What do you love about the Poughkeepsie Tennis Club? It’s one of the few clubs in America with red clay courts, which are really cool to play on. And I love the people: it’s a private club, but has a homey, friendly, and welcoming feel.

If you could give one piece of advice to improve every club player’s game, what would it be? Recreational players always want to play up, but it’s often very useful to practice against weaker players, so that you learn how to handle “junk” balls, pushers, and lobbers. This takes true mental strength, and it’s good to practice. And—to do better at tournaments and match play, you’ve got to play as many matches as you can. Lessons and clinics aren’t enough. Finally: work on your approach shot: it’s a game-changer in matches.

Favorite tournament to attend/watch as a spectator? I love the US Open: it’s my home tournament, I go every year, and I always root for an American!

What’s your favorite hobby outside of tennis? Not sure if I should admit this, but pickleball is my new obsession! It’s easy to be good at it, and I’ve been playing inside during the winter. As I get older, I’m appreciating the value of resting my body and weightlifting for strength: I proudly just deadlifted 205 pounds! When I’m not on court, I love to read. I just finished Strangers by Belle Burden.

Any fashion recs for our readers? I’m devoted to Nike’s tennis shoes and Underarmor undershorts. I’m loving athletic gear from Wilson and Spiritual Gangster right now: I’m very into my new long-sleeved, ventilated top and cute pleated skirt!

What’s the best tennis advice you received? My longtime mentor, Chad Lookabaugh, gave me this advice, and I’ve never forgotten it: “Whatever you don’t like, they probably don’t like either.” Plus, “Don’t ever hit the ball in the net. Miss it long, they still might hit it, and your opponent has to go pick it up. If you hit it into the net, you’ve got to pick it up.”🤣