Saluting Mary Benin: An Outstanding Tennis Leader

It's time to salute one of the most outstanding women in our tennis club, Mary Benin. When Mary moved to Rossmoor in 2021, she wasted no time making her mark on the tennis community. She immediately jumped into league play and quickly took on leadership roles as both team player and captain of the 65+ team.

Her impact extended far beyond her initial involvement. Mary demonstrated exceptional vision and initiative by starting the 50+ team during the 2023-2024 season, showcasing her natural leadership and organizational abilities. She also took on the responsibility of organizing Monday morning team practices across 3 to 4 courts, displaying remarkable coordination skills and unwavering dedication to helping fellow players improve their games.

Mary came to these captain responsibilities with extensive experience, having successfully led at least 15 day and night teams in the Phoenix area before her move to Rossmoor. Her leadership philosophy is evident in everything she does—she doesn't simply participate but actively works to elevate everyone around her, making her exactly the kind of member who helps a tennis community truly thrive.

Currently, this busy and accomplished woman serves on the Board of the Women's Tennis League and holds the position of Vice President of the Tennis Club Board. Her commitment to leadership will continue to grow as she prepares to assume the role of President in the new year.

Mary's impressive background includes a distinguished 30-year career as an Associate Professor of Sociology at Arizona State University. She graduated from Vanderbilt University and earned her PhD in Sociology from the University of Nebraska, providing her with valuable insights into group dynamics that clearly benefit her tennis leadership roles.

Beyond her extensive tennis involvement with three teams and numerous leadership positions, Mary maintains a rich and balanced life. She finds joy in playing the cello, cherishes time spent with her daughter and two grandchildren, and enjoys hiking. Her ability to excel in so many areas while contributing so generously to our tennis community makes Mary truly deserving of our recognition and appreciation.

Rackets for Kids

Two members of the Rossmoor Tennis club are rallying community support for a charitable cause that could change the game for young athletes. David Hickey, and Bart Ostro have lodged a drive to collect used tennis rackets for donation to the Oakland parks and recreation department. The drive begins on October 1st and ends October 15. The donated rackets will be distributed to young players who cannot afford to purchase their own equipment, removing a significant barrier to participation in the sport. Rossmoor neighbors wishing to contribute can drop off previously loved rackets at collection boxes located at the Gateway entry and at the Buckeye kiosk at the tennis courts.

Update on Renovation of Courts 7 and 8

As most members are aware, courts 7 and 8 are in critical need of major renovations to provide a smooth and safe playing surface. While $250,000 was initially included in the 2025 RWC budget for these essential repairs, those funds have since been removed.

In response, a group of board members will be presenting a request to the Planning Committee at their October 9 meeting to secure funding for the repair of these two courts. The safety and quality of our tennis facilities are paramount to our community.

If you have questions about this initiative or would like to help advocate for these necessary repairs, please contact Bart Ostro.