Center Court: Kimberly Juneau

Background Info
Born and raised in Louisiana.  I've been married for 25 years to Jacques.  We lived
in Canada for 15 years and our 3 beautiful daughters have dual citizenship, Renee--21,
Dominique--19, and Gabrielle--16.  I was a detective with the Jeff Davis Sheriff's office
and just retired on December 12, 2015 --now I play a lot of tennis!

What is your favorite tennis memory?  
My favorite tennis memories are costume tennis with Brenda Donald, Polly
Strickland, and Ginny Sonnier. (See Facebook photos) I also enjoy the Jennings
Ladies Tennis League and the many, many friends that I have met and who have
enriched my life. Another lady that is really special to me is Carol Benoit. She
has organized so many tournaments, mixed doubles teams, ladies teams, etc and
has included me in all the fun. I enjoy matching costumes/uniforms with all my
many partners and teammates. No matter if you win or lose (actually it does matter --
I like to win), you must always look good. LOL! There are so many other
wonderful ladies in many of my tennis stories. The list is too long--but you know
who you are and I am truly blessed to have you in my life and call friends!
(Sista friends!)

What is the saying/motto that you live by?

Only the rain can stop us!!!

Play like your life depends on it-----but have fun.

Put on your big girl panties---no regrets!   

Keep it in play and let them f*** up

Center Court: Crystal Benoit

 

Background Info

My name is Crystal Benoit, I live in Jennings, LA I am married to James Benoit and have two daughters. I work at the Jennings United Methodist Church. I am the youth director at our church where I have been doing work in youth ministry for 11 years.

 

When did you start playing tennis?  Why?

The first time I picked up a tennis racquet was when my oldest daughter Jade started playing tennis in high school. I started just hitting with her and never stopped! When tennis league started up Kimberly Juneau called me and told me that she signed me up! I remember being so nervous but it has been such a wonderful experience that I have been blessed with. So glad to have someone like Kimberly to encourage me along!

 

What is your favorite tennis memory?

My favorite tennis memory is not for myself it was watching my 2 girls go to high school state tennis tournament as double partners.

 

Who is your favorite professional tennis player?  Why?

I guess my favorite tennis player would have to be Serena Williams because she is so passionate about the game.

 

What are your tennis goals?

My tennis goals is to keep playing and keep improving my game one season at a time.

 

What is the saying/motto that you live by?

My motto is God always places certain people in our lives and I believe that this league is not just about tennis but about forming relationships that will last a lifetime!

Center Court: Carol Benoit

Background Info
 I am from Welsh, I did live in Jacksonville, FL for 8 years (because of my job), however found my way back home back in 2000! I have 2 boys, and married to a rice and crawfish farmer. I am in Outside Sales, and have been working for Southeastern Freight Lines almost 15 years now!


Tennis is definitely my hobby, and one my most favorite things to do is to go to the beach with a group, and PLAY TENNIS!!!!!

When did you start playing tennis?  Why?
I started playing tennis for the first time in 2009. I can so remember that day! I was out in the country at Sammy's parents (they have a court), and everyone was just sitting around. It was an absolutely beautiful day - I turned to my husband and asked him to teach me to play tennis! The WHOLE FAMILY went out in the court. I did not play in High School, so I truly was a project... But just 3 months later I signed up for the Jennings Tennis League! We have not stopped playing since!

Bag Check:  What’s in your tennis bag?
 In my tennis bag you will find 2 ankle braces... yes 2 of them.... Towel, extra cash, band aids, sun screen, extra socks, cards, gum, and a beer koozie!

What is your favorite tennis memory?
 My favorite tennis memory has to be playing in my first Crawfish Tourny in Lafayette. Our team was Kim Juneau, Aileen Prevost, Katy Sonnier, Renee Baudin, Dione Sabelhaus and me! We had an absolute blast... And.... WE WON!!! LOL!! Totally unexpected, but SO MUCH FUN!!!

Who is your favorite professional tennis player?  Why?
My favorite tennis player is Rafael Nadal! I just LOVE his energy on the court and his passion for the game. He always gives it everything he has, and I just love watching him! Every time he is playing, my husband will say... YOUR BOY IS PLAYING... Even he knows!!!!

Do you have a lucky charm or superstition?
I am not superstitious... HOWEVER... I NEVER SERVE FIRST! LOL!

What are your tennis goals?
 My goal is to one day beat my husband....One can always dream!!!!!!

What is the saying/motto that you live by?
For those that play tennis with me can probably answer this for me... IT IS WHAT IT IS, AND ITS NOT WHAT ITS NOT!!!

Center Court: Yvonne Eastman

Center Court is a new series that we will start on the blog!  We will highlight a player every now and then so you can get to know all the ladies in our league!  We will send out questionnaires to help write a small bio about the player and their game.  Feel free to leave positive comments on the blog and start thinking of your answers because your turn is coming!  First up is 3.5 player Yvonne Eastman~

When did you start playing tennis?  Why?

I first remember playing “real tennis” for the first time in 8^th grade at OLI.  Coach Dee Miller organized a team.  I remember winning more than one game against the other school and feeling really encouraged.  It was finally a sport that I could play without being afraid of the ball.  I had a Jimmy Connor’s Aluminum racquet!

Early Capdeville convinced me to play in the Jennings Ladies Tennis League around 2009. 

Bag Check:  What’s in your tennis bag?

I must have 10 headbands, a visor, a pair of sunglasses, 4 UNO cards, 1 arm brace, 1 knee brace, TUMS, 2 racquets, a smashed granola bar (for desperate times), 1 hand towel, and an empty band-aid holder.

Who is your favorite professional tennis player?  Why?

I LOVE Rafael Nadal. He is always humble after a win and gives credit to his opponent after a loss. And he’s physically beautiful—I think he could model for a marble statue.

What are your tennis goals?

I hope to one day play cool and calm like Claire, have court savvy like Polly, and play with the tenacity of Jenny Cook.

What is the saying/motto that you live by?

I’d like to steal a quote from Mrs. Heloise… “A bad day on the court is still better than no day at all.”

Doubles Clinic Feb 21st

JenningsDoubles Clinic at the Jennings Elementary Courts

with USPTA Pro Ronnie Walters

Sun Feb 21st

2.5-3.0 Doubles Clinic 11-12:30pm

3.5-4.0 Doubles Clinic 12:30pm-2pm

Cost:$35

Junior Clinic  (ages 6-13)- 2-3pm

cost: $25

Also available for private lessons

Please email me at ronniew10spro@yahoo.com to sign up 

or text me at 225-397-5248

 

Ronnie W. Walters
Tennis Director
YMCA-Lamar Tennis Center
8100 YMCA Plaza Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
225-397-5248