Even at 72, Joan Garber keeps getting better at tennis. Photo provided by Joan Garber.

By Nathan Pace
InkFreeNews

Joan Garber gave tennis lessons a try in 1976 and almost 50 years later the decision is still keeping her active. It was a rough start but she grew into the sport.

“A friend and I decided to take tennis lessons. I had my mom’s wooden tennis racket, although I had never used it I took it to our first lesson. I didn’t realize how outdated the racket was. I thought the tennis pro did a good job of hiding his disbelief when he saw my racket. I didn’t know any better,” Garber said.

Her tennis play kicked up a notch when she joined the United States Tennis Association in 1997. She played in the USTA Regional finals in Indianapolis as she and her novice teammates have competed against experienced players from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

Garber took time off from USTA but rejoined in 2023. She enjoys playing tennis at the Eastlake Athletic Club in Elkhart and also at High Dive Park when the weather is nice.

A native of North Liberty, Garber has lived in Illinois but has resided in Elkhart for the last seven years. She is an alumnus of Indiana University South Bend and has a graduate degree from Illinois State University.

Garber admits she was not an athlete growing up, with her experience of trying out for volleyball as proof.

“What I remember, all the girls were trying out for the volleyball team and I wasn’t good enough for whatever reason, but they let me be the reporter for the volleyball team,” Garber said.

For almost a quarter century, Garber has worked as a Mary Kay independent beauty consultant. In conjunction with tennis, she is able to build connections at area assisted living senior living centers and tries to make a difference.

“What I really enjoy is that I can enrich their lives just by socializing and sharing my Mary Kay business,” Garber said.

In addition to the social component of tennis, Garber says she continues to play it because it is a fun way to stay active, and her love for the sport.

“I’ll play tennis two to three times a week. I just enjoy it. I think it is a fun way to stay active and it is good for my mind. I stay focused. I like to compete with myself and improve my game.”

Recently, Garber has added pickleball to her game. She says it helps with her reaction time and concentration, along with improving her net play in tennis.

Garber, 72, hopes to keep playing sports no matter her age. She plays tennis with people in their 80s and is aiming to do the same. She offers advice for seniors looking to get healthier.

“Just get started. I am more physically fit than what I was five years ago,” Garber said.