45 Years and Counting

COUPLE STILL ENJOYS TENNIS, Dancing

By Jason Steinberg

For some, age is simply a state of mind. When Carlene and Victor Cefalu are not the first ones out on the dance floor, they are most likely enjoying themselves on the tennis courts. Carlene is in Mobile this week competing with the Senior Women’s 3.0 team from Mississippi and her husband Victor has come along on the trip in support.

Carlene and Victor Cefalu found a place to dance at the player's party.

Carlene, 76, and Victor, 78, have both been playing tennis for at least 45 years. They have seen their lives and the game of tennis change a lot over that time. In addition to playing, the couple also acts as ambassadors to the game, introducing younger people in their community to tennis and helping the game grow. They even have four children that all enjoy tennis. A court has even been named after Victor at their local tennis facility for his work in growing the game.

As Victor sat watching Carlene compete, he commented on their tennis lives over the years and their ability to still go out there and be competitive. “We try to compete in as many tournaments as we can,” said Victor as Carlene sliced a forehand winner over the net. There are tournaments in the Delta region of Mississippi that they have played in 26 out of the last 27 years.

As far as their involvement in USTA League Tennis, they have been very active over the years. Victor captained a team that finished third at Nationals in 1989. Carlene was a captain for around 15 years and helped her team compete regionally about five times. She has been involved in Adult Leagues, Senior Leagues, Combo Senior Leagues and Super Seniors; sometimes they’ve lead teams in all four in the same year.

When they were off the court this week in Mobile, the couple could be seen as the first people on the dance floor at the player party. “Bands usually let us start off the dancing,” said Victor. They like to show off their moves, citing that the younger generation does not know their style of dancing.

Carlene is a lefty with a wicked forehand slice that troubles her opponents. She is on the court competing with a team where she is 20 years older than anyone else, but she holds here own and never fails to impress. The couple shows great resiliency, playing out in the summer heat. Victor exclaimed. “We have always enjoyed tennis. The fellowship is what we love.” People remember them at all the tournaments they travel to, and they hope to be able to continue playing for years to come.