Tallahassee's Carrington Named USTA Florida November Tennis Volunteer of the Month
Long-time USTA Leagues participant Lois Carrington is giving back to the children of Tallahassee from what tennis has afforded her over the years -- a way to keep active, meet new friends, and above all become involved in the "Sport of a Lifetime."
Over the last two years Carrington has voluntarily conducted 10 and Under Tennis clinics and play at the Walker-Ford Community Center. This year she has extended her tennis teaching and mentoring to the Macon County Housing Projects courts, where she has met youngsters who had never seen or did not know what to call a tennis racquet.
"[Tennis] was a gift that was given to me, and even though I taught myself, it has made a lasting impression in my life," says Carrington on sharing tennis with youngsters. "I have met life-long friends, it has taught me to work with and encourage others. Also, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I realized the joy and just being alive and moving was a blessing, the gift of tennis is a sport that everyone should have the opportunity to experience."
Carrington recruited friends to attend a USTA Florida 10 and Under Tennis Workshop, and says her sessions continue to grow as the sights and sounds of happy children continue to attract new participants.
"Lois has been so dependable, and now is branching out to help bring tennis to another under-served group of kids," says Sandy Layne, the Tallahassee-area USTA 10 and Under Tennis league coordinator. "She has my appreciation and admiration. She is richly deserving of this honor."
The soft-spoken church pastor received a grant from USTA Florida for 10 and Under Tennis racquets, low-compression balls and short-court nets to further her work, putting racquets in the hands of kids who might otherwise never play the game.
USTA Florida thanks Lois Carrington as the November 2013 Tennis Volunteer of the Month for introducing children at the Walker-Ford Community Center and Macon County Housing Projects to the game of tennis, and after-school hours of fitness and fun.
ABOUT LOIS
Birthplace: Tallahassee, Fla.
Family Members: Husband, three grown children and two grandchildren
Favorite Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird
Favorite Food: Any seafood dish and popcorn
Favorite Travel: San Francisco, Calif.
Favorite Shot: Backhand cross court
My earliest tennis memory was..."When my father talked about Althea Gibson and gave me a tennis racquet for high school graduation."
If I could play tennis with three people, they would be..."My tennis partner of 17 years Linda Frazier, Serena Williams, Althea Gibson and Roger Federer."
When I am not playing tennis I am..."Attending church activities and spending time with family."
My best tennis memory is..."Winning the Tallahassee Parks and Recreation first hard court singles tournament in 1984 or 1985."
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