HighFIVE: Judy Anderson
While some people have said that tennis has given their life added value, Ken Caryl’s beloved Director of Tennis, Judy Anderson, said that, ‘quite simply it is the story of my life.’ Her declared love for the game and community that surrounds it is now bittersweet to tennis friends and family alike, as she recently announced her retirement after 34 years in her role.
“Tennis has been such a good thing in my life,” she said. It’s been my passion, my life with my kids, my social life.
In addition to the tennis she’s spread to the Ken Caryl community, she’s served on several committees, has been Board President, and was also the 2005 recipient of the Bud Robineau Award, given for service to the Colorado Tennis Community.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the USTA Colorado Board so much over the years,” she explains. “Their passion for the game just exudes and their commitment to growing tennis for all is incredible.”
Sharing that same passion started early for Judy. Finding a tennis racquet in her yard at 8 years-old, it was her constant pounding of the wall against the garage that encouraged her parents to get her onto the North Jeffco tennis courts. She went on to play for Arvada High School, and continued to fall in love with the game.
Describing tennis as a way to stay healthy and manage stress, she said one of the biggest benefits is that it’s a sport families can do together, regardless of how good they are. She also said in her role as Director of Tennis that the interpersonal skills taught to players of all ages is extremely important and being part of that has been rewarding.
“It teaches you so many things- how to get along with a person when you have a conflict. You learn on the court you just have to work things out.”
She is the most proud of the growth of the programming over past several decades, and the way brand new people to tennis have found a place to be involved. She reminisced over the early days, decades ago when they were just handful of people on the courts and it was her job to grow the program. Last year 119 teams played out of Ken Caryl.
“Tennis in Ken Caryl is a great way for people to meet eachother. When you start, you have instant friends. We have a lot of people whose kids start in the program and then they themselves start to play.
Judy is particularly pleased with the fact they have six USTA 2.5 teams, and they work hard to meet people where they are in terms of level and time availability. She said through tennis many people have developed long term relationships and that it’s a testament to the wonderful tennis professionals at Ken Caryl.
“If I could clone them, I definitely would!”
While the future is wide open, one thing is certain though as Judy begins to write her next chapter. Along with husband Mitch, she has three grown children, four grandsons, and a grand dog that are going to love having her around more.
MidFirst Bank is one of the largest privately owned banks and this combination of size and private ownership provides our customers with a special brand of banking. We are a strong supporter of the communities we serve, investing time and money in important educational, charitable and civic organizations. Our volunteerism is powered by our employees from all of the communities in which we live and share with our customers. MidFirst Bank is a proud partner of USTA Colorado.
