For the Love OF THE GAME
Athletics is the MAC’s middle name, so it’s no surprise that its tennis programs are second to none in the region. This year, the tennis pros have encountered plenty of challenges with the shutdown, but their resolve remains as strong as ever. Read below to see how each tennis pro has dealt with the current situation. KIM STEINMETZ
2020 may be described in many ways, and, however surprising it may seem, I would describe it as revitalizing! The time I spent away from the Club ended up a positive experience for me. I spent more time with my kids, completed all kinds of projects, ate better, got the cobwebs off my bicycle and exercised! Plus, upon returning to work, I was rejuvenated! Once on the courts again, I analyzed my students’ tennis strokes as if I had not seen them before, which allowed me to notice things I had been overlooking due to familiarity. I not only came back with new energy, I also came back with new ideas and new teaching techniques to try. These things I had picked up due to watching online tennis videos. I hope MAC Members are enjoying or will enjoy being back at the Club and on the tennis courts as much as I am!
AMANDA PRATZEL
Most of the kids I work with hoped to go back to school for in-person learning in the fall, but, unfortunately that didn’t happen for most. The freshmen were especially anxious to start school and have a “normal” first year of high school and the chance to play on the tennis team. Now that the schools are offering some form of tennis, the kids are really excited. I’m glad they get to be a part of a team. The kids that aren’t in high school are so happy that they can still play tennis because most of their other activities have been canceled this fall. As a coach, it’s great being able to help them through this time and try to give them some sort of normalcy and fun! I can’t help them with their chemistry homework, but I can at least help them with tennis.
PATRICK MCNALLY
I utilized a merry-go-round formation so the kids would move in a circle around me and would feed the tennis balls to them to minimalize them touching different equipment. I also created stations to keep the tots spaced apart. It was challenging because I had to do more demonstrations with the tots due to limited hand-on restrictions.
SCOTT STUTZ
Having been on the tennis staff for 20+ years at the MAC, this year has proven to be a challenge in many ways from Club closure to having to wear masks to limited group size, etc. But as an employee of the MAC, if I’ve learned anything, we will persevere through this as a Club. There’s nothing we can’t overcome! MAC Strong.
MAX SHAPIRO
I’ve worked at the MAC for more than 10 years now, and this has been the most challenging six months for both Members and staff at the Club. I think it has been amazing that we’ve been able to provide a safe environment for kids and adults to continue to play tennis through the pandemic. This hasn’t been the most traditional summer but the perseverance from both the Members and staff has brought out the Club spirit in the MAC.
MOMENTS THAT BUILD SUCCESS Success is built on unwavering principle and the support of a good team. We’re proud to be a long-standing supporter of the Missouri Athletic Club, where lifetime friendships are built and strengthened every day. As you forge your path, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. NEW CONSTRUCTION // REHAB // REFINANCE // WORKING CAPITAL
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GreatSouthernBank.com 6 F Cherry Diamond F SEPT 2020
