For many, exercise helps us thrive as we age. When it comes to longevity in life, staying active allows people to enjoy everyday life with energy and vigor. A prime example of this are tennis players Carolyn “Hooky” Darack and Dorothy “Dottie” Donahue. Recently, Darack and Donahue were welcomed to the South Shore YMCA to meet one another, spend time playing together, and share life lessons they’ve each learned over the years through the sport for which they share a mutual love.
Darack, who turns 100 in October, has been playing Tennis for about 90 of those years and Donahue, who will turn 94 come May, has been playing Tennis since she was a teen.
The pair took to the court with ease, fielding volleys from Bob Carroll, Senior Tennis Director at the South Shore YMCA, as if they had been playing together for years. After their time together on the hard court had come to a close, they sat down with Carroll to celebrate their newfound friendship, share fond memories and pass down advice for up and coming players.
“Nothing pleases me more than coming here and hitting the tennis ball,” said Darack of the experience. “It’s really exciting. It’s the highlight of my life coming here and being able to hit and [continue to] do something that I did for all these years… it’s a sport that can stay with you whereas the others fade away. But this you can do individually, it’s a fabulous way to keep going. I like the exercise, moving around, and being able to connect with the ball in any way is terrific. I like the ambiance of this club.”
Options to stay engaged are plentiful at the South Shore YMCA. Offerings for seniors looking to maintain and improve their health in spirit, mind and body include the Live Y’ers, yoga, balance, diabetes and arthritis management, tai chi, water and group fitness exercise classes, and of course, Tennis.
“The health benefits of tennis are well documented; from better cardio condition to its mental challenge and how it can keep the mind sharp,” said Carroll. “But one aspect I think is overlooked – and is so perfectly demonstrated by Dottie and Hooky – is the way tennis can truly be the game of a lifetime. Tennis doesn’t have to have an ending. It can be played solo or with a partner; in the sun or under a roof; on strong legs or from a wheelchair; as a child or in our golden years. I realize no one picks up a racquet and says I’m going to play until I’m 100. But, as we can see with these two inspirations, it’s not out of the question.”
Each of the South Shore Y’s classes and programs are led by caring, friendly instructors like Carroll, who serve to guide people of all ages safely, and at every step of the way.
“The helpfulness of my friend Bob… this all emanates from him,” said Darack. “His generosity is overwhelming to me and I thank him tremendously. The fact that a Pro gave up his time here at the South Shore YMCA to play with us took my breath away. It was so exciting. It may be a little thing to others, but this was a big event in my life.”
Joining Darack and Carroll was Dorothy “Dottie” Donahue. For Donahue, the sport became a family affair as her household grew. With her spouse and 6 children all involved in tennis at the Emilson YMCA, her familiarity with the game as well as the location is greatly personal.
“My husband was one of the owners of the original tennis club here [at the Emilson YMCA]. I played here on a team and then when I had 6 children, I got them all playing tennis too. It’s very much a part of my life. I feel very fortunate I still can play. I love every minute of it, and I’m enjoying the memories I have. I enjoy indoor tennis because it stays the same and I like the teams and the competition, and I like the fact that it’s on a schedule means I don’t have to worry about the weather,” said Donahue. “I know it’s good for me. It lifts my spirits, what more do I need?”
For Carroll, Donahue and Darack serve as motivation for all those who think staying active needs to end as age progresses.
“Talk about an inspiration,” said Carroll. “You’re talking about two people with a combined age of over 190. It gives inspiration to those who think you can play a sport until a certain age. You don’t, you play until your body says you can’t play. And for those two, I don’t think their bodies are ever going to stop playing.”
Taking the time to offer advice to the next generation of tennis competitors, Hooky and Dottie focused on dedication, commitment, and practice making perfect.
“Practice, because the better you play, the more you’ll enjoy it” shared Donahue. “Just keep getting out there.”
“Keep going as long as you possibly can,” added Darack. “Don’t let the time go by – make every effort beyond the court as much as you can, whether its indoor or outdoor.”
Players as young as 4 can begin their tennis careers at the South Shore YMCA, where the branch’s 10 courts (both hard and clay) welcome children and their families, active older adults, and everyone in between. And for many players just like Hooky and Dottie, the sport turns from something that starts young and transitions over the years to become the game of their lifetime.
“My favorite part about tennis here at the Y is the family aspect,” said Carroll. “The fact that you see so many familiar faces, everyone seems to know everyone here – we’re the cheers of tennis clubs. We’re one big group that knows each other and cares about each other. Here, we do think of ourselves as a community. If you want to try tennis, we’re the place to come to. You’ll find yourself very comfortable here.”
For anyone looking for more information on how to get involved in Tennis at the South Shore YMCA, no matter their age, contact Bob Carroll at bcarroll@ssymca.org or 781-829-8585 x 8229.
About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a not-for-profit association of individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.