By Tom Rohrer
In order to be successful in doubles tennis, it’s essential for teammates to be familiar with one another, while still having the ability to quickly react and make appropriate adjustments.
For Kathy and Kelsey Hunter, who play together in the United State Tennis Association League at the Valley Athletic Club, the familiarity part has never been a problem.
However, mother Kathy (48) and daughter Kelsey (20) have used almost a decade’s worth of playing experience together to become the team they are today. The Hunter’s, who have played in a variety of local and regional tournaments together, recognize the fact that it’s rare for family members to become successful teammates.
“For us, we are unique because people have trouble playing with family members,” said Kelsey Hunter, who is a student at Eastern Washington University. “Everyone is always surprised she is my mom. We don’t fight but we may yell at each other for encouragement. I don’t really think of her as my mom on the court.”
When Kelsey is back from Cheney for school breaks, the duo hits the courts hard and consistently, playing multiple times per week. Kathy Hunter enjoys the camaraderie of doubles tennis compared to the isolation of singles tennis.
“I like the team aspect with doubles,” Hunter said. “Your team plays three court matches and we play a lot together. It’s fun to know our strengths and weakness, and I love having that bond and sense of accomplishment by playing with Kelsey.”
Originally playing in the league offered by the Lacey Parks and Recreation at the former Bally’s Athletic Club in Lacey, the Hunter’s moved on to the Valley and continueto play in a wide range of tournaments to complement their USTA schedule. Due to varying skill level rankings on the USTA scale, the Hunter’s occasionally have to play with different partners at tournaments. Recently, Kathy and Kelsey traveled to the Yakima tennis club for a summer tournament, and annually played at the Mike Anderson Tournament in Lacey.
Kelsey, a former tennis player at Black Hills High School, says staying away from the game is not an option.
“It’s a very important part of my life,” said Hunter, who volunteers in her free time to teach youth the fundamentals of tennis. “At times, we’re obsessed. If I don’t play tennis at least for a week, then I get upset.”
Mom’s mindset does not differ much from her daughter.
“It’s a lifetime sport,” Kathy Hunter said. “Despite your age, you will still have the ability to play. I don’t even think about not playing. It’s not a realistic option for us and it will be a sport I play as long as possible.”
Since taking up the sport, the Hunters have noticed an increase in participation and the level of competition around the area.
“Now, it’s hard to even get a court, but that shows that more people are playing,” said Kathy Hunter. “More people playing means more varying degrees of skills which allows more equally talented players to hold matches.”
“I think just the structure and organization of the local tennis community allows people to connect easier,” Kelsey Hunter said. “There have always been a lot of strong players in the area, which says something considering you have to play indoors for half the year.”
Though the Hunters are now seasoned veterans of the Thurston County Tennis circuit, they once too picked up a racket for the first time, and have some sound advice for beginners.
“For kids and adults both, it’s really important to bring a friend along for a first time lesson or session,” Kathy Hunter said. “It helps tremendously to not be the only one who looks out of place.”
“It’s important just to be on your toes, be alert and be ready to move to the ball,” Kelsey Hunter said. “After that, then you can focus on the basic fundamentals, holding the racket and the follow through.”
Whether competing together or cheering the other on from the sideline, the Hunter ladies are pleased to have yet another lifelong bond.
“She inspires me so much, not just because she’s a terrific player, but that she is able to maintain a high level of fitness,” Kelsey Hunter said. “It’s cool to be younger than her but she still is able to play as long as I can and handle it. I’m able to look up to her even more, which I thought was impossible.”
“You’re always going to be supportive of your child and cheer them on it whatever they do,” Kathy Hunter said. “But to be able to play together, and to compete as teammates together, that takes things to a new level. It’s been a special experience.”
For more information on the United States Tennis Association, visit www.usta.com.
