Nancy Loeffler-Caro
Regional Chair, West
The game of tennis became a passion in Suzanne’s early years. Her parents were influential in teaching Suzanne and her siblings to play as a family, at a local outdoor community centre in Lucan, Ontario. Once becoming hooked, Suzanne moved to a more organized structure where she took lessons from a local pro and took part in junior recreational tournaments. This was the beginning of what Suzanne felt could be a lifelong sport.
Being interested in athletics led Suzanne to enroll at The University of Western in London in the Physical Education and Kinesiology program, followed by Teacher’s College. This was her chance to teach children how to enjoy physical activity, engage in cooperative play and to experience the physical, emotional and social gains of fitness and above all, the love of sport. Teaching numerous grades and coaching a variety of sports’ teams over the span of 30 years, was indeed rewarding. Now, it was time to retire and return to her roots.
At the age of 50, Suzanne decided to step back onto the courts after a busy family life and career. It was a 30-year hiatus from the sport she loved as a child and teenager. She joined 2 local OTA community Clubs and was immediately drawn to the potential of new friends, social gatherings and of course the thrill of hitting. When an 80 year old former Canadian and ITF Champion player, asked her to enter a doubles tournament, and stand in the corner, Suzanne quickly focused on learning to play doubles. The rest is history; today Suzanne plays at several local clubs, engages in several interclub leagues and even played across the border for a Woman’s USTA over 55 team.
The gratitude for being reunited with the sport encouraged Suzanne to give back to her community. Suzanne became a Club Secretary, Vice President and then President for two local Clubs. She also became a certified TPA instructor at the age of 60. The experiences she gained from being a volunteer at that level spurred her on to join the Ontario Tennis Association as a Board Member. Suzanne presently holds the position of Regional Chair of the South West Region. This region spans from Niagara to Milton and includes 21 active clubs. In addition to serving the OTA, Suzanne is the District 24 Tennis Convenor for the Ontario Senior Games. Suzanne believes that her involvement in tennis has come full circle. She continues to look forward to a continuance of supporting the sport and is thrilled to see its recent growth in popularity. Suzanne’s mantra is that “tennis is not only a sport for life, but a means to fitness on all levels of well-being.”
